Hey, fellow travelers! Have you ever found yourself heading south out of Rittman on Rt. 57 towards Orrville and suddenly spot a strange looking round house with a sign posted at the driveway noting “The Octagon House?” Have you ever wondered what was inside?
Recently, I had the opportunity to enjoy a private tea inside the Queen Ann-style octagon-shaped home and current private residence of The Bury family. Built in 1883, by Ezekiel B. Zimmerman and his wife, Frances B. Hess Zimmerman, the home is only one of a few octogen homes left standing in Ohio. During our tea it was shared that it may be the only octogen shaped house with a gabled roof. And what a unique roof it is. Preservation funds are currently being raised to bring the special metal roof and cupola back to its prior glory.
Notable features of the home include the three-brick-thick exterior walls, distinctive floor pan, interior corners, and a stairwell with views of the cupola.
The home stayed in the Zimmerman family until the death of Mrs. Zimmerman in 1972, The following year Gordon and Lynne Bury purchased the home as a private resident and to lovingly work at preserving the home for generations. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An Ohio Historical Marker is located on the property highlighting the homes history.
TEA
Our tea included a delightful selection of tea sandwiches, salmon croquettes, a molded tomato aspic, and assortment of sweets, including scones with lemon curd. Plus a choice of three fresh brewed teas.
I cannot say thank you enough to the Bury family for being such wonderful hosts and for sharing their beautiful and unique home with a group of tourism professionals. Truly lovely. (I am still not a fan of Victorian Hair Art.)
VISIT
Open by appointment or during special events only. This is a private home, please do not visit without scheduling. (The upstairs is not accessible for viewing.)…