Glenleigh was built as a country residence for shipping merchant, businessman and philanthropist, James Ewan and his wife, between 1887 and 1889. Glenleigh's distinctive appearance stems from the unusual bricks which were shipped across from England as the ballast in James Ewan’s merchant ships. Timber verandahs and an imposing timber entry porch add to the fine exterior. The site occupies a prominent position overlooking the Nepean Valley.