William Orr House, National Register historic residence in LaPorte County, Indiana, United States.
The William Orr House is a brick residence spanning 2.5 stories with a mansard roof, central tower, and a full-width front porch on West Small Road. The building sits on a spacious country property and remains in residential use while maintaining its original character from the 1870s.
Built in 1875, the house combines Eastlake movement style with Italianate and Gothic Revival elements in a way that was fashionable among wealthy homeowners. The work of architect W.J. Edbrooke, it represents a significant expression of architectural ambition during that era in the region.
The residence reflects how wealthy families of the late 1800s blended different architectural styles to show their status and taste. The tower and wide porch made a strong visual statement about the owner's position in the community.
The house sits on a rural property set back from main roads and is easy to locate by following West Small Road. Keep in mind this is a private residence, so viewing is best done from the road or from a distance.
The central tower rises noticeably higher than the main structure, creating an unusual silhouette that stands out in the flat countryside landscape. This bold design choice sets it apart from most other houses of that period in the county.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.