The Armour-Stiner Octagon House — Attraction in Town of Greenburgh

The Armor-Stiner Octagon House is undoubtedly one of the most uniquely designed homes in the world and serves as a visible reminder of America’s passion and taste for Victorian style aesthetics and octagonal structures in the 19th century.

On the afternoon of Halloween of 2021, I brought and treated myself and my wife for the guided “Myths & Mysteries Tour” of the Armor-Stiner Octagon House. Our exciting tour included the sightseeing of multiple rooms, artwork, the house’s visually distinctive features and unique interior decoration.

We also learned much about the history of the house, its many occupants (from past to present) and stories of unexplained eerie occurrences, which adds to the house’s intriguing mystery.

Our tour guide noted that the house was initially built and owned in the mid 19th Century by Paul Armour, a New York based financier, and it was designed with the use of the octagonal architectural framework endorsed by Orson Squire Fowler, a notable phrenologist and author.

The dome, which can be seen at the top of the house and which adds a taste of Italian Renaissance flair was placed by Joseph Stiner, the house’s 2nd owner and a successful tea importer.

Per our guide, Fowler believed that octagonal house permitted the entry of additional sunlight, helped its occupants to better monitor the hours of the day, and enhance their accessibility to the house’s various rooms. During our house tour, my wife and I definitely took notice of the multitude of locations receiving sunlight exposure and also noticed the ease and convenience in moving from room to room.

Our favorite parts of the house were the entrance hall, which where you can first detect the interior’s octagonal structure, the library, the dining room and the Egyptian Revival Style room, which was likely used to inspire creativity and encourage artwork pursuits.

In addition to learning about the Amour-Stiner house, its past and present occupants, and touring its many rooms, my wife & I also learned about the house’s eerie and mysterious incidents. Without giving away too much, our tour discussed claims of multiple sightings of a mysterious and ghostly figure referred to as “The Lady In White” inside the house and on the property. Our guide also cited the experiences of the Lombardi family, the property’s present owners, whom can recall the unexplained movement of objects “such as the lifting of windows” and the sound of running footsteps, but with no sight of a person or animal causing such sounds.

Both my wife and I would love to thank our guide for providing us with a wonderful guided tour of the Armor-Stiner Octagon House. We would also love to thank Joseph Lombardi, the house’s current owner and preservation architect and his family for their tireless effort and years of devotion towards preserving this magnificent attraction.

We definitely recommend for everyone to visit , tour and learn about this visually stunning National Historic Landmark, to sightsee and take pictures of the estate’s gorgeous landscape and gardens and to observe and take in the breathtaking views of the...

The Historic Hudson Valley is home to many extraordinary gilded-age estates (Lyndhurst, Kykuit, Olana, among others), but none can compare to the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, NY. It is not the most opulent, nor the most grand, nor the largest. It is, however, one of the most charming, beautiful, unusual, and welcoming houses available to tour.

For starters, it's one of the few remaining Octogon-shaped houses left (believe it or not, they were once a craze in America). You might expect such a form would lead to a collection of awkward, pie-shaped rooms: you would be surprised, however. The building contains some of the most lovely rectilinear spaces I've seen; each meticulously restored thanks to a 40-year effort by owner and architect, Joseph Pell Lombardi (a breathtaking story in its own right).

I suggest the "Anything's Possible" tour, which highlights the herculean efforts that went into preserving this pink, five-story Victorian confection. Kathleen and Kateri were docents on my recent visit and they were filled with interesting details about every surface, material, restoration effort, and piece of period furnishing. What pie-shaped rooms there are (and there ARE a few) serve clever purposes and will have you longing for a triangular office in your own house.

Be sure to linger on the veranda (which could accommodate a few hundred guests, I'm certain), and wander the three+ acres of landscaped grounds, and whimsically-colored out-buildings.

When you're done, grab lunch in downtown Irvington and, if you have the energy, move on to Sunnyside, the home of local namesake, Washington Irving. (P.S. Don't forget to tip your docents when you're done and support the ongoing restoration efforts by picking up a souvenir in the basement gift shop. I bought a book, a ridiculously expensive -- but worth it -- glass Christmas ornament, and a 3-D puzzle of the manse that will likely keep me busy for months to come).

Located near the Hudson River, about 45 minutes north of midtown Manhattan. Advance tickets are required. (Here are some shots of the exterior of the estate. You'll need to visit if you want to see the...

There are no words to describe what a wonderful experience I had visiting this place. I was stuck in traffic, and I called to tell them that I will be late for 10am tour. Without any issues I was told I can join the next tour at 11:30am. When finally there, I was allowed to roam the grounds and take as many pictures I wanted, how great is that?! I even went to the green house, not knowing it was not part of the tour, but the door was unlocked and my curiosity got better of me as usual. However, my adventure was met with kind and deep understanding from the Lady of the house, for which I am very grateful. The tour by itself was very educational, and one could see right away the tour guide Ladies, love their job, which made the whole experience even richer.

Regarding the negative reviews from people not knowing they need to purchase the ticket online, I would say they cannot blame anyone else but themselves for lack of researching and organization before taking a trip. This place is a private residence, it says on Google maps as well, therefore it doesn't mean that one can just show up at any time and blame the others for not the greatest experience. I mean, a little bit of mindfulness and respect will get one far, no?

I was also told that during Christmas, house is very elegantly decorated, so I think I will have to visit again...

Thank you all for such a wonderful experience, most...