It is believed to have been designed specifically for rental as a doctor's surgery and residence and was ready for occupation in April 1889.

[1] The building was constructed as an investment property for John Deane, a prominent northern parliamentarian, businessman and mining magnate, who had owned the land since 1869.

As such it would have resembled a single bay of a terrace of the kind built in the southern colonies and to a far lesser extent in Brisbane.

As the house was built to one side of Deane's block, it is possible that it was originally intended to add adjoining bays.

William George Smith was born in London and arrived in Brisbane in 1861, initially working as a carpenter and joiner.

The firm had branch offices in Charters Towers, Mackay and Cairns and are best known for the Town Hall and Market Reserve Buildings in Townsville and also designed a number of large hotels.

[1] At the time the house was built, its style was considered most unusual in Townsville, representing "a departure in residential street architecture", according to the local newspaper.

Nesbit served at one of the largest military hospitals in South Africa for 2 years, rising to the rank of major.

The medical association continued as she rented the property to Dr DEA Buchanan, later well known as the superintendent of the hospital at Rockhampton.

Dr Halberstater was well known throughout the north, both in medical and racing circles, and was prominently associated with the development of the Mater Hospital.

It has a corrugated iron roof and lantern concealed by a balustraded parapet and has a projecting bay on the northern side.

There is a balcony to the rear and this has been enclosed, having casement windows to the upper level, although a lattice section remains at the side.

In the 1950s the building was joined to the next door structure by an enclosed timber bridging section at the upper level, to allow ingress of vehicles to the rear yard.

Osler House has a long history of usage as the home and workplace of a number of noted North Queensland medical practitioners.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.