The house was built about 1728 as part of the development of Grosvenor Square by the Grosvenor family.[3] However, it was not until 10 years later that the lease was purchased. The first notable owner was the Earl of Malton, whose heirs leased the property until 1931. The Grosvenor estate required the house to be rebuilt in 1865.[4]
In 1931, Italy was granted a lease for 200 years[5] by Hugh Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster, for £35,000 and £350 per annum.[6] Lord Gerald Wellesley was commissioned to convert the interior into suitable accommodation for an embassy.[7]
1 The Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office is Italy's representative office in Taiwan, which functions as an informal diplomatic mission.