It was then purchased by the British government in 1853, and described as "a two-storey timber structure with a double stairway facing Carmichael Street, which stood on two-metre (eight feet)-high brick pillars". Additional improvements were made to the building in the early 20th century, and the entrance was relocated to Main Street  It was the residence of the Governor General and in 1970, the country's first president, Arthur Chung, resided there.
The building was purchased by the British government in 1853 and described as a two-story timber structure with a double stairway facing Carmichael Street, supported by brick pillars eight feet high.  Later improvements were made to the building in the early 20th century, and the entrance was relocated to Main Street. It served as the residence of the Governor General and later became the home of the country's first president, Arthur Chung, in 1970.