Dictionary.net

• Without the house and within; applied to the outer and inner rooms of a house of two apartments.

1874 - Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language
By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H.

• But and ben. A Scotch term, applied to the two rooms of a cottage, kitchen and parlour, opposite to each other ; the speaker considers himself as being in but.

1895 - Glossary of terms and phrases
By Henry Percy Smith