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Armour-Stiner Octagon House: A Victorian Masterpiece

Discover a whimsical, historic landmark: the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, a unique Victorian home and National Historic Landmark in Irvington, NY.

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The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, NY, is a unique architectural gem. Built in the 1860s and transformed in 1872, it's the only fully domed octagonal residence in the U.S., drawing inspiration from a Roman temple and showcasing a whimsical Victorian design.

A brief summary to The Armour-Stiner Octagon House

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, as visits are by appointment only and slots fill up quickly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking up and down three flights of stairs.
  • Arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour time, as parking is limited.
  • Consider carpooling if you're visiting in a group to help with parking.
  • Non-flash photography is allowed, so feel free to capture the unique beauty of the house.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From New York City, take the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line to the Irvington station. From the station, the Armour-Stiner Octagon House is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ernie's Taxi are readily available at the station for a short ride to the house. Metro-North fares from Grand Central Terminal to Irvington typically range from $10.25 to $13.75 for off-peak and peak hours, respectively.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Armour-Stiner Octagon House is located at 45 West Clinton Avenue, Irvington, NY 10533. Parking is free for ticketed visitors, available in the circle in front of the house and along the driveway. Please note that parking is limited, especially during peak tour times. Please do not park on West Clinton Avenue. There are no tolls on the immediate approach to the house.

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Discover more about The Armour-Stiner Octagon House

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House, located in Irvington, New York, stands as a testament to 19th-century architectural eccentricity and Victorian aesthetics. Originally built in 1859-1860 by financier Paul J. Armour, the house took on its current fanciful form in 1872 when it was purchased by Joseph Stiner, a wealthy tea merchant. Stiner transformed the relatively simple structure into a whimsical, elaborately detailed Roman temple, making it a unique landmark. The house's octagonal shape was inspired by the theories of Orson Squire Fowler, a phrenologist who believed that octagonal homes enclosed more space, allowed for more sunlight, and offered better views of the surrounding landscape. The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is the only known fully domed octagonal residence in the world. The exterior is adorned with festive floral detailing, cast iron cresting, and carved wood scrollwork, all painted in vibrant shades of rose, blue, violet, and red. The interiors are equally impressive, featuring painted and stenciled ceilings, trim with gold, silver, and bronze leaf, and unique eight-sided motifs in the plasterwork, woodwork, and etched glass. Inside, visitors can explore the lavishly decorated rooms, including the only remaining Egyptian Revival Room in America with its original decoration and furniture. The house also boasts a wine cellar, a triangular solarium and a conservatory greenhouse. The house has been carefully restored to its 1872 appearance by preservation architect Joseph Pell Lombardi and his family, who acquired the property in 1978. Guided tours offer insights into the history of the house, its owners, and its unique architectural features. Note that the tour is physically demanding and not recommended for individuals with difficulty walking up and down flights of stairs.

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