The estate was built as a country residence for Richard John Uniacke, Nova Scotia's Attorney-General during the War of 1812.

Located along the "Post Road", the original road between Halifax and Windsor, the site was, according to Uniacke's s family, selected in 1776 while Uniacke being taken to Halifax in chains to face a treason trial for siding with the rebels in the Battle of Fort Cumberland.

[2] Uniacke was released as part of a leniency policy and when his career prospered, he acquired the land for his estate.

[4] Today the house is open seasonally as part of the Nova Scotia Museum with a carefully restored interior and a tea room.

[5] The interior of the house includes portraits which belonged in the Uniacke family by the leading American artists of the era: