The house, a colonial style weatherboard building,[2] was built by German immigrant Hermann Neumann in 1893 as his private residence.

He and his brother Carl established a furniture business in Brisbane Street, Ipswich, Queensland.

[10][11] When Hermann Neumann started to build the family residence, showroom and two-storey workshop, the main emphasis initially was on the business, so the house was developed over the following years.

[12] The showroom was accessible through folding french doors - open during the day, so Annie could keep an eye on the shop whilst tending to the needs of her five children (two daughters were born after moving to Laidley), and closed at night for privacy.

[2] In around 1905, Annie asked for additions to the house, and Hermann added a second storey, which included a music room, sunroom and balconies.

[12] The house is situated in the heart of the township of Laidley, which in the early part of the 20th century was considered the cultural hub of the community.

Settlers, coming into Laidley to do their shopping or bring their produce and wares to market, often called into the Neumann's for a tea or coffee, a sample of Annie's cooking and a chat.

[7] In 1980, the house was gifted by the family to the Laidley Shire (now incorporated in the Lockyer Valley Regional Council).

Council had the adjoining showroom demolished and purposed the house for office space and meeting rooms.