Stunning Octagon House Designs You Need to See

Octagon houses are a unique and intriguing architectural style that gained popularity in the United States during the mid-19th century. Inspired by the ideas of phrenologist and amateur architect Orson Squire Fowler, octagon houses were designed to be more efficient, providing better natural light, ventilation, and space utilization. Here are some stunning octagon house designs that showcase the distinctive features of this architectural style:

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   The Armour-Stiner (Octagon) House – Irvington, New York:

   • Also known as the Carmer Octagon House, this Victorian-era octagon house is an iconic example of the style. It features a striking cupola, a decorative frieze, and a wraparound veranda. The interior is adorned with ornate details, including frescoed ceilings and period furnishings.

2. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest – Forest, Virginia:

   • While not a traditional octagon house, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest features an octagonal-shaped retreat on the property. The design reflects Jefferson’s interest in innovative architecture, with the octagonal room serving as a private study.

3. The Octagon House – Washington, D.C.:

   • The Octagon House in Washington, D.C., is a historic residence that dates back to the early 19th century. Designed by Dr. William Thornton, the house features an octagonal central portion with wings on either side. It served as the residence of the U.S. president, James Madison, for a brief period.

4. The Armour Octagon House – Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

   • Built in the late 19th century, this octagon house in Milwaukee boasts a unique design with a distinctive cupola and a wraparound porch. The interior features intricate woodwork and period-appropriate furnishings.

5. The Octagon House – Watertown, Wisconsin:

   • This well-preserved octagon house in Watertown, Wisconsin, showcases the typical features of the style, including a hipped roof, large windows, and a central cupola. The interior has been restored to its original 1854 appearance.

6. The Herring-Hall-Marvin Safe Company Octagon House – Hamilton, Ohio:

   • Originally constructed as the residence of the company’s founder, this octagon house in Hamilton, Ohio, features a cupola with a decorative finial. It has a distinctive appearance with a combination of Gothic and Italianate design elements.

7. The Roosevelt-Octagon House – Long Island, New York:

   • Located in Oyster Bay, Long Island, this octagon house was built in 1885. It features a unique layout with a central atrium, decorative woodwork, and a rooftop cupola. The house is a blend of Victorian and Colonial Revival architectural styles.

8. The Octagon House – Saratoga Springs, New York:

   • Situated in Saratoga Springs, this octagon house showcases a combination of Italianate and Victorian architectural details. The exterior is characterized by its hipped roof, decorative brackets, and a central cupola.

9. The Octagon House – Camillus, New York:

   • This octagon house, located in Camillus, New York, features a wraparound porch, large windows, and a central cupola. It is an excellent example of the practical and aesthetic considerations that influenced octagon house design.

10. The John Richards Octagon House – Washington, D.C.:

    • Built in the mid-19th century, the John Richards Octagon House in Washington, D.C., features a distinctive design with a central octagonal portion and surrounding wings. It served as the headquarters for the American Institute of Architects.

These stunning octagon house designs showcase the diversity and creativity of this unique architectural style. While the popularity of octagon houses waned in the late 19th century, their historical significance and distinctive charm continue to captivate those interested in architectural history and innovation.