Kirribilli House was originally built as a private residence in the 1850s but was purchased by the
Commonwealth Government in 1920. It was used by the staff of the Governor-General until 1930 when
it was leased to tenants. In 1956 Kirribilli House was set aside as a residence for the official
use of Prime Ministers, when they need to perform official duties and extend official hospitality
when in Sydney.