Octagon Mansion, Wytheville, Virginia, on a cloudy day
A distinctive eight-sided mansion, built in 1870 in Wytheville, Virginia, has been put on the market for $295,000. The historic Octagon Mansion, which boasts six bedrooms and approximately 5,000 square feet, comes with a notable reputation for paranormal activity and has been a site for ghost-themed events.
The home is one of the few remaining octagon houses in the United States, an architectural style that saw a brief surge in popularity in the mid-1800s. According to Realtor.com, this style was thought by some design experts to offer more space for less money during its peak in the late 1850s and early 1860s, though the trend waned by the early 20th century.
In recent years, the property operated as the Octagon Mansion History Museum. It was purchased in 2019 by curator John Cushman, who hosted events like “Dinner with a Ghost.” Before Cushman’s acquisition, the mansion reportedly sat vacant for nearly a decade. The museum eventually closed in March 2025.
Charlie Lankston, Executive Editor at Realtor.com, highlighted the property’s rarity, noting that its survival for over 150 years, with original features like hardwood floors and custom millwork intact, makes it a significant piece of American history. The property has undergone substantial remodeling, including updates to its electrical systems, bathrooms, and the addition of a commercial kitchen, while still retaining many original architectural elements.
The mansion’s B-2 zoning offers potential flexibility for its next owner, with possibilities for use as an event venue, a bed-and-breakfast, or a mixed-use space. Lankston emphasized that opportunities like this, especially at a price point under $300,000, are scarce for those interested in historic preservation.
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