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The Octagon House, Gough Street
This house, built in 1861 by William C. McElroy, was constructed on the theory that its eight sides would allow people to live happier, healthier lives - kind of an occidental Feng Shui. In the mid 1860s San Francisco had a number of these octagonal houses with dormer windows, roof lanterns, and cupolas. But the short-lived fad soon passed and only this, and another one remain. Today the house, registered San Francisco landmark, is a museum for the National Society of Colonial Dames of America (I have no idea either) and features decorative arts of the Colonial and Federal periods as well as a number of historical documents. The property in the heart of busy Lower Pacific Heights also includes a secluded park with a beautiful lawn and lots of flowers.
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