Built to the designs of architect Charles Wilson in the mid-nineteenth century,[2] the area sits atop Woodlands Hill and is named for its proximity to Kelvingrove Park, which it overlooks.

After his death in 1885, the house was taken over by his nephew, Walter Macfarlane II, who employed Glasgow style architects James Salmon and J Gaff Gillespie to modernise the building.

Their refurbishments, between 1897 and 1899, included a cast iron conservatory,[4] as well as an Art Nouveau billiards room with glass-domed anteroom.

The renovation work undertaken by the owners meant that all rooms retained their period features, including fireplaces.

The building offered five marriage suites:[6] Behind the conservatory is the former Victorian Turkish bath, where private ceremonies were held without guests.