Alexander Dunsmuir built the Dunsmuir House in 1899. The property was purchased by the City of Oakland in 1962 and experienced few alterations over the years. The principal alteration was the addition of a wooden fire escape at the back of the building. The early plumbing, lighting, and other fixtures of the house remain substantially the same as when built.

Since 1962, the City of Oakland has made minor alterations to provide for some heating on the first floor. The City of Oakland has also improved the electrical work on the first floor. Today, the house is changed little from the time Alexander Dunsmuir built it.

The gardens and grounds on which the house stands were designed by Mr. John McLaren.