The cottage was constructed in 1755 in the English village of Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, by the parents of Captain James Cook, James and Grace Cook,[8] and was brought to Melbourne in 1934 by the Australian philanthropist Sir Russell Grimwade.

[8] The inside of the cottage includes centuries-old antiques and is stylised in the way of the 18th century, as are the clothes of the volunteer guides.

[9] In 1933, the owner of the cottage decided to sell it with a condition of sale that the building remain in England.

Grimwade, a notable businessman and philanthropist, donated the house to the people of Victoria for the centenary anniversary of the settlement of Melbourne in October 1934.

An English cottage garden has been established around the house, further adding to its period reconstruction.