This elegant house was built in 1865 (the 4th year of Tongzhi (同治) of the Qing Dynasty) as a residence by Man who was a senior government official of Qing.

The building is considered as one of the most beautifully-embellished traditional Chinese buildings in Hong Kong.

This traditional Chinese architecture, quadrangle (四合院), is formed by inward-facing houses on four sides, closed in by enclosure walls. It offers space, comfort and quiet privacy.