Sandyford, Sandyford House (Villa Reale, Nazareth House)

HER Number:
7702

District:
Newcastle

Site Name:
Sandyford, Sandyford House (Villa Reale, Nazareth House)

Place:
Sandyford

Map Sheet:
NZ26NE

Class:
Domestic

Site Type: Broad:
Dwelling

Site Type: Specific:
House

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Extant Building

Description:
The house was originally called Villa Real and later Nazareth House. The house was built by John Dobson for Captain John Dutton in 1817. The main front had large bow windows and Tuscan columns supported the entrance porch {1}. One of John Dobson's earliest designs. Its original 21 acres of land included a fishpond and spring. In 1828 while Russell Blackbird, ship owner and insurance broker lived in the house, Bronze Age remains were found in the grounds. Subsequent occupants were William Wright (flint glass manufacturer) and Robert Harrison (tanner). In 1883 Dr Gribb, surgeon of Blaydon Races fame, changed the name of the house to Sandyford Park. After his death in 1916 the property was owned by the Poor Sisters of Nazareth for nearly 80 years, and was known as Nazareth House. In 1996 the sisters transferred to London and for a while the house was managed by Catholic Care North East {2}. LISTED GRADE 2

Easting:
2600

Northing:
6561

Grid Reference:
NZ26006561

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Graham. F, 1977, ‘The Old Halls, Houses & Inns of Northumberland’, page 219; Alan Morgan, 1998, Bygone Sandyford and Cradlewell; T. Faulkner and A. Greg, 1987, John Dobson Newcastle Architect 1787-1865; The Archaeological Practice Ltd., 2011, Central High School, Newcastle upon Tyne - Heritage Statement