The building was built for Manuel Bárcena Franco, the first Count of Torrecedeira. It was built by Jenaro de la Fuente Domínguez between 1879 and 1884. It was intended to be the grandest civil building of the time, and its original name was "siete casas para particulares" (seven houses for private residents"). It consists of four floors, with protruding sections in the central area interrupting the monotony of the lengthy facades. The openings have accentuated surrounds, which are heavily decorated in the three higher floors, giving the building a majestic appearance. Interesting decorative features include geometric forms, pedestals and large jars on the upper floors, the cornices and balustrades.