Located along Whissler Road north of the unincorporated community of Hallsville,[1] it was established by the family of John Buchwalter in the early years of the nineteenth century.

As the years passed, the farm acquired the name of "Applethorpe" because its grounds included the first apple orchard in Ross County.

Erecting an elaborate structure in the popular Greek Revival style,[2] he built its two-story walls of brick with sandstone details.

[3] Among its most distinctively Greek Revival elements is the classical portico around the main entrance; it features a triple entablature with square columns, and the doors it shelters are heavy and constructed of multiple large components.

[1] Key to the farm's recognition was the architecture of the farmhouse, which was seen as an exceptionally well-preserved example of the rural interpretation of the Greek Revival style.