The cottage was built in 1861 for Edward Septimus Heelis, who occupied it until 1866. He continued to own it until about 1885, when William Henry Kelly, the owner of the neighbouring houses at 37 and 39 Grey Street, bought it. From 1868 until 1872 the cottage was occupied by Chiu Ang Goon (various spellings), and from 1874 to 1875 by Louis Suhard. The Suhards owned and occupied the house next door at 33 Grey Street, so their occupation of the cottage is curious. The Rate Books suggest that the Suhards added two rooms to their house during the mid-1870s and perhaps they preferred to move out during this time. However an advertisemnt in the Argus' Houses to Let column in 1873 implies they were sub-letting the house:
EAST MELBOURNE - Irwell Cottage, Grey Street. Four rooms. Bath and gas. Apply Mrs. Suhard next door.
The house was one of six houses opened as a fund raising activity by the East Melbourne Group in 1977. Notes provided at the time can be seen by clicking the link below.