[2] It is significant as a work of architect Henry Higby Gutterson, and for its innovative construction with light grey interlocking Precast concrete blocks.

[3][4] Paul and Grace Flanders, married in 1920, came to Carmel in 1922, to build a home and start a business in real estate development.

Flanders designed a two-story home, which they named the Outlands at 25800 Hatton Road, located on a hill overlooking the Carmel Mission, and Point Lobos.

[3][5] The Flander's were one of the first Carmelites to hire an outside architect,[2] Henry Higby Gutterson, to design and contractor Fred Ruhl to build their residence.

[3] The non-profit organization Flanders Foundation was formed in 1998 to oversee the city owned 34 acres (14 ha) the mansion and Mission Trail Nature Preserve.