He resided at a number of addresses, including Eskgrove at Kangaroo Point and Kingsholme in nearby New Farm, until commissioning the construction of Teneriffe House in 1865.

[1] When completed at a cost of £1,715, Teneriffe House was described as a residence of very superior character, occupying a prominent hilltop position from which it could be seen for many miles.

It was constructed of rendered brick on a stone foundation, with ten feet wide verandahs on all sides, and a slate roof.

[2] The property was subdivided, and the house on 2.6 hectares was acquired by Brisbane importer Robert W Wilson, who carried out extensive renovations.

A detached rendered brick building with a flat parapet roof, had been erected, and this contained a billiard room, three bedrooms, and a lavatory.

During the second half of the 1880s, Teneriffe House was occupied by GH Green, manager of the Brisbane branch of the Commercial Bank of Sydney.

At this time the Brisbane City Council resumed just over 3.5 acres, which included the original orchard, for park purposes, with compensation of £1,750 to the Hillcoat estate.

[1] Teneriffe House is a large, single-storeyed brick and timber residence located on a hill overlooking the Bulimba Reach of the Brisbane River.

The principal entrance is at the rear facing Teneriffe Drive, as the front of the house takes advantage of the river views.

[1] The house comprises four sections:[1] The core (1865 & 1880s) is a well-proportioned, rendered brick building with a hipped roof of corrugated iron and stone foundations.

Beyond the portico a formal entrance leads to a central vestibule, from which radiate four large rooms with cedar joinery and marble mantelpieces.

Built into the side of the hill at a lower level than the other buildings, it has a walk-on flat roof with a concrete parapet or balustrade.

The wide front verandah and the detached billiard room with its trafficable roof are rare in 19th century Brisbane domestic building.

[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.