Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Anybody from Wisconsin remember the historic Octagon House located here in Fond du Lac? To refresh your mind, here is a short clip from the website: http://www.octagonhousefdl.com/
This National Registered Historic Home is first and foremost a private residence. Built in 1856 by Isaac Brown, with architectural design of Orson Fowler, it holds both mystery and fascination. Constructed on an established 1814 settlement and trading post, this 12 room grout home became the wedding gift to Edwin Brown (son of Isaac) and his bride Ruth Pier, as residence until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.
The Octagon House features 9 secret passageways including an underground tunnel, found by current owner, Marlene Hansen during restoration in 1975. Used for a safe house in the 'underground railroad' the home would have kept its secrets forever, if not for the foresight of the Hansen's and their efforts to save this landmark from demolition.
Today this Talking House is at the head of Fond du Lac's Historic District, preserving history for generations to come!
So that’s really interesting, John, but….OK, it’s for sale and myself and two friends were given a tour by the owners along with my realtor. What an amazing house. The history that fills and surrounds it, is awesome.
The asking price is $189,000 and included in the sale are the three outbuildings that have great significance. The carriage house, the largest, is a two story rental apartment. The occupant doesn’t want to leave and currently pays 50% of the ‘new’ mortgage. The 2nd building was the old woodshop and could easily be used as a woodshop. (Brilliant, JOHN!) Or rented as an antique shop. The smallest building is currently housing gardening tools.
There are 3-4 bedrooms upstairs along with a full bath. Downstairs has an owner’s suite off one of two kitchens. A summer and main kitchen. Besides giving tours for $10/person, the current owners hosted 6 dinners a year which included a candlelit tour of the house, buildings, and the secret passageways. She also ran a costume rental shop and guests would dress in period costumes for dinner. The house is more of a museum with 1000’s of civil war relics.
I could go on and on, but I won’t. I have started to do some homework on the house and the permits that might be required to make it a B&B. One of my dreams. I shall keep you posted as the plot thickens. Enjoy the pics.
Anybody from Wisconsin remember the historic Octagon House located here in Fond du Lac? To refresh your mind, here is a short clip from the website: http://www.octagonhousefdl.com/
This National Registered Historic Home is first and foremost a private residence. Built in 1856 by Isaac Brown, with architectural design of Orson Fowler, it holds both mystery and fascination. Constructed on an established 1814 settlement and trading post, this 12 room grout home became the wedding gift to Edwin Brown (son of Isaac) and his bride Ruth Pier, as residence until his death in the battle of Antietam, in 1862.
The Octagon House features 9 secret passageways including an underground tunnel, found by current owner, Marlene Hansen during restoration in 1975. Used for a safe house in the 'underground railroad' the home would have kept its secrets forever, if not for the foresight of the Hansen's and their efforts to save this landmark from demolition.
Today this Talking House is at the head of Fond du Lac's Historic District, preserving history for generations to come!
So that’s really interesting, John, but….OK, it’s for sale and myself and two friends were given a tour by the owners along with my realtor. What an amazing house. The history that fills and surrounds it, is awesome.
The asking price is $189,000 and included in the sale are the three outbuildings that have great significance. The carriage house, the largest, is a two story rental apartment. The occupant doesn’t want to leave and currently pays 50% of the ‘new’ mortgage. The 2nd building was the old woodshop and could easily be used as a woodshop. (Brilliant, JOHN!) Or rented as an antique shop. The smallest building is currently housing gardening tools.
There are 3-4 bedrooms upstairs along with a full bath. Downstairs has an owner’s suite off one of two kitchens. A summer and main kitchen. Besides giving tours for $10/person, the current owners hosted 6 dinners a year which included a candlelit tour of the house, buildings, and the secret passageways. She also ran a costume rental shop and guests would dress in period costumes for dinner. The house is more of a museum with 1000’s of civil war relics.
I could go on and on, but I won’t. I have started to do some homework on the house and the permits that might be required to make it a B&B. One of my dreams. I shall keep you posted as the plot thickens. Enjoy the pics.
1 comment:
Hi Ya'll R.
Just a Hi to say still here,on Gov't $. Would you belive that I would have time getting out of here. Thought I'd have a exscort to the state line. Looks like you are having fun. Looking good and hope that the winter is easying up,76 today.
Talke later. Keep in touch
RX
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