[3] The house was designed by Ken Oliphant of Oakley and Parkes, the architectural firm responsible for the residence of the Prime Minister of Australia, The Lodge.

[4][5] Sir Charles Rosenthal had initially been selected to design the house; however, his plans were not used.

The house and its contents had remained largely unchanged for many years, and both the Calthorpe family and historians recognised its historical value and later, potential for a house museum.

It was purchased by the Government of Australia in late 1984, and was opened as a museum in 1986.

There is an air raid shelter behind the house which is still preserved, and was built in response to the risk of bombing of Canberra during the war.