The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, a registered National Historic Landmark, was created as a summer retreat by tea-importer Joseph Stiner. Its 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 tour includes 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.

Timed tours only, last tour of the day starts at 4 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Octagon House is a private residence. In exchange for the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind historic home, all visitors must follow house rules.