With all the homes for sale in Oxford these days, it really takes something unique to stand out in this crowded market.
Everybody’s selling the same old boring four walls and roof. Been there. Done that.
But what about a house with eight walls? How about something that’s a state-registered historic landmark?
Such a house is for sale right now at 2246 Oxford Rd. and it can be yours for $695,000.
It’s known by different names ? the Harry Frink House or Maple Grove Farm ? but most locals simply refer to it as the Octagon House.
‘I think it’s spectacular,? said Diane Kurtz, the associate broker with the Oxford-based Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty who’s listing the house along with the 8.2 acres it sits on. ‘It’s in wonderful condition. It’s been renovated and updated.?
Built around 1850 by Harry Frink (1809-89) ? a farmer and master carpenter from New York who settled in Oxford in March 1839 and later served as a justice of the peace ? the eight-sided, two-story home reflects a national craze following the 1848 publication of the book ‘A Home for All? by a New York phrenologist named Orson Fowler.
In his popular book, Fowler touted the octagon shape as providing more floor space per wall length and as more economical to build than standard houses. He praised them for their efficient cooling (i.e. their ability to easily catch cross breezes), wind resistance and abundance of natural light.
‘It’s got some very interesting lines,? Kurtz said. ‘It’s very open when you walk in.?
The public was sold on Fowler’s ideas and octagon construction swept the nation until it was abruptly ended by the Financial Panic of 1857 and the Civil War.
The Harry Frink House, currently owned by Chris Murray, of Murray Excavating, is one of approximately 50 known octagon buildings in Michigan.
‘I have quite a few homes on the market that have some historical value, but this is the most unique because there just aren’t that many octagon homes that have survived over the years,? Kurtz said.
In May 1990, the 3,800-square-foot house became a state-registered historic site.
A marker briefly explaining the structure’s history and significance was erected in March 1997.
One of the home’s more unique features is an enclosed octagon belvedere that crowns the roof.
Easily accessible through a small door or hatch, this architectural feature is an entire space dedicated to enjoying the picturesque view of the Metamora Hunt Country surrounding it.
Given the property includes a 10-stall horse barn, 60×110 indoor arena, 75×90 outdoor ring and four board-fenced pastures, there’s no doubt that this land is a horse lover’s dream come true.
‘It’s an ideal equestrian facility,? said Kurtz, who’s been specializing in equestrian farms/estates in the Metamora Hunt Country for almost 25 years. ‘There are miles and miles of horse trails that envelop this property.?
According to Kurtz, Brace Beemer, a former Oxford resident who played the radio version of the Long Ranger from 1941-54, used to exercise his horse at this very farm.
Anyone interested in buying this one-of-a-kind property shouldn’t delay.
‘It’s only been on the market a couple weeks, but I expect that just because of its uniqueness that it won’t remain on the market very long,? Kurtz said. ‘I have had a couple different interested parties.?
For more information on the Octagon House call Kurtz at (248) 969-8021 or (248) 408-8784. She can also be reached via e-mail at dkurtzrealtor@aol.com.