The main block of the house has a roughly square footprint and has the classic New England saltbox shape.

It is five bays wide and two deep, with a steeply-sloping leanto section to the north (rear).

In the 19th century Greek Revival trim details were added, including wide pilasters at the corners, and a portico sheltering the front entry.

Thornton helped draft a new state constitution, and was elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1776.

He served there for one year, signing the Declaration of Independence even though he did not take office until November 1776.