Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour | The Historical Octagon House & Farm
Embark on a captivating journey through the wondrous past of Seneca County, Ohio, with the Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour! The next stop on the journey is: The Historical Octagon House & Farm (7618 Township Rd 32 Clyde, OH 43410, Stop #1)
The Historical Octagon House & Farm is a barn wedding venue and AirBNB property located just outside of Green Springs, Ohio. Situated in the country, this beautifully renovated home and barn features ties to the past, with modern features and conveniences that make it ideal for celebrations. Surrounded by farm fields, it is a secluded space that is perfect for couples looking for rustic charm.
The octagonal design is one of the first American architectural designs not drawn from European influence. It was popularized by amateur architect and phrenology proponent Orson Squire Fowler, who authored the book, “The Octagon House: A Home for All.” As he designed octagon houses, he drew inspiration from nature in an effort to create greater comfort and efficiency in homes.
The octagon house was built before 1860 by Thomas Dunnage and was owned by Rahla Pontius from the mid-1920s until at least 1961. Eldon and Kathryn Powell purchased the property in 1968. The Powells weren’t looking for an octagon house specifically when they purchased the home, they were looking for a farm, and the home sat on prime, available land. In the end, they raised their family and lived in a unique and historical home for nearly 50 years.
The Frankart family purchased this property in 2021. Bill Frankart was raised up the road at the neighboring farm, where he and his family now live. Even as a child, Bill often mowed the yard for the previous owners. When the property went up for sale, the Frankarts were interested in the farmland and ensuring this unique property was maintained. As they put in work to both the home and barn, interest was piqued in using the space as an AirBNB rental. Their first year renting the house through AirBNB was a success and they received requests about renting the barn. Once renovations were completed on the barn, they began to offer that space up for private event rentals.
The property has a lot of history and the Frankarts have enjoyed learning more about its past and honoring the architecture and the land. For more information and to book your own stay or event at The Historical Octagon House & Farm, visit HistoricalOctagonHouse.com.
