Randall House

The Randall House is an octagonal residence in Mayville, Michigan that stands two stories tall and is topped by a cupola. The structure uses wood-frame construction and combines both flat octagonal sections with a rectangular wing in its overall shape.

A Canadian carpenter named William Randall arrived in Michigan in 1865 and completed this house in 1872 with the help of local craftspeople. The project was built during a time when unconventional house shapes were being tried across the region.

This house reflects a design movement that became popular in the mid-1800s when octagonal houses gained attention in America. The shape was part of a broader push for alternative living concepts in household design at that time.

The house is easily identified from outside thanks to its unusual octagonal shape and the cupola dominating the roofline. Visitors should note that the interior layout adapts to the geometric form with the central spiral staircase organizing the space.

The observation cupola at the top features Gothic-style windows that create an unexpected visual contrast with the geometric simplicity below. These details are particularly striking when viewed from outside, where the elevated windows stand out against the flat-roofed octagonal sides.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 43.33944,-83.32222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42