Controversy exists over the uniqueness of the design, since near exact plans for the house can be found in literature published prior, namely Design #1 as found in George Franklin Barber's Cottage Souvenir #2. The architecture displays numerous attributes contributed from different cultures, such as an Asian moon gate, Italianate hooded windows, and a French octagonal turret.
The controversy surrounding the house design arises because similar blueprints for it were published before its construction, specifically in George Franklin Barber's Cottage Souvenir #2. The architecture incorporates elements from different cultures, such as an Asian moon gate, Italianate hooded windows, and a French octagonal turret.