He is credited with a scrupulous regard for ethical business practices, and the imposition of a benevolent paternalism over mining enterprises under his control.

[2] At a time when gold was the glamour industry of the region, Moffat concentrated his investments in base metals, notably tin and copper.

His choice of a house site was characteristic of the man - whereas most wealthy mine owners disdained to live in the district where their mines were located, Moffat built right in the centre of Irvinebank, overlooking the Assay office, two minutes walk from the smelters and within earshot of the stampers.

It is believed to be an early use of high timber stumps and infilling of the sub-floor to create a second floor at ground level.

An unusual construction method of single skin brickwork reinforced with timber framing was used in a surviving section of the earlier kitchen wing.

[2] In correspondence Moffat described the house as built of local cedar cleared from Loudoun Dam and imported seasoned timber.

In 1912 he was forced by the Queensland National Bank to retire (to his Cremorne home in Sydney) as the tin industry subsided.

[2] Loudoun House is a high-set timber building with enclosed sub-floor and additional kitchen and bedroom areas on the eastern side.

It has a westerly aspect from the top of a low spur in Irvinebank, near the ruins of the Assay Office and above the Queensland National Bank Building and the School of Arts.

A number of trees surround the building, including mangoes, red cedar, boab, figs and a bunya pine.

The Irvinebank to Stannary Hills tramway formation, is evident on the lower side of the property where it has been used as pedestrian access to MacDonald Street below.

The floor is tongue and groove red cedar on lower and upper levels inside the building and concrete below the verandah overhangs outside.

[2]Its siting in close proximity to both the Loudoun Mill and town of Irvinebank (including the offices of the Queensland National Bank) are regarded as symbolic of Moffat's "hands on" approach to his business activities including his relationship with employees and their families and in the case of the Queensland National Bank of its major role in Moffat's business affairs.