The building which dates from the period 1725 - 1750 has become the Head Office of the National Trust of Guernsey.

This house and shop occupy by any standards a building of outstanding quality. It is the only complete town house left from the 18th century and is probably the earliest complete building within the medieval boundaries of St Peter Port.

The lower part of the walling, including the cellar may be 17th century. Overall dimensions of the house are forty feet (12.5m) from front to back and 16 feet ( 4.9m ) across. The spacious cellar, of six bays, is just over 8 feet (2.5m) high with the beams formed of tree trunks only very roughly shaped and each about 1 foot square. There are two alcoves in the back wall, such keeping places being very common in the cellars of all town premises and being an average 24 inches (61 cm) high and 18 inches (46 cm) wide. The floor was originally of beaten earth.

The shop was owned by the Le Poidevin family, was in use well into the 1930s, the business had thrived during the second half of the 19th century. Cornet street in those days was a prosperous, middle class area and the Le Poidevins were typical of the residents at that time.

Mr Le Poidevin was the founder of a mutual benefit club for men aged 18 to 60, and his wife was a stalwart of St Barnabas' church.

In 1983 the house was in a very sorry state indeed. The National Trust decided to buy and restore it thanks to the owner at the time at a more than reasonable price. This has been achieved, and the shop is now open during the tourist season and at Christmas.

Volunteers are always welcome to assist with Trust activities.