[2] Smuts purchased a wood-and-iron building for £300 during a sale in Middelburg by the Imperial Government of military property, so that it would serve as a home for his family.

The building is believed to have been prefabricated in Britain before being shipped to India and later to South Africa, where it served as an officer's mess at Lord Kitchener's headquarters in Middelburg.

[2] Though initially meant to be temporary, the family ultimately remained in the Big House, and numerous additions were added to it.

She found it difficult to maintain, and after unsuccessfully offering it to various organisations, it was bought in July 1960 for £7000 by ex-serviceman and Pretoria attorney Mr Braithwaite.

[2] On 31 October 1969, the Big House was declared a National Monument as per the Government Gazette.