The house drew immediate notice in the architectural community, and was a significant influence in the growth in popularity of the Shingle style in the late 19th century.

Richardson's masterful use of space in its design also foreshadowed the work of major 20th century architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright.

As designed by Richardson, the house was a two-story L-shaped wood-frame structure, with its main entrance to the left of a recessed porch facing Brattle Street.

The exterior, in a departure from Victorian forms featuring sometimes extensive and elaborate decorative sawn woodwork, is restrained, with most surfaces covered with wooden shingles.

Soon after its completion, art critic George William Sheldon wrote, "few cottages of equal dimensions were ever planned, in this country or abroad, which show better results in point of convenience, spaciousness, and architectural purity.