Holmdene was named (for the holm oak tree & dene, the Old English term for plot of the land) by Edward Lowe, the home's original owner. The building, which formerly served as a manor house, consists of 22 rooms and 16 fireplaces. The office of the President of Aquinas College, can be found on the first floor. The second and third floors of the building provide space for academic and administrative offices. Behind the building, one can take a stroll through the beautiful Holmdene gardens.