“Tis the Wind and Nothing More”

You are invited to step into the past and join the enigmatic Jessie Clarke as she hosts her annual literary salon. Jessie Clarke lived at the Octagon House over a century ago, until her death in 1933 — one of the house’s most curious figures, and much of her life remains shrouded in mystery. Set aside for her by wealthy relatives, the house was her home for 25 years, where legend holds she lived largely alone. Her story carries added layers of intrigue: the nature of her health in those years remains undocumented and much debated.

At the conclusion of the tour, visitors are invited to experience Remember You Must Die, a curated exhibition from the Memento Mori collection of Ryan Matthew Cohn featuring objects ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works and examining the ways past generations confronted mortality through art, ritual, memory, and spirituality.

Ages 12 and up only, please.

Check-in Details

Tickets are required for all guests, including those under the age of 18. Due to the frequent discussion of illness, disaster, and death in the 19th century, this tour is recommended for ages 12 and older. The tour is not recommended for individuals who will have difficulty walking up and down three flights of stairs or those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

We ask that you please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your tour time and depart within 15 minutes of the end of your tour. If possible, please carpool if coming as a group. This allows us to make sure all ticketed visitors have access to parking on the grounds.

Restrictions 

We have limited restroom facilities, so we recommend planning ahead and using the restroom before arriving at The Octagon House. Especially during busy times, our restroom may be unavailable prior to the start of your tour.

Please leave all large belongings at home or in a vehicle, including luggage, large bags, tripods, and other similar items.

Picnicking is not allowed on the grounds or the veranda, and food and drink are not allowed inside the house. Please make plans to enjoy your meal at another location, and leave these items in your vehicle while on the property.

Pets are also not allowed inside the house or on the grounds whatsoever. Please make note of this when planning your visit.

Photography 

Non-flash photography is allowed inside the house, and we encourage sharing your tour experience on social media. Tag us in your posts! The Armour-Stiner Octagon House can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Please refrain from using selfie sticks, tripods, or any other photography equipment while on the tour. For more information regarding photo shoots or commercial photography, please reach out to us at info@armourstiner.com before making a reservation.

Private Home

The Octagon House is a private home. For this reason, we do not allow access to the house or grounds without a ticketed reservation, including picnicking in the gardens or on the veranda. We appreciate your cooperation in respecting these boundaries.

While touring, please stay with your guide and refrain from touching walls, finishes, furniture & objects. Please help us continue to preserve this magnificent home and its furnishings well into the future!