It is the only surviving example of the renowned architect Richard Upjohn?s Italian Villa style of architecture. The Kenworthy Hall, or also known as Carlisle-Martin House, can be found a few miles north of Alabama Highway 14 and two miles west from the Marion County courthouse square in Perry County, Alabama.

Built in 1858 and designed by Richard Upjohn, the villa is one of the best examples of his style. The house was specifically designed to match the plantation lifestyle and climate of the Southern region. The building is notable for its wonderful asymmetric design and bold-yet-traditional use of materials. The house has a four-story tower with several windows and brownstone trim. The house also has a space division for family and public use, which is a very distinct Southern trait. The client and owner of the house was Edward Kenworthy Carlisle. It was built as his primary residence, as well as structural centerpiece of his 440-acre plantation and estate.

For its architectural significance, the house and the surrounding structures were classified as National Historic Landmark in 2004.