The W. E. Barnard House is located on a small lot in Newlands Manor, a subdivision of the Newlands Addition which was established in the late 19th century and subdivided several times during the next thirty years.

Newlands Addition contains the greatest diversity of architectural styles in Reno. English and French influences predominate but many other architectural styles are common: Craftsman, Mediterranean, Prairie, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival.

Because the neighborhood was always affluent, homes reflect the architectural fashion of the period in which they were built.

Source: Adapted from the NRHP nomination form submitted in 2002.