Prior to being a senator the younger Stockton had served as the Attorney General of New Jersey and later as ambassador to Italy.

It was built in the 17th century and gained its name from having served as a barracks in either the French and Indian War or the American Revolution.

Notman popularized the Italianate revival architecture in the United States and his Princeton homes are prime examples of that style.

In 1895 it was acquired by George Allison Armour, whose daughter Barbara would take up the residence in 1930 along with her husband, Walter Lowrie.

Walter Lowrie had served for many years as the Episcopal rector of St Paul's Within the Walls, sometimes known as the American Church in Rome.