The flower garden at the rear of Prospect House was originally
laid by Woodrow Wilson's wife, Ellen. In her design, the
garden's pathways define the outline of the University shield
when viewed from above. Photo: John Jameson In focus: Prospect
House Posted July 6, 2005; 06:02 p.m. Prospect House, known for
its picturesque gardens, is one of the University's most
historic buildings and a major destination for Princeton campus
community members and visitors alike. The magnificent Italianate
Victorian mansion was built around 1850 by the American
architect, John Notman, and is one of the few University
buildings not originally part of the campus. After its
acquisition by the University in 1878, Prospect House served as
the residence for six Princeton presidents and their families
for 90 years before it was converted for its current use as a
social and dining center for faculty and staff members. Prospect
House owes its name to the stone farmhouse first constructed on
the site in the mid-18th century by Col. Geo