The houses were built by David Lumsden for himself. He occupied one, and his father, Robert, the other. They were each described in the Rate Books as having five rooms. David was a builder and carpenter and owner of a timber yard in Flinders Street. In 1870 he built four houses in Gipps Street, opposite Darling Square and moved, with his father, into one of them. The Grey Street houses were sold. The advertisement in the Argus described them as

'Nos. 5 and 6 Grey-street, Opposite the Cricket-ground Reserve, between Simpson and Powlett Street ... with the two brick houses ... containing respectively four and five rooms besides detached kitchens and out buildings, nice flower gardens in front, and fruit garden at back, all enclosed.'

John Goulson Burtt became the new owner. Burtt was MLA for North Melbourne for many years. At his death in 1901 he was described as "the oldest remaining pioneer of the eight hours movement". He was a prominent member of the temperance movement. He died at the age of 93.