No. 23 Coombe Road was built in 1887 as a private residential house. Mr. John Joseph Francis (J.J. Francis) (1839-1901), was the first owner of the building. He was prominent in civic affairs in a number of aspects, in particular his efforts in investigating the issue of mui-tsai and in drawing up the constitution for a Chinese association to offer protection of women and children, which had leaded to the subsequent establishment of Po Leung Kuk.
The Building has changed hands several times, before it belonged to Juli May Ltd in 1993. In October 2020, through a non-in-situ land exchange, No. 23 Coombe Road was returned to the government. On 23 November 2011, the Antiquities Advisory Board accorded Grade 1 historic building status to No. 23 Coombe Road based on its heritage value.
The two-storey building was designed with the influence of neo-classicism and Palladianism. The building was constructed on a platform that was supported by retaining wall and slopes, with classical parapets surrounding it. Despite its modest size, the building contains a service floor at the ground floor level and a traditional piano nobile with living room and bedrooms, etc. at the first floor level. The external walls consist of classical ornamental features such as stucco pilasters, verandah with arched openings and keystones, etc.