If I remember correctly, Thirsk in Bloodmoon originally faced the opposite direction (West) compared to the direction it's facing in Dragonborn (East). I also seem to remember the nearby lake being West (Thirsk was facing it, of that I'm sure), and I remember the lake being MUCH larger.

Any theories as to why this has been changed? It's one of those little details that bugs me. The only thing I can think of is that it's either an oversight or a decision made with the intention of saving space, since Solstheim seems to be smaller overall than it was in Bloodmoon.