The house was modeled after Donato Bramante’s 1502 Tempietto in Rome, which in turn was based on a Tholos, a type of ancient classical temple.

Fowler believed that octagonal houses enclosed more space, provided more interior sunlight, and that its rooms were easily accessible to each other.

[8] In 1976, the house was briefly owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to prevent it from being demolished.

The house's main floor is surrounded by a veranda decorated with carved wooden gingerbread detailing and lit with gas lamps.

In April 2019, the Armour-Stiner (Octagon) House opened its doors for guided tours by appointment.