[3][1] Dawesleigh was built as a merchant house and residence by Thomas Dyer Edwards and Matthew Dysart Hunter who were both in their early twenties at the time.

Throughout the 1830s, Edwards & Hunter flourished and new partners joined the firm and lived in Lower Fort Street, mostly in nearby houses.

[4] From soon after the end of World War I Dawesleigh became a hostel run by a succession of landladies who included Ethel Wilson (1925), Rose Shackel (1936), Florence Ann Dee (1956) and France Barwyck from 1957 to 1975, when it was extensively remodelled for the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists.

[4] Located within the Millers Point historic district on an elevated site with views over the harbour to both front and rear.

It is of three bays in width with central eight panelled door above which is a fine elliptical fanlight supported either side by fluted pilasters.

[2][1][5] As at 26 May 1998, of historical significance as physical evidence of the development of substantial villas and townhouses on the ridges overlooking the harbour.

Of historical significance as physical evidence of the development of substantial villas and townhouses on the ridges overlooking the harbour.

[6][1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.