It was the center of Washington's literary and social life in late 19th and early 20th centuries.

[3] The 4+1⁄2-story mansion is situated on a polygonal corner site along a street with other imposing residences.

The facades of the building are composed of Harvard brick timed in limestone and white-painted wood.

[2] The exterior features an Ionic portico, a fanlight doorway, a side loggia, a piano nobile with iron balconies and arcaded windows.

White was also the architect when the loggia was enclosed in 1903 to create vaulted garden room with lattice ceiling.