the property was developed in several stages, beginning with the construction of the second section c. 1780 by abel wilder. the main block of the farmhouse was built c. 1850 by jonathan townsend. the property was acquired c. 1890 by the artist george deforest brush, who adapted it for use as his principal residence. brush's studio, a large shed structure located near the property's barn, was destroyed by fire in 1930. brush was a leading figure in dublin's art colony, playing host to other artists and luminaries of the art world, including isabella stewart gardner.