Constructed in 1829 from locally quarried sandstone, this cottage was originally two separate buildings. The north-facing section, with a view of The Gardens from its bay window, was the residence for William Davidson, superintendent of the Government Domain and Gardens appointed in 1828. In addition to being granted an on-site residence, he was paid a salary of 100 pounds per annum and provided with rations for his family. A courtyard separated the Davidsons' home from a building at the rear containing the quarters for convict staff. Convicts undertook most of the labour in The Gardens until the mid-1850s, and up to twelve convicts could be housed here at any one time.
Davidson continued as superintendent until 1834. During his tenure, he was responsible for the creation of a large greenhouse, the importation of honeybee hives and the establishment of a thriving kitchen garden as well as many displays of indigenous and exotic plants. Davidson left a legacy of plant collections including specimens he had gathered on excursions along the edge of Hobart's River Derwent and on kunanyi/Mount Wellington. He also left a legacy in the building itself – etching his name into one of the windowpanes in February 1833.
The nearby sundial was commissioned by Davidson as a present for his wife. It depicts the couple on one side with linked arms, Davidson alone on the opposite side with a spade, and their children William and Elizabeth.