Estabrook Octagon House

The Estabrook Octagon House is a two-story residence in Hoosick Falls with eight sides and walls made from a Rosendale cement mixture. A square porch on the east side serves as the main entrance to the building.

The building was constructed in 1853 by Ezra Robinson Estabrook following design principles promoted by Orson Squire Fowler, who believed octagonal buildings were more efficient. Fowler's ideas spread during the mid-19th century and influenced a small number of homes built across North America.

The building reflects mid-19th century ideas about how homes should be organized, with rooms arranged around a central staircase post for efficiency. This layout shows how people at that time thought about living spaces differently than in traditional rectangular houses.

The house is located on River Street near railroad tracks and now operates as an office for a realty company. Visitors should be aware that this is an active business location rather than a museum open for public tours.

The house features alternating patterns of single and double windows running around all eight sides of the building. These windows are topped with a dentiled trim and decorative wooden crest that give the structure its distinctive appearance.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.89639,-73.35306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46