Seaton Hall

The building was erected on the west side of the Green in 1803 by Robert Henry McDonald as the King's Head Inn. In June 1806 Nathan Leng became landlord, by April 1809 Robert Battey had taken over and by 1812 William Oliver. In December 1825 RH McDonald was advertising the Inn and land to be let. By 1827 it was occupied by William Webster who, in 1829, advertised the inn to be let for a term of years: 'with Stables and Other Conveniences and 61 1/2 acres of land, six stints on Seaton Snook. Together with or without the adjoining commodius Dwelling-House used as a Lodging-House'.

It became the property of Richard Walker and on his death in 1831 it was advertised by Anthony Walker to be sold by auction: 'The above premises have for many years been occupied by genteel families during the bathing season, for which purpose they are admirably adopted.' In 1839 the Inn was being advertised to let with the present tenant named as Anthony Walker.

From 1851 to 1861 Margaret Walker was the landlady (possibly Anthony Walker's daughter) & between 1862 & 1872 the inn was bought by JW Richardson who completely transformed the building & grounds. The stables & coach houses were converted to summer houses for the guests & croquet grounds were laid out.

William Thomlinson purchased the building in 1882 & converted it into a private residence re-naming it Sea View House. The house later became known as Seaton Hall. Thomlinson lived there until his death in 1943. In May 1945 the house was advertised for sale by auction at the Grand Hotel as being an:

'ivy clad house that stands back from the main road and contains entrance hall, with oak floor; oak panelled dining room, with two large bay windows; charming drawing room with large bow window overlooking the lawn; oak panelled inner hall, oak panelled morning room with two bay windows and fine fireplaces; telephone room, housemaid's pantry, cloakroom, excellent kitchen with Anglo-Simplex Range, larder etc on the ground floor. On the first floor is the handsome library, fitted with mahogany bookcases; 4 principal bedrooms, dressing room with fitted cupboards and wardrobes; 3 bathrooms and 2 maid's bedrooms. On the second floor are 4 good bedrooms whilst over is a large playroom known as 'The Crocodile' owing to it being fitted with panelling and doors from a steamer of that name wrecked in the Bay. At the rear of the house is the lawn with gravelled paths together with the garden, sitting room, flower room, conservatory and vinery. Close by is the large walled garden, with tennis court, lawns, rose beds and herbaceous borders and kitchen garden with fruit trees and bushes. The residence is fitted with fine panelling, beautiful fireplaces and doors; central heating with concealed radiators and all modern amenities and is in a very good state of repair and decoration. The outbuildings include heated garages for four cars laundry, boiler house, harness room, store room etc.' 

In April 1946 a catering licence for Seaton Hall Guest House to operate as a catering establishment was granted to Mrs EE Rawsthorne of 25 Spring Garden Road, Hartlepool 'for guests who will stay less than five days and also for more permanent boarders but it is not intended to operate as a cafe.'

By 1951 the building had become the Seaton Hall Hotel and was taken over by Mrs Cora Hudson. In 1954 the Hotel was for sale. There was a suggestion of the council purchasing the building as an old folks home but this was decided against because of the future cost of repairs on such an old building. The Hotel closed and remained so until 1956 when the West Hartlepool Education Committee rented the building as temporary accommodation for students of the fire damaged College of Art. The lease was to run until September 1957.

In May of 1975 the Hotel was being advertised for sale as 'lavishly improved' and with '17 letting bedrooms.'

In 1988 the building was converted to become a nursing home by the present (2020) owners. Many of the original features such as panelling and the fireplaces have been retained.

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