The Rise and Fall of America’s Octagon Houses: A Curious Architectural Legacy

Step back in time to explore the surprising story behind America’s eight-sided homes. From Thomas Jefferson’s pioneering Poplar Forest to Orson Squire Fowler’s enthusiastic promotion, octagon houses captured mid-19th-century imaginations with their promise of efficiency, sunlight, and fresh air.

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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
CC BY 2.0 Photos from: Flickr User: Doug Kerr, Tom Bower,sgerbic, Don O'Brien, Tom Bower, csouza_79, daveynin, dalecruse
CC BY-SA 4.0 Photos from: Wikipedia User: JRROctagon, Codera23, DutchTreat, Atlabar
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Music from Epidemic Sound

[mikenixon]

I always thought octagon houses were amazing, but also wondered about the expense of upkeep. Another good report, Ken. Thanks.

[savvybear]

there's an octagon house in my hometown. it's on a small private pond, and set back from the road, hidden by trees. very interesting, i went to school with the kids who lived there

[eduardoconstantino]

that shape also, pushes the wind aside, to make it stronger to high strong winds, and offered a very nice 180 view of the land!

[guyvanarsdall]

So glad you covered these Victorian curiosities. They've always had a special place in my ❤!

[David-tmsl]

Longwood in Natchez is a massively expansive house with a very open feel. It would have been wonderful to see it in a finished state.

[LJB]

I love the marching octagonal birdhouse of the Armour-Stiner House; the home is beautiful, too.

[olivierdochez]

in my early teens I wanted to become an architect, and from my 12 to my 16 I designed several octagon house plans. it was my preferred shape to go to. I never got to be an architect and I threw out my plans only a few years ago, if only I had kept them. in two years I <ill be 50 and I wanted to build a compact house. I was indeed planning on an octagon again as it is just such a no brainer for practicality

[g.v.hedgpeth]

Very intriguing topic! I'd like to see more interior views of these 8- sided homes.

[LitHouseTieDye]

I grew up down the road from an Octagon House in E.Templeton MA. I was always fascinated by it. I think it's sadly fallen into disrepair. It was for sale years ago but I'm not sure if it was ever restored or if it was just a loss. It sure does activate the imagination of a little girl. Thanks for the info. Very interesting.

[jelsner]

I have a life-long fascination with octagon houses. There are ways to lay out the interiors so that main rooms remain rectangular and only closets, pantries and bathrooms are triangular. A lot of the homes you featured have their own videos showcasing them.

[tyeteames]

For all of your knowledge and work. Thank you.

[JS.]

Lol Barrington IL octagon house. Born and raised in Barrington. Been here 25 years. Great place to live.

[lesal.]

I love Steiner's NY house. I think the dome top finishes the octagon perfectly.

[andreaberryhill]

Very intriguing! Thanks for a unique story & perspective.

[ZolaClyde]

I love octagon houses, I’m very glad some are still around.

[christinemarie]

I think they are beautiful. There is one in Laird, Colorado that has been restored and looks amazing!

[Robin-gqd]

Gee, I would like to have known about the Octagon House in Mayo, FL when I lived in N. Florida many years ago! I love Old Houses as most do who watch your Channel & am so interested in what you share with us. Stay Warm & safe.

[ssippishark]

My architecture professors would always make fun of plans with little triangle sliver spaces and say, "what are you going to with that closet? .... store your left over pizza?"

[asylumlover]

KEN, WHEN I SEE THESE KINDS OF THINGS, AND I'VE BEEN AWARE OF SUCH HOUSES SINCE I WAS A KID, IT IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES WHEN I WISH THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO RELOCATE ALL OF THEM TO ONE CAREFULLY CHOSEN LOCATION, SELECTED FOR IT'S RELATIVE SAFETY, AND PRESERVE ALL OF THEM TOGETHER, DECLARING THE ENTIRE SITE A NATIONAL MONUMENT, AND, YES OF COURSE, A DEMOLITION FREE SO LONG LIVE THIS

[jackjames]

I’m from London and I had never even heard of an octagon house until I saw the movie MOTHER where for the set they built a beautiful Victorian wood octagon house and then gradually destroyed it (!)

It’s because of that set that I investigated more and saw there were loads of them in the usa and so realised it was “a thing”

I’ve only ever seen one octagon house in the uk and that’s the house i grew up in

Its an English red bricked octagon house in south London - and my parents are still there - we and visitors have often said how lovely a design it is to have a central hallway with stairs and have all the rooms branching off that central hallway and when I was a child being able to play “chase” by running through the rooms around in circles and not get caught lol ❤ so I LOVE this video 🎉🎉🎉 bravo !