Although the familiar Georgian frontage dates mainly from the early nineteenth century, parts of the building are older, with evidence suggesting that a section of the rear wing could date from the eighteenth century or earlier.

Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods, Leigh House was occupied by several prominent local families. At times, the house was connected with a substantial area of farmland and supported a household of family members, servants, governesses and agricultural workers.
The property has seen much change yet it retains so much many of its original features and character.

During the twentieth century, the property became known as By-the-Way, or Bytheway. It was officially designated as a Grade II listed building in 1955, recognising the architectural and historic importance of its Georgian frontage, sash windows, central staircase window and distinctive Doric entrance porch.

Local accounts also suggest that the house may have accommodated Canadian officers during the Second World War. Allied forces were stationed extensively around Wimborne, Colehill and nearby Merley, although documentary evidence confirming the house’s precise wartime use has not yet been found.