After she died it was briefly owned by the state and intended to be used as the official residence of the Governor of Massachusetts, but was quickly returned to the Town.

[7] When a radiator burst during the construction, "causing a raging river to crash down the main stairway," he tore down one end of the house and burned a pile of beautiful wall paneling, parquet floors, and elegant woodwork, much to the dismay of his neighbors.

[8] A gardener's cottage was built across the street at 132 Sanderson St.[9] When complete, it included "carved moldings that couldn't be reproduced at any cost," large all marble bathrooms, "intricate wall sconces," and a pipe organ.

[7] In 1955, Katherine wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen, indicating that she intended to leave the house and grounds, then-valued at $600,000, to the Town when she died.

[17][18] Renovations to the house were needed, which was described as "a mixture of elegance and impracticality" for the beautiful construction but lack of dishwasher, garbage disposal, and electric wiring that could not handle air conditioning.

[8][17][19] Original estimates ran around $100,000,[13] and the commission asked for an initial $300,000 appropriation to "convert it from a home to a spacious place for the state to entertain.

[8] The commission planned to install air conditioning and to furnish and decorate the home with historic pieces from the Museum of Fine Arts and other wealthy citizens.

[20] Jennie Volpe, who was made an honorary commission member to provide "realistic advice," wanted an upstairs work room so that her husband would not disturb her while she was in bed, as well as a chapel.

[19] It soon became apparent that it would be cheaper to build a brand new mansion than to remodel the estate to Jennie Volpe's "lavish taste" and "crazy notions," including ripping out the "incomparable mahogany and sycamore wood paneling"[8] and replacing it with pastel plaster.

The mansion's main floor houses a Grand Ballroom, which is “framed by Ionic columns and duel balustrades, adds a classical touch to holiday parties, art shows, concerts and seminars.”[2] The lower level of the structure is complete with a library, dining room, mirrored parlor, music room, as well as a fully functional kitchen.

Vernon Street side of the property today serves as the Endicott branch of the Dedham Public Library.