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Private Tour of The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in New York

5 (21)
Irvington, US
5 (21)
Irvington, US
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Adult (12-100)
Min: 1 Max: 15
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Non-refundable - You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

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Experience the elegance and grandeur of the Victorian era with a private tour of The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in New York. This beautifully preserved summer home, built in 1860, offers a captivating journey through the past. Explore the lush grounds, filled with vibrant Victorian flowers and the enchanting melodies of songbirds. Step inside the fully restored Lord and Burnham greenhouse, where the fragrance of nature fills the air. Take a stroll around the 360-degree verandah and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this architectural marvel. Discover how the natural world influenced Victorian life and design as you explore the interior of the house. This one-hour tour is a true delight for history and architecture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to step back in time and experience the Victorian charm of The Armour-Stiner Octagon House.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • Admission Included
  • 1 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Guided exploration of lush 19th-century grounds
  • Unforgettable interior tour of Victorian Summer Home
  • Vibrant array of Victorian flowers inside greenhouse
  • Orchestra of songbirds in the Foxglove Garden
  • Step back in time with a stroll around the 360-degree verandah
  • All fees and taxes

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the Victorian charm and elegance at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in New York. Built in 1860 as a summer home, this architectural marvel is a true testament to the grandeur of the era. Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley, the Octagon House offers a one-hour guided tour that takes you back in time, immersing you in the opulence of Victorian living. From the lush grounds to the exquisitely designed interiors, this tour offers a delightful insight into the history, architecture, and natural influences that shaped Victorian life.

What to expect?

During this one-hour tour, you can expect an enchanting exploration of both the exterior and interior of the Octagon House. Step into a world of vibrant Victorian flowers in the Lord and Burnham greenhouse and revel in the melodies of songbirds in the Foxglove Garden. Take a leisurely stroll along the 360-degree verandah, soaking in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, witness how the natural world profoundly influenced Victorian design as you admire the thoughtfully preserved rooms and their intricate details.

Who is this for?

This private tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House is an experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and anyone with a penchant for the extraordinary. Whether you're a local resident, a traveler seeking unique attractions, or a lover of all things Victorian, this tour welcomes visitors of all ages and interests. Immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and learn about the meticulous preservation efforts that have kept this architectural gem intact for over a century.

Why book this?

Booking this private tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House is an opportunity to transport yourself to another era, where the beauty of nature intertwines with human creativity and elegance. It's a chance to uncover the secrets and stories hidden within the walls of this grand Victorian home. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the history and architectural significance of this unique structure. The experience offers a level of exclusivity and intimacy that ensures you can fully appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of the Octagon House.

Good to know

Please arrive on the property either by car or on foot and meet at the steps to the veranda at the end of the gravel driveway. Remember that tours of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House are available by appointment only, so make sure to plan ahead. The duration of the tour is approximately 60 minutes, allowing you ample time to explore and soak in the Victorian splendor. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the Hudson Valley, this unique tour promises to be a memorable and visually captivating experience.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the private tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House have been fascinated by its architectural beauty and the rich history embedded within its walls. They have praised the knowledgeable guides who offer insightful commentary and bring the Victorian era to life. Many have marveled at the well-preserved interior, noting the attention to detail and the influence of nature in the design. Visitors have left with a newfound appreciation for Victorian architecture and a desire to explore more of the region's historical gems.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House

Tours of this magnificent Victorian home are available by appointment only. Participants learn about the history, architecture and preservation of this home.

Admission Included

Reviews

(21)

5 (21)

Janine C

Beautiful gardens and home. Unique American architectural history inside and out. Loving, restored home in the Victorian style. The guide was helpful, informative and knowledgeable. Well worth the visit to this fabulous display of American history.

Alla T

Our tour guide Mia was very knowledgeable and her insights were educational, to the point, and entertaining. The house is a delight for the sight and a great care has been taken to match the furnishings and the artifacts to what the original owners had during their house occupancy. It was a wonderful experience all around.

samanthapA3436TN

We had the pleasure of visiting one of the most interesting historic houses we have ever seen! The story of the families who occupied this dwelling, the architecture, and the furnishings were exquisite and so interesting! We are grateful that the family who owns it and still occupies it have allowed us to visit. Our tour guide Sara was extremely knowledgeable. Great experience all around!

meg8179

Thank goodness for Google. Upon finding out we were playing in a basketball tournament, i started searching for things to do and found this tour! It was incredible. Super fun house! Amazing detail has gone into bringing this house back to its original 1800s style and flare. Our docent was very knowledgeable and very nice. 100% recommend for anyone interested in thrusting yourself into history and architecture.

