A 1788 map shows the existence of a timber frame house in poor condition.

From the town's inventory and assessment of property taken in 1790, we learn that at 26 Cuna Street stood, “a wooden house covered with palm belonging to Jose Buchany on the King’s lot.” Jose Buchany had borrowed money from a Miguel Segui and in 1803, the Spanish government bestowed the title of the house to Segui's heirs since Buchany had failed to pay his mortgage.

The St. Augustine Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission purchased the Cerveau House for $19,000 in 1966.

"[2] Although the Cerveau House was a nice example of Victorian architecture, built after the Civil War, Newton wanted to make it look more "Spanish Colonial," and replaced the ornate jigsawn balustrade on the wraparound porch (which looked out towards Matanzas Bay) with something simpler.

The building has never been advertised as having a significant history of its own, since it is of Victorian rather than colonial origin.