The Peirce-du Pont House takes its name from the two families who lived there for a combined total of over 200 years. When Pierre S. du Pont acquired Longwood from the Peirce family in 1906, his purchase included their early 18th-century farmhouse. He built an L-shaped addition onto the original Peirce farmhouse in 1914, doubling the size of the home. Connecting the old and new wings was Longwood's first conservatory, luxuriously planted with exotic foliage and designed as an enclosed garden living room. Mr. du Pont's successful experience with this unique greenhouse inspired him to construct the much grander Conservatory complex. Peirce's Park, the arboretum that inspired Mr. du Pont to purchase the land, is located directly behind the house.