Nathaniel P. Brown, founding owner of the Nevada Daily Transcript and early political figure in Nevada City, lived here from 1865 until 1909. He expanded the original cottage to its current size in the 1880's, allowing for frequent entertaining. The home was built in 1858 by Jesse S. Wall, an early settler and merchant.

Nathaniel Brown came to Nevada City from Massachusetts in 1863 at the age of 18, following his friend (later Senator) Aaron Sargent. Brown was part owner of the weekly Nevada Journal from 1855 to 1859. In 1860 he founded the county's first daily, the Morning Transcript, and from then until 1904 was prominent in newspaper circles and a champion of mine owners' rights.

The most prominent resident of the home was opera diva Emma Nevada. While her father W. W. Wixom was a physician at the Alpha Diggins gold mine, Emma and her mother boarded here in the early 1860's. Emma Wixom achieved great fame as a singer and took the stage name "Nevada" to honor the city and state where she lived as a child. She returned to Nevada City in 1902 and performed to a packed audience at the Nevada Theatre.

Only two families owned the home from 1909 when Brown sold it until 1991 when it was obtained by Jesse Connor, a local contractor specializing in restoration. It had fallen into serious disrepair (about to be condemned) when Jesse worked a miracle, recreating its original elegance and beauty. Many antique items were refurbished and modernized, including gas-lit chandeliers, claw foot tubs, windows, and doors. Jesse's magnificent efforts were acknowledged by three local and national awards. The residence with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and dirt basement was converted into an inn with six guest rooms, all with spacious, modern bathrooms plus a downstairs owner's quarters. The inn opened in May 1994 as Nevada City's newest B&B. In mid 1996, the home was granted county historical landmark status.