At the time of construction, the estate with its barrel-vaulted loggia, stone balustrades, and turrets rivaled the era's grand seasonal "cottages" in Newport, R.I. Built using the finest materials available, the exterior consists of tapestry brick, imported barrel by barrel from France and carved Indiana limestone. Twenty-eight stone carvers were brought to the site to ensure the elaborate carving was done with absolute authenticity, and they worked 24 hours a day.