The northern third is separated from the south by Vaughan Brook, which flows east from Cascade Pond (on the property) to the Kennebec River.

[2] To the south and west of the house are woods, with hiking trails offering scenic views and access to historic uses of the property.

Charles had the main portion of this house built in 1794 as a summer cottage, but when Benjamin and his family arrived from England in 1797, they turned it into their year-round home.

Benjamin Vaughan was a merchant and diplomat, playing a critical role in negotiations ending the American Revolutionary War.

William's heirs donated a conservation easement to the Kennebec Land Trust in 1991, and the property was eventually taken over by a non-profit organization founded in 2002.