It's the most wonderful time of the year at one of the most visually unique houses in America and the best kept secrets in the region.

Victorian Christmas tours at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Irvington have opened for the season.

The stories behind the eight walls sparkle with antique reverance to its unique history.

The only fully domed octagonal house in the world is like a time capsule of the 19th Century where a sense of seasonal nostalgia touches each room.

"Its a magical experience, people are transported back in time to the Victorian era, every detail in every way has been restored to its original appearance," said Michael Lombardi, son of the owner Joseph Pell Lombardi.

In fact, tours will teach visitors about the essential role of the Lombardi family in the one-of-a-kind house we know today.

It was back in 1872 when the Iconic dome structure of the Octagon house was built.

However, the passing of a century and a lack of maintenance brought its foundation to its knees.

That's when the Lombardi family comes in.

"My father, a young preservation architect, acquired the house in 1978," Michael said, "it was the first house sold into private ownership by the National Trust for Historic Preservation."

That period marked the start of remarkable restoration through the decades that continues to this day.

It's an inspiring story with the backdrop of garlands and glimmer from 19th Century Christmas ornaments.

Every corner holds new surprises in the eight-sided home.

"A wonderful and unique aspect of the house being an octagon, as a byproduct you have these corner rooms, which are very unusual and whimsical in their own right," Michael said.

It'll take more than one visit to see it all.

Victorian Christmas Tours run through Dec. 31.

To learn more about it, click here