In 1882, following the opening of the Fremantle to Guildford train line in 1881, Robert Napoleon Bullen purchased land to develop the Albion pleasure grounds.

Cottesloe and the beach grew in popularity with many holiday and permanent residences being built.

With an eye to a political future, Curtin wanted the building to have the verandah around the whole house so that he could practice his speeches even when it was raining.

When completed in August 1923 the house consisted of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom which was off the rear verandah.

The house was built of brick with a timber frame and tiled roof, all of the external buildings had a corrugated iron roof with the outhouse made of brick while the laundry and wood shed are constructed of a timber frame with weatherboard sides.