Inspired by the architecture he had seen on a trip to the Near East in the late 1860s, Church collaborated with architect Calvert Vaux to build a stone, brick, and polychrome stenciled home on the property. Numerous architectural sketches by Church ranging from banister patterns to window arrangements pay testament to his involvement. His letters also document his role. In one he notes, “I designed the house myself. It is Persian in style adapted to the climate and requirements of modern life.”

Church planned the picturesque landscape to capture the panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. “I have made about 1 3/4 miles of road this season, opening entirely new and beautiful views. I can make more and better landscapes in this way than by tampering with canvas and paint in the studio.” more