This Italian-style home was built in 1872 at a cost of $4,500 for Warren H. Ellis. Former Waukegan mayor Fred Buck acquired the house in 1919, who added the south-facing sun porch from which he could view his orchards. In 1976, the house was designated one of 27 Bicentennial landmarks in the city, and in 1978, it was listed as a contributing structure to the Near North Historic District when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The current owners acquired the house in May 2002.

Prominent features of the exterior include the elaborate bracketed cornice, intricate window surrounds, ten-foot high double-entry doors, and the center turret with concave Mansard roof. The Chicago Paint and Coatings Association recognized the authentic Victorian paint scheme with an award in 2006. The interior has been faithfully restored by the current owners and furnished with their collection of Victorian antiques. One of the most interesting features of the house is the authentic Victorian-era kitchen complete with beadboard wainscoting and two wood-burning stoves.
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