Bus Daytrip: Armour-Stiner Octagon House

Octagonal houses were a popular mode of construction in the 19th century, following the publication of The Octagon House: A Home for All by Orson Squire Fowler.

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House was built in 1859–60 by the financier Paul Armour based on Fowler’s ideas; the dome and verandah were added, and the house was enlarged, in
1872–76 by Joseph Stiner, a prominent New York City tea merchant. Subsequent owners of the house included the Finnish American writer and explorer Aleko Lilius and the author, poet, and historian Carl Carmer.

Shortly after Carmer’s death, the house was acquired by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and, in 1978, was sold to its current private owner, the preservation architect Joseph Pell Lombardi. He and his son, Michael, have restored the house and grounds to their 1872 appearance. During our one-hour guided tour, we’ll view the home’s magnificent ornamentation and period furnishings, and learn about its unique architecture.

After our tour, we’ll travel to Tarrytown for lunch at the Washington Irving Boat Club’s riverfront Sailhouse restaurant.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking up and down three flights of stairs or cannot stand for extended periods of time. Also, the house has limited restroom facilities that may be unavailable before our tour begins.