The site had originally been purchased by the Crown as the location for a new colonial legislature, but it was eventually deemed to be too far removed from the capital, and was allocated for use as a viceregal residence instead.

[8] The property was not well maintained, regardless, and it underwent extensive renovation and restoration for three years prior to the end of 2008;[5] the building was rededicated by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 June 2010.

It is also where visiting dignitaries are greeted and often stay while in Halifax, as well as the location of numerous vice-regal events, such as the bestowing of provincial awards or inductions into the Order of Nova Scotia, luncheons, dinners, receptions, and speaking engagements.

It is at Government House that the lieutenant governor drops the writs of election, swears-in new members of the Executive Council, and holds audiences with the premier.

Many of the materials, however, were acquired locally; the stone came from Antigonish, Bedford Basin, Cape Breton, Lockeport, Lunenburg, and Pictou, brick from Dartmouth, and pine from the Annapolis Valley, Cornwallis, and Tatamagouche.