Of the remaining large country estates built by Louisvillians in the late 19th century to the east of the city, it is the closest to Downtown Louisville, and primarily for that reason, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

It was originally one of several similar villa-style houses built on large lots on the south side of Frankfort Avenue, overlooking the valley through which Grinstead Drive now runs.

Most as close to Downtown as the Peterson–Dumesnil house were demolished to make way for suburban residential development on small lots in the early 20th century.

[2] The house is home to the Crescent Hill Community Council in the Louisville Historical League and is rented out for events such as weddings.

[3] The Peterson House was built after the Civil War, circa 1869–70, in the asymmetrical Italian villa style.