This style of house is called an
Octagon. The period it was built was from 1850 to 1860. This house has eight sides. It is
two or three stories high. It has a raised basement. Orson Fowler was the person that
originated Octagon houses. They have a great view.These
houses have cupolas, a belvedere, verandas, a raised basement, low pitched roofs, a
bellcast porch roof, and dentils. A cupola is a round roof for a ceiling. A belvedere is a
structure from which a fine view may be had especially a top story that is open on one or
more sides. A veranda is a large porch along one or more sides of a house. A raised
basement is a really high basement raised up. A low pitched roof does not allow much space
between the floor and ceiling. A bellcast porch roof is a small structure. They are
designed to contain one or more bells. A dentil is a square shaped piece of wood.
The style came from America. The time period in which it was popular
was 1850 to 1860. It was a scientific answer to America's housing needs. It was efficient
and healthful and a form endorsed by nature. The needs and requirements of the
working-class family were met by this house.