[4] Designed by architect Claude Batley in the European-style architecture, the sea-facing palatial bungalow was constructed using exquisite Italian marble and walnut woodwork.

In March 2005, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed reiterated that the house would remain a cultural centre.

Pakistan had since 1979 requested that India sell the property, or at least lease it to its government as a tribute to its founder in order to convert it into their Consulate.

Though P. V. Narasimha Rao, India's foreign minister in 1980, agreed in principle to lease Jinnah House as the residence of local Consulate-General of Pakistan, the plan was never realised.

During his visit to India, then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf had suggested to the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that the house be given to Pakistan so that it could be turned into a consulate.

In May 2005, Pakistan High Commission officials were shown around various properties in Mumbai and its suburbs for the setting up of its consulate but not the Jinnah House.

It was also campaigned to make Jinnah House, India-Pakistan Friendship Centre by a group of peace activists from Mumbai and Karachi.