It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 in recognition for its place as the longtime summer home of poet E. E. Cummings (1894–1962).

[2][3] Cummings's parents purchased the farm, which is located near Silver Lake, in 1899 from Ephraim Joy.

[4] The property includes a house and barn, as well as a small, two-story octagonal tower.

The main house is a 1-1/2 story building consisting of four bays, of which the rightmost is set back.

The front of the main block has five bays on the first level, with paired sash windows flanking a center entry.