Here are some examples of octagonal architecture that we particularly like:

	Longwood	ca. 1860-1861, Natchez, MS
	Longwood is a National Historic Landmark and has been called the grandest octagonal house in America and a superb example of mid-19th century Oriental style. Designed for Haller and Julia Nutt, it retains its original furnishings. The finial atop dome was reconstructed in 1993 by the Pilgrimage Garden Club.
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	The Armour-Stiner House	ca. 1860 and 1872, Irvington, NY
	The Armour-Stiner House was built in 1860 as a simple two-story octagon. Twelve years later, the house was sold and customized: the two-story tall dome, ornate cupola, 60 columns, and other items were added and painted in a 20+ color scheme. This house is considered to be the most opulent octagonal house in existence. It fell into disrepair and became property of the National Historic Trust, but has been painstakingly restored over the past decade.
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	Poplar Forest	ca. 1806, Lynchburg, VA
	Poplar Forest was built by Thomas Jefferson in 1806 as the centerpiece to his intricate villa design. He owned several plantations but built elaborate houses for his personal use at only two of them -- Monticello and Poplar Forest. Jefferson was fascinated with octagons and incorporated them in many of his designs, but Poplar Forest is the only wholly octagonal structure Jefferson designed that was constructed.
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	Waverley Mansion	ca. 1852, Columbus, MS
	Waverley Mansion is not an octagon, but it has an octagonal cupola that is open to the first floor, much as we are planning. Built by Colonel George Hampton Young in 1852, Waverley is a striking example of ante-bellum elegance. The plantation was a self-sustaining community complete with gardens, orchards and livestock. It maintained a brick kiln, cotton gin, ice house and swimming pool with bathhouse. Gas for the chandeliers was produced by burning pine knots in a retort.