Why is this house so oddly shaped? Welcome to the Feusier Octagon House one of San Francisco’s most unique homes. This architectural wonder stands proudly at 1067 Green Street in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood. Built sometime between 1852 and 1858 by George L Kenny it’s one of the oldest houses on the hill. Kenny sold it to Louis Feusier in 1870. The Feusier family cherished this home for eighty years.
The Feusier Octagon House isn’t just pretty. It’s historically significant. It’s a California Historic Landmark and a National Register of Historic Places site. Its unusual octagonal shape is a fascinating reminder of a mid-19th century architectural craze. A New York phrenologist Orson Squire Fowler believed that a house’s shape directly impacted its residents’ well-being. The octagon he argued was ideal maximizing sunlight and fresh air. This unique design made the Feusier Octagon House a true standout.
Louis Feusier a fascinating figure in his own right was born in France. He arrived in California in 1852. After a decade in Nevada he returned to San Francisco married Louise Guerne and purchased this iconic house. Louis was a businessman his interests ranging from grocery merchandising to mining. His family lived in the house for decades. This octagonal home even survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. While outbuildings were lost the main house remarkably stood strong.
Imagine the Feusier family’s lives within these walls. Four children grew up here. The family’s life is preserved through photographs. The house itself speaks volumes about its history. The addition of a third story with a Mansard roof and an octagonal cupola in 1899 showcases the family’s prosperity and their commitment to their beloved home. This remarkable structure has passed through several families after the Feusiers sold it in 1954.
The Feusier Octagon House is not open to the public. But it continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of those who pass by. It remains a testament to San Francisco’s rich history. This small house whispers tales of the city’s past. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era when octagonal homes were all the rage. And it continues to charm visitors. Its uniqueness continues to attract attention making it an iconic landmark and a prized piece of San Francisco’s architectural heritage.