Built in 1919 for W. Jarvis Palmer, the double storey central block was designed by Harold Porter. In 1936 Emley and Williamson completed the original design for the new owners, Percival and Gladys Rillstone. Although the additions were substantial, the scale was cleverly concealed by a series of tiered roofs. An Australian, who had served in both Egypt and France in World War I, Rillstone came to South Africa in 1928 and established a large motor dealership which bore his name.