The austere façade in tufa block, which faces onto Via di Mercurio, survives from the original layout of the house which dates to the beginning of the 2nd century BC. The internal space, however, underwent various alterations: the two atria - the smaller of which is marked by six Doric columns - were originally joined but later separated, and a portico supported by brick columns was built behind the tablinum.

During the final years of the city, the large fountain which gave the house its name was erected against the back wall of the small garden. The fountain took the shape of a niche surmounted by a pediment, and on the inside it was coated with polychrome glass mosaics. Water gushed out from a dolphin shaped bronze jet, and flowed down a small flight of steps into the collecting basin below; tragic marble masks decorate the sides of the niche.

Date of excavation: 1826-27, 1943