The national Historic Sites and Monuments Board describes it as "a rare surviving example of the type of estate developed in Canada during the inter-war years, and is rarer still by its essentially intact condition, furnished and run to illustrate as it was lived within."

The interiors at Parkwood represent early 20th century design and contain housewares, books, photographs and memorabilia, artwork, and trophies, all displayed in their original settings.

Decorations include carved wood and plaster architectural finishes, as well as novelties such as hidden panels and stairways.

The McLaughlin family had an avid interest in horticulture and landscaping, as evidenced by their eleven greenhouses and staff of 24 gardeners.

McLaughlin sought out the best talent available to create the numerous gardens of his estate – Harries and Hall in the 1910s, the husband and wife team Howard and Lorrie Dunington-Grubb in the 1920s, and award winning architect John Lyle in the 1930s.

This was achieved by linking each principal room of the house to a terrace or garden area just outside and finally out into the beautiful wooded park.

The Dunington-Grubbs were influential in the development of their profession, were the founding members of the Society of Landscape Architects as well as Sheridan Nurseries.