[3] In 1830 John Davidson (High Sheriff in 1839), a cousin and beneficiary of the will of William Cornforth Lowes, purchased the house[2] and made substantial improvements to the property.

[3] The house was rebuilt with a new main block in a neo-Tudor style in 1891 by architect Horatio Adamson for Frances Bowes-Lyon.

The Bowes-Lyon family were not often resident, and in the 20th century the house was sold to the Rev E A Evans and was converted to St Nicolas's preparatory school.

Students who live in or beyond Otterburn stay at Ridley Hall during term-time, with most returning home at weekends.

[5] Ridley Hall is set on a thirty-three acre estate comprising woodland, playing fields and lawned gardens.