A three-bay section projects at the center of the main (south) facade, with a Doric columned single-story portico at its front.

An interior courtyard is 100 feet (30 m) long, with a covering skylight; its walls are adorned with plaster pilasters and arched window openings.

The main hall features a well-concealed Aeolian Skinner organ, and the basement houses a bowling alley that saw little use during the Parson's ownership.

[2] The Shadow Lawn estate was first developed in the early 20th century by John A. McCall, president of the New York Life Insurance Company.

The main house was destroyed by fire in 1927, and Parson and his wife Maysie immediately embarked on building an ostentatious replacement.