Albert and Rebecca Buddington built the first part of this compound as their home c. 1860. In 1921, it became the home of Dr. Harry Y. Benedict, a mathematician who served as University of Texas professor and president. Delia Edwards, a later owner, commissioned Arthur Fehr to alter the original house and design an adjacent rustic-style cottage with a fireplace mantel carved by Peter Mansbendel. Wilhelmine Sheffield, who bought the property in the 1940s, added another house and an enclosing wall, as well as ironwork crafted by Fortunat Weigl and his company. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2004