It was built in 1928 by Ilonggo statesman Don Vicente Lopez and his wife, Doña Elena Hofileña, one of the earlier members of the prominent López family of Iloilo.

They used to live near the Jaro Cathedral with his wife, Elena Hofilena, but the constant sound of the cannons fired during religious activities during those times eventually led to the family's decision to transfer their home to a more peaceful location.

The-then occupants Lilia Lopez-Jison (3rd child of Don Vicente and Dona Elena) and her husband begged the guerillas to spare the house.

In its lifetime, the house served as a venue for receptions and meetings with Governor-Generals of the Philippines including Frank Murphy and Teddy Roosevelt Jr., Thailand's Prince Chupra, Former First Lady Imelda Marcos and late president Cory Aquino.

High up in the ceiling are crystal chandeliers that give off a soft, warm glow, illuminated the wooden brandishing that serves as an elaborate divider to each room.