The original home at 24 Sussex Drive was built in 1866 by Joseph Merrill Currier, a Member of Parliament, who called the building 'Gorffwysta', which means 'place of rest' in Welsh. It was purchased by the Government of Canada in 1943 and since 1951, all Prime Ministers, with the exception of Kim Campbell, have lived at 24 Sussex Drive during their terms of office.
The building itself is a large limestone structure, with 34 rooms set on approximately 4 acres of land overlooking the Ottawa River. The home is shaded by trees and hedges. Unlike many other official residences of heads of government or state, 24 Sussex Drive is not used for the business of government.
Many Prime Ministers have lent their own personal touches to the residence at 24 Sussex Drive. Pierre Trudeau added a swimming pool during his time as Prime Minister and the building was remodelled during Brian Mulroney's term in office. The current Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, moved in on February 9, 2006.