The structure looms up from a narrow 2.14 acre water wrapped peninsula and is more part of than erected upon its natural surroundings. Built on a slight rise, its greatly cantilevered floors appear to hover like wings over the lateral terraces and porches. Anchored to the Point by a steel frame, the house is sheathed throughout in the amber glow of southeastern swamp cypress. Its leaded glass casement windows and room screens form walls of light and air and vista. The glassed porches offer imposing views.
Fixtures are of copper, coppered bronze, nickel and leaded glass.
The home is encased and protected with southeastern bald cypress shingling, much of which has lasted more than eighty-five years. The Airplane House comfortably sleeps fourteen in seven bedrooms, and has no television. George Grant Elmslie was no stranger to Charles Crane. As Chief Draftsman for the legendary Louis Sullivan Elmslie had collaborated on numerous projects for Crane, and after Crane and Sullivan had their falling out around 1910, Elmslie's new firm was the obvious choice. Elmslie immediately agreed to Crane's request for a meeting, but when reminded that it was for the day of his daughters marriage, sent his partner, William Gray Purcell, in his stead.