Here in Virginia, we have an appreciation for memorable architecture. Humpback Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in Virginia, comes to mind as an example. Yet there are other equally fascinating — and even quirkier — examples that you’ll love to learn about. One of them is the Trapezium House. Built in the 19th Century, this house was designed intentionally to avoid any right angles. According to legend, such a design would prohibit any evil spirits from inhabiting the home. Here’s more on this mysterious house with a fascinating history.
Please note: The Trapezium House is privately owned and thus tours are no longer