Purd's is a Gothic Revival-style house in Rothesay and is notable for both its creator and its later occupant. It was the first of many beautiful structures built by local master builder Joseph Henderson, who is credited with significantly influencing the architectural landscape of Rothesay around the beginning of the 20th century. On its own, Purdy's provides a good if small example of Gothic Revival residential architecture, featuring a steep gabled roof with thick bargeboards along the eaves and an open veranda.

In 1930, the house was acquired by local socialite and activist Dorothy Purdy. The house was called “Purd’s” after Purdy's nickname, and has retained the moniker in her memory ever since. Purdy was an only child, raised by her widowed father, and she never married. She is notable for taking an active role during both World Wars, serving as a nursing assistant with the Voluntary Aid Detachment unit in WWI (one of only eight New Brunswick women to do so), and fundraising for the Red Cross during WWII. She additionally acted as an agent for English child evacuees. Outside of her military support, Purdy was the first Provincial Secretary of the Girl Guides of New Brunswick.