According to the National Trust website, "Gibside is a Georgian 'grand design' on a spectacular scale". The building was the vision of George Bowes a local coal baron, and ancestor of the Queen Mother. Its Palladian chapel is regarded as "an architectural masterpiece", and the stable block "a vibrant learning and discovery centre, and the once grand hall is now a dramatic shell". Gibside is also reputed to be haunted.

The Orangery, which is located at the end of an avenue of Oak trees, is said to be where the apparition of a woman has been sighted. Some have surmised that this could be Mary Eleanor Bowes, the Countess of Strathmore. However, there is no evidence to confirm this other than her connection to the place.

Pictured left is a view of the entrance of Gibside Hall courtesy of Keith Salvesen.