Its main section built in 1857, it is a prominent local example of Italianate architecture, with both older and newer ells to the rear.

It is located on the east side of South Prospect Street, between the two ends of Robinson Parkway, a residential loop road built on part of the house's former estate.

The interior of the main block retains most of its original Italianate woodwork, while the first ell contains traces of Greek Revival styling.

Its Italianate main section was built in 1857 by George DeForest, a resident of New York City who turned the property into a summer estate.

It was purchased by Cathedral Square in 2001 and extensively rehabilitated, including restoration of its public rooms and the construction of the rear addition.