[1][2] The building was on an 'H' plan, with decorated gables, chimneys and a central bell tower, and was set in an open field with a terrace to the front.

[1][3] A freestanding building was added to the south of the hospital in 1914 to provide nursing accommodation, and an operating theatre on the east in 1919.

[2] In 1938, a substantial extension called the Rushford Wing, designed by Cordingly and McIntyre, was added to the front of the building, hiding much of the original frontage.

[6] In 2014 planning permission was sought to remove the 1930s additions, returning the main building back to its original state and adapting it to house 82 student studio flats, and to create additional new-build blocks to house another 281 student flats.

[11] In January 2023, Durham University announced plans to work with the owners to provide the full facilities of a Durham University college on the site,[12] accompanied by a planning proposal to construct an additional amenities building, set into existing terracing in front of the main historic building,[2] which was approved in April 2023.