It was partially modelled after Mrs. Phair's previous home, Eyrecourt Castle, in County Galway, Ireland.

The gardens originally reached down to Lillooet's Main Street.

In collaboration with the head of the local British Columbia Provincial Police, Phair brought Dr. Masajiro Miyazaki from the Bridge River relocation camp in Shalalth to Lillooet to replace the local coroner in 1945, and Miyazaki served in that capacity and, although only an osteopath by credentials, served in the capacity of doctor and dentist, and was living in Longford House in 1945.

Dr. Miyazaki bought the house legally from Artie's son, Harold Phair, in 1947, when the ban on Japanese Canadians buying and owning property was lifted.

It is also open as a Heritage House Tuesday to Saturday, 10–4, for free tours.