Saturday, August 3, 2024

Banksville's 1850s Round House (Octagon House) is For Sale

 


On the New York State side of Banksville is an historical wonder that can be yours. 

Constructed in 1850, the Round House located on, appropriately, Round House Road, is for sale. Why not make it yours?

Octagon houses are eight-sided homes. These were popular starting  in the USA and Canada in the 1850s. Most of these houses featured a flat roof and a veranda that encircled the exterior. They are traced to the influential 19th century American architect Orson Squire Fowler. 



Greenwich, Connecticut at one time had an octagon house. It was built on Milbank Avenue by Solomon Gansey. Greenwich Time published an article I wrote about this on. It was published on October 2, 1987. Go to this link to that article.  

According to North Castle History, published by the North Castle Historical Society in 1991, the house was purchased in 1859  by Dr. Ralph Barnard Griswold. 

"The Doctor sold 'The Round House' in 1890 to Lizzie Crispo, a lady from New York City, who thought she might like to have a country place to enjoy in the summer. However, she kept it less than one year and sold the building and property to The Middle Patent Church in 1891. The Round House became the parsonage." 

From the listing:

The Round House, namesake of Roundhouse Road, was originally built in the 1850s. In 2018 this rare, octagonal property underwent a complete renovation, as featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. 

The aesthetics of the original architecture were masterfully preserved, while the fit and finishes were updated with modern materials and standards. The result is an incredibly unique property combining old world charm and new world comfort and durability. 

The craftsmanship and attention to detail is apparent as soon as you step onto the property.  

From the exterior you will see Hardie Plank siding and double pane windows. These choices were carefully selected to mimic the original design, while providing durability and energy efficiency.  

Stepping inside, you will be captured by the open concept of the main floor, which is punctuated by an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an enormous island just waiting for you to pull up a stool! If this open area is not enough, there is also an adjacent sunroom. A pantry, built-in shelves, built-in bookshelf, and "Harry Potter" closet offer abundant storage opportunities.  

Winding up the stairs to the second floor, your eyes will be drawn upward to admire the stunning, windowed cupola which floods the space with natural light. 

The primary bedroom is replete with a tastefully updated en suite bath and walk-in closet. The other two bedrooms on this level share a full hallway bath, also beautifully updated.  

The lower level, aside from a spacious laundry area and separate utility room, has two large finished spaces that can be used for any number of things, be it a wine cellar, office, gym, craft room, or whatever suits you!  

Just imagine yourself sitting on the wraparound porch, watching your guests overflowing from the house and spilling onto the sprawling lawn during a festive celebration, or sipping a beverage while you quietly contemplate a rainy evening.  

You will be writing the next chapter of this storied property.





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