1-Tank Adventure: Victorian Spring At The Armour-Stiner Octagon House

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The best way to truly appreciate every angle of the The Armour-Stiner (Octagon) House is to see it in person and there may be no better time to schedule a visit than during the "Victorian Springtime Tour."

The lyrical, eight-sided home in Irvington is in bloom. Right now, the restored National Landmark is a pleasure both indoors and outdoors.

The Armour-Stiner (Octagon) House was originally created as a summer retreat in 1872 by tea importer Joseph Stine. The 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 house was acquired by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, but was in need of stabilization and conservation. It was the first house to be acquired by the National Trust and resold, in 1978, to a private owner.

Joseph Pell Lombardi, the owner, is a preservation architect specializing in conservation, restoration and historic preservation. Lombardi’s son, Michael Hall Lombardi, has managed, researched and performed restoration work throughout the house, including the Egyptian Revival Room, basement, kitchen, greenhouse & studio, and much of the decorative surfaces. The house and grounds have been restored to their 1872 appearance.

The private home still has much of its original detailed ornamentation and furnishings. The house has what is believed to be the only remaining Egyptian Revival Room in America — with its original decoration and furniture.

Victorian Springtime at The Octagon House Historic Home & Landscape Tours run April 28 – June 30. Both a guided exploration of the lush 19th-century grounds and an unforgettable interior tour are included. Hudson Valley artist Julia Whitney Barnes will be exhibiting her cyanotype prints inside the Collections Room on the Third Floor.

Dates and times for the tours are limited and sell out quickly. Tickets can be reserved here.

The Octagon House is also offering "Nothing Is Impossible" preservation-focused tours April 8 – April 23. The journey through time will explore engineering and structural repairs made in an effort to preserve the treasured National Historic Landmark. Visitors will learn more about the owner Joseph Pell Lombardi's journey in restoring the house, and the extraordinary dedication required to successfully take on and complete a task many said would be "impossible."

Tickets can be reserved here.

The spring tours will run approximately 1 hour and are best suited for guests ages 7 and up.

IF YOU GO:

The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is a private family home and guided tours are given by appointment only. Access to the grounds is available to ticket holders only for the duration of each ticket's specified date and time. Any questions can be directed to info@armourstiner.com.

General Information

• The Armour-Stiner House is a private residence open for tours by appointment only.
• Please do not arrive 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. Picnicking is not allowed.
• The 1-hour tour is conducted by highly trained docents and includes an interior viewing of the house.
• The tour is physically demanding and not recommended for individuals with difficulty walking up and down the stairs.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.

Photography

• The Armour-Stiner Octagon House can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
• Non-flash photography is permitted during tours.
• No selfie-sticks, tripods, or other external equipment, please.

Parking

• 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).
• Since parking is limited, please do not arrive 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.

Private Home

• 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 of the house.

SEE ALSO:

• 1-Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park
• 1-Tank Adventure: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
• 1-Tank Adventure: Stone Barns Center For Food And Agriculture
• 1-Tank Adventure: Building Memories At Legoland
• 1-Tank Adventure: Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
• 1-Tank Adventure: 'See For Miles' At This Hudson Valley Overlook
• 1-Tank Adventure: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• 1-Tank Adventure: The Wild Center
• 1-Tank Adventure: Marshland Conservancy