The Octagon House was built in 1857 by James Lawther, a 25-year-old Irish pioneer who sought his fortune in Red Wing when it was still a small river settlement. Lawther adopted the octagonal design for the house, it is reported, because he believed it made the most economical use of space and also fostered the health and harmony of its inhabitants. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Octagon House is located on what has been judged “the most architecturally significant intersection in Minnesota.”
In May, 2009, the innkeeper was awarded a Heritage Preservation Award of Merit by the Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission. The award was presented to Nancy Wilhelmson for the interior rehabilitation and exterior painting of the Octagon House. Nancy purchased the home in August of 2007, moving there in the latter part of the year. Renovation on the interior of the carriage house began in March 2008 and was completed in late summer of that year. The exterior of the home was also painted that summer and work was begun on the landscaping.
The carriage house first floor interior renovations included dividing a large space into a room-sized storage area and single car garage, restoring the wood flooring, painting and adding vintage and period reproduction lighting. The second floor space was divided into a customized sewing and crafting studio and gathering room for relaxing and entertaining.