The site preserves the 1787 home of Founding Father and statesman John Jay (1745–1829), one of the three authors of The Federalist Papers and the first Chief Justice of the United States.

A shed-roof porch shelters the entire span of the first floor, wrapping around in open sections to secondary entrances in the side wings.

The state undertook the reversal of some alterations made after Jay's ownership, and opened it as a historic site.

[3] In 1977, the non-profit Friends of John Jay Homestead was founded to increase public awareness of the site.

[2][3] In 2004, the landmark, known as Bedford House, was added to the African American Heritage Trail of Westchester County, a group of 16 sites which include the Rye African-American Cemetery, Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site and the Jay Estate in Rye.