[1][2] Long in the possession of a branch of the prominent Onchan family of Christian, the earliest mention of it is in the manorial roll of 1511, where Edmund McCorkell is shown as holding it and paying a Lord's rent.

During his tenancy, Joshua Farrer undertook a considerable amount of rebuilding works on the property, which took on the Regency style and completely altered its appearance.

[1][2] After the death of Deemster John Joseph Heywood in 1855, Bemahague passed to his married daughter Mrs. Elinor Daly (sometimes spelt "Daley").

[1][2] The Lordship of Mann has been vested in the Crown since 1765, when the British Government reclaimed it from the Duke of Atholl with the Act of Revestment in order to put an end to smuggling which was causing them financial losses.

[1][2] In 1871, Tynwald passed an Act confirming the lease of Bemahague to the Treasurer of the Isle of Man for 21 years at an annual rental of £200.

The lease stipulated that the Daly family were to contribute £1,000 towards the cost of any alterations and repairs which were deemed necessary in order to make the property a suitable residence for the Lieutenant Governor.

[1][2] Prior to Bemahague, the official residences of the Governor included prominent buildings such as Lorne House in Castletown, Castle Mona and the Villa Marina in Douglas.

As a result of this, in 1890 Tynwald signed a lease of the property for a further 21 years and voted an additional £1,000 for alterations in order to extend the guest and servant accommodation.

The subsequent alterations and extensions were carried out between 1903 and 1906 to the design of the architectural partnership of William Edward Willink and Philip Coldwell Thicknesse of Liverpool; amongst whose other commissions was the Cunard Building.

[1][2] The front or south western end of the house was pulled down and extended so that the reception rooms and study were enlarged, while a new hall, porch and main staircase were constructed.

The portion which was destroyed in the fire was the oldest part of the house with its small rooms and low ceilings, so the opportunity was taken to rebuild the accommodation and provide improved facilities.

[1][2] The bell of HMS Manxman, which served with the Royal Navy as a minelayer during the Second World War, is on display in the hall of Government House.

[1][2] Over the years, Government House has been updated and remodelled at various times whilst also accommodating the changing tastes and needs of successive Governors and their ladies.