This house is on section 1175, which was originally granted to Robert Norman in 1850. In 1854 he sold this part of the section to his brother-in-law Septimane Herbert, who sold it on to builder Thomas Roads. Thomas transferred it to his son Richard Roads in 1883.

The house was probably built about 1896 by the Roads family. For a number of years it was rented to a series of doctors: Dr Meikle, Dr Burnard, and Dr Verco. On the death of Richard Roads in 1913 the property was bought by Charles Manisty.

Charles Manisty was born at Delamere but in 1909 moved to Normanville with his father and brother to take over Fred Martin's carrying business. After buying the house at 149 Main South Road, Charles set up as a wheelwright and blacksmith, hence the name 'Forge House'. Manisty married Ruby Newbold in 1909 and they had five children. Ruby died in 1925, and Charles died in 1958.