It is a complex of large Shingle style cottages for wealthy New York City families' summer use, designed by McKim, Mead and White within a site plan designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1881.

It is bounded on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by the hamlet of Ditch Plains, and on the north and east by marsh and scrubland.

[2] It includes seven large Shingle style homes that, together with a clubhouse and other supporting buildings, comprised the Montauk Association, and which were built during 1881–1884.

The district also includes the sites of two former buildings of the Montauk Association, a community laundry and a community stable, which remain as archeological sites.

There are also several small sheds and garages which are unobtrusive and do not unduly detract.