Architect Albert F. D'Oench and his wife, Alice Grace D'Oench (the daughter of William R. Grace) purchased this land in 1905; they purchased the land from the O'Connor estate, which included a farm (also called Sunset Hill).
[2][3][4] The hill on which the mansion was located reaches elevations high enough for the skyline of New York City to be seen.
[6] Alice D'Oench would continue to live at Sunset Hill until her death in 1935 (which also occurred at the home after she fell ill).
[7] Following the death of Alice Grace D'Oench, the land was sold, and much of the estate was ultimately developed.
[5][8][9] When building the D'Oench Estate residential subdivision, Harold Mott noted that it was the most important development project the firm had undertaken at the time, citing its location.