110naomig

The house has been lovingly restored to its original splendor over several decades as one man's/family's passion project. The attention to detail is incredible and the painted murals and ceilings are particularly beautiful. The tour was great.

deelR7674EZ

I’ve been to other Victorian Octagon houses, but this was a unique one in so many ways. It was delightful glimpse of privilege in the late 19th Century. Anyone who loves and takes pride in their home will be moved. For history buffs, it will resonate with what you know of the era thanks to well informed docents. A must see.

akhdubon

We had an extremely well done tour of a unique and beautifully restored home practically in our backyard. This tour emphasized the emergence during the 1870's of the Christmas traditions we still practice today. It was very worthwhile. The docent was extremely well informed.

NWH53

The Christmas Tour of the Armour-Stiner house was delightful. The house was beautifully decorated and our guide was very knowledgeable about the structure of the house and all of the very interesting furniture and decorations that have been collected. The Victorians certainly had an eye for detail!

730fayt

The house itself was very lovely, but the tour was quite disappointing bc of the guide, Kelly. She had a cold standoffish way about her, barriers that made it uncomfortable to ask questions or interact with her. On the surface she was smiling, but there was a strong negative undertone which revealed itself more and more as the tour unfolded. At one point I asked a question and was told in front of the tour group that she was going to wait for the entire group to catch up bc she was 'sure that others would also want to hear the answer'. She was condescending and unpleasant about it, like a scolding schoolteacher. It was not clear that more tour participants were supposed to be gathering at that one spot; if she'd told me pleasantly, I would have understood. She also seemed impatient to finish up the tour, telling some stragglers who were still in one of the other rooms that she could not take the rest of the group down to the basement/gift shop unless everyone was done. The next tour was not due for over an hour; there seemed no pragmatic reason for urgency. I understand that groups have to respect the homes they are in, and follow the guide. But she had not instructed us to stay that close to her; she'd often tell us to look around and then meet her at the next gathering point. The tour information was spotty and impossible to fill in as Kelly seemed to limit her responses to questions. I got the impression she was trying to redirect any questions relating to the authenticity of the items in the restoration. There were 3 chairs in the Egyptian room said to have been originals with the Stiner name on them; yet there were 2-3 reproductions of those chairs in the room. It's puzzling as to why and how those exact replica pieces would have been constructed during the original period. I've been on many estate tours such as Kyuit, Irving house, Biltmore state. I feel the Octagon House tour did not provide the same level of history, nor any whimsical narrative to the home legacy that is commonly provided with humor and personal touch on these type of tours. A good guide also provides cohesiveness and ease among the tour participants, leading without making things feel stiff or awkward; this was lacking for this tour. Kelly even scolded one woman who started reaching out to help her open the oven doors; it seemed the woman forgot herself due to a helping instinct, rather than any disregard for the sanctity of the property items. The woman was around age 60, where in my own experience it's not uncommon to lose one's train of thought or sense of surroundings. Kelly announced rather self-righteously in front of the group that this one particular door on the stove would fall off if moved; she could have instead used humor. There were photos in one room of a property in France that is also owned and restored by the owner of Octagon House. I had questions but felt I had to stick to the narrow window of allowed question time. I went home and found the information myself as to the identity of that estate. Once we got to the gift shop, my husband and I quickly left, in no mood to spend any money there. He had made the same observations as I had. Kelly also guides tours at Lyndhurst Mansion, where I had planned to visit during the holidays. I now am cancelling those plans. This area relies on people coming from surrounding areas, including NYC; part of the charm in visiting is being around people who are welcoming, people who retain their humanity as they are not caught up in the hustle and bustle of city life. One unpleasant person can drive away patrons of local businesses. It's not community-minded to behave in such manner. Bottom line, I had entered the home and begun the tour very eager and spending time looking around with a lot of curiosity. But by a certain point in the tour, I felt a bit let down, and that affected my mood and attention span for the remainder of my time there.

Csel

The Octagon House is definitely worth seeing. Tour guide was very informative about the origins of the house, previous owners, and renovation that restored it to its current glory. Very interesting.
Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners
2024-06-02 23:10
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