Random-osity: Armour–Stiner Octagon House

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is nestled in Irvington, just up the hill from the Hudson River. It’s said to be one of the most unique homes in the world and the only fully domed octagonal house. The house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

The house was built in 1860 by financier Paul J. Armour based on the architectural ideas of Orson Squire Fowler, the author of The Octagon House: A Home for All Occasions. Fowler believed that octagonal houses enclosed more space, provided more interior sunlight, and that its rooms were easily accessible to each other. The dome was added and the house was enlarged in the 1870s by Joseph Stiner, who was a tea and coffee importer.

The house was owned by historian Carl Carmer, in the 1900s. During that time, Carmer used the money he had to keep the house from falling into worse shape than it was when he bought it. In 1976, he sold the house to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to prevent it from being demolished. The Trust was unable to fund the amount of renovation the property required and sold it to the architect, Joseph Pell Lombardi, who has rescued and renovated the house, interiors, grounds, and outbuildings.

Lombardi restored it to its original grander - the house has been updated to have electricity, gas heat, and air conditioning. The dome was falling into the home when he took over the property and he restored and secured it to ensure the building would not collapse.

The house and grounds have been restored to their 1872 appearance. The interior of the house, its decoration, and its 1870s furnishings are all in the neo-Roman style. They even restored the only domestic Egyptian Revival room still in existence with its original 19th-century furnishings and decorations.

The house remains a private residence for the Lombardis. When they are at another one of their houses the home is opened to tours. It’s a really fascinating building. The views from every place you stand make it so unique. A true Westchester gem!