[3] In January 1939, a portion of the Alberton estate was acquired by the New Zealand Government, which established the Plant Diseases Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research on the site.

[6] The DSIR gradually took more of the Alberton grounds during the 20th century through compulsory purchases as a part of the Public Works Act.

Much of the family had moved elsewhere, and Kerr Taylor's children often spent summer holidays at the estate or lived there while attending Mount Albert Grammar School.

The family moved to prevent this from happening by bequeathing the home to the National Historic Places Trust, who received it after her death in 1972.

[2] The Kerr Taylor family hosted a wide number of formal social events at their property, notably throwing the first-ever county ball in New Zealand on 20 September 1877, with over 250 people in attendance.

[10] Allan Kerr Taylor was active in politics, and the purpose of the county ball was to replicate English customs, which sought to bring electors together socially and make them acquainted with each other.

In the master bedroom, the floral-covered armchair in the right corner of the room is indicative of Sophia Taylor's significance in the Mount Albert Community.

[15] Evidently, she made important contributions to the Anglican faith, notably being appointed the responsibility of laying the foundation stone of the new Wesleyan Church in Mount Albert in 1882.

[19] Due to the size of their home, the Kerr Taylor family maintained a large household staff to manage its daily operations.

In this period, only the wealthiest families could afford such extensive domestic help, indicating the Kerr Taylor's high social standing.

He was also a director of the Bank of New Zealand and the Loan and Mercantile Company and held the title of President of the Auckland Racing Club for a year prior to his death.

[25] As well as being a Sunday School teacher at St Luke's Church Sophia Taylor was also a member of the choir along with some of her daughters, and they performed plays and concerts for the local community.