scottish-born david immigrated to auckland in 1847 and in 1849 bought land at the top of symonds street from william smellie graham, who in turn had bought the land from the crown in december 1848. david built his house, cotele, on this property. the house was located at the intersection of symonds street, mount eden road and new north road, enjoying views north to the harbor and west to the waitakeres.