- MOST POPULAR
- 1hr
- 7+
Join us for this seasonal tour of The Octagon House and its surrounding landscape! Take in the spectacular blooms of the restored 19th-century gardens alongside the whimsical architecture of The Octagon House.
Quick Details
A Trip to The Octagon House during The Summer Months
This one-hour guided tour will include a brief history of specimen plants original to the property, the carefully restored Lord and Burnham greenhouse, the wonderfully romantic foxglove garden, (shaped in the exact size and footprint of the house itself!), and the charming Octagonal birdhouse, (a scaled-down replica of the house). Visitors will also experience the house’s wrap-around veranda that offers 360-degree views of the lush landscape, as well as particular architectural details which relate specifically to native plants and foliage of the grounds. Finally, the tour will continue inside the house with an interior tour of the first, second and third floors, which retain their magnificent ornamentation and furnishings.
History
Created as a whimsical summer retreat in 1872 by tea-importer Joseph Stiner, this National Historic Landmark’s shape was based on the theories of Orson Squire Fowler, a phrenologist, who believed octagonal houses enclosed more space, allowed the sun in at all times, and permitted more views into the landscape.
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House and its grounds epitomize 19th-century Romanticism and its fascination with nature that permeated American lives and homes. This fascination was encouraged by the writings of AJ Downing, a young and brilliant horticulturist and amateur architect who revolutionized America’s gardens and homes in the 19th century. The Octagon House, gardens and architecture took Downing’s philosophy and maximized it to create a one-of-a-kind exemplar of romanticism and the picturesque that so imbued this era.
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This year we welcome back Ryan Matthew Cohn of Oddities Flea Market to once again share his wonder-filled “Cabinet of Curiosities” — this not-to-be-missed installation will be on view from July 7th through October 31, 2023 and is included in the price of admission.
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Friday through Monday
10:00-11:00am -
–The 1-hour tour is conducted by highly trained docents and includes an interior viewing of the house.
—Parking is free but limited. Please park on-site in the circle in front of the Octagon House and along the driveway. Please do not park on the street (West Clinton Avenue).
—Tours begin promptly on time, please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour time, and please leave immediately after the tour is over, to allow for parking for the next tour.
—While a ticket is required for all guests- including those under the age of 18, this experience is best suited for ages 12 and up. Babies and toddlers (although delightful) are not appropriate to bring along for the tour
—The tour is physically demanding and not recommended for individuals with difficulty walking up and down the stairs. Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
—Picnicking is not allowed.
—Pets are also not allowed inside the house or on the grounds whatsoever. Please make note of this when planning your visit.
The Lombardi Family looks forward to sharing unknown aspects of their previously unseen, unique-to-the-world home. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House and its grounds are private property and all access is limited to tour ticket holders only.
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Non flash photography is allowed inside the house, and we encourage sharing your tour experience on social media. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House can be found on Facebook and Instagram
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Octagon House is a private home — No touching of walls, finishes, furniture & objects. Please leave all large belongings at home or in a vehicle. This includes luggage, large bags, tripods, and other similar items. While touring, please do not linger – stay with the group while viewing the interior.
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A discount is available for members of The National Trust for Historic Preservation.