This is typical of the lock keepers cottages or houses that were present at all of the locks whether manned or not. We think that in most cases they are not used as permanent accomodation but simply as an operational base during the hours the lock is operational. They undoubtedly provide the necessary welfare facilities for the lock keeper and probably double as an office. All sported radio antenna so presumably in the busier season the lock keepers can contact adjacent locks and pass traffic information to assist in the efficient operation of the locks.
The camera angle seems to have induced an odd curvature to the vertical face of the building that was not present in reality, although this could just be my computer. The large plate bolted to the wall between the ground and first floor windows gives the distances to the adjacent locks.