The name of the house points to it being built for Hugh Percy, the Duke of Northumberland. It is considered the only house in East Sheen that remains from the 18th century, a notable pre-Victorian survivor.[2][5] It lies opposite The Plough public house as well as some older cottages, also designated, that are said to collectively represent the historically bucolic character of East Sheen.[3] In the 1920s, restoration was carried out by the architect Robert Atkinson who had bought the house and saved it from demolition. The house is listed along with West Lodge, a house made from its former stables.[1]
