- 1hr
- 12+
Join us for a one-hour guided Victorian mansion tour focusing on the extraordinary preservation efforts involved in saving The Armour-Stiner Octagon House from almost certain demise. Book your tour online!
Quick Details
Take in Stunning New York Architecture on this Historic Home & Landscape Tour!
Experience this whimsical 1872 summer home and its marvelously intact, 19th-century landscape during the most delightful time of the year!
The Victorian mansion 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 stroll 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 original plants and foliage of the grounds.
The tour continues inside the house, covering the first, second and third floors, which retain their magnificent Victorian ornamentation and furnishings.
Octagon House 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.
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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10:00-11:00am
11:30-12:30pm
1:00-2:00pm
2:30-3:30pm
4:00-5:00pm -
—The 1-hour tour is conducted by highly trained docents and includes an interior viewing of the house.
—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.
—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.
—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.
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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. For more information, please email [email protected] before making reservations