Of double brick construction on a granite rubble base, it was built by Alderman W. Gibson as the residence for his "Steam Aerated Water and Cordial Factory" which was situated next door. The local foundry still has the hand-carved cedar patterns used to cast the iron lacework. Described in an 1887 issue of the Uralla Times as a "commodious brick residence", an extensive sympathetic addition was built almost exactly one hundred years later by Brendan and Cheryl Nolan.

First registered by the Allingham brothers as "The Ship And Anchor" Hotel in 1860, the rear of this building is still supported upon round timber bearers adzed flat on the top to receive floor boards. Uralla is a long way from the ocean, so the publican who named his establishment "The Ship And Anchor" must have been drinking the stuff instead of selling it.