The David van Gelder Octagon House is a National Registry property that might accurately be called Octagon Oasis for its 2.3 acre park hidden within the village of Catskill. A long gravel drive leads through the private park to one of the most amazing houses in the Hudson Valley. Octagon Houses were a fabulous fad created by phrenologist Orson Squire Fowler in the 10 years prior to the Civil War. His idea was enclosing 20% more space than a square within the same perimeter, letting in more natural light by eliminating corners - among many other things. This superb 12-room (or so) example in brick includes 4 classical (and acoustically sensational) 14 x 17 rooms with 12 ft. high ceilings on the first floor, 4 Bedrooms (one now a Media Room) on the second floor - reached by a soaring staircase that spirals on up to the Sky Lantern, from which one gazes upon one's very private and elegant domain.