It was built for a local businessman whose nearby mills (no longer surviving) were major employers of the period.

Its front facade is five bays wide and symmetrical, with the center entrance sheltered by a portico supported by fluted Doric columns and topped by a balustrade.

The house is of particular note because its original architectural drawings survive, as do contractor bills and other documents related to its construction.

It was built for Robert Bacon, who had been using the water privilege on the Aberjona River since 1824 for the manufacture of felt hats.

He purchased the land on the west side of the river in 1825, and had this house placed with a view toward his mill and worker village.