Dene House does not appear on historic mapping circa 1856 but appears to have been built shortly afterwards. It was built for J. H. Ravenshaw who was an agent for Lord Londonderry, but following his death in 1854 his widow took over running of the businesses. In 1859 she laid the foundation stone for the Seaham Harbour Blast Furnaces, with her second son Adolphus put in charge. However, quarrels between Frances Anne and John Ravenshaw brought about his resignation and delayed completion of the project until 1862. J. H. Ravenshaw is listed as a member of the North East Institute of Mechanical and Mining Engineers in 1859/60, but was living in Cartmel by 1862 so did not use the building for long. This building was used as a rehabilitation clinic for injured miners and was last used by East Durham College. It was offered for sale by Durham County Council c.2010 (1-3).

This was added to the Local List on 13th November 2023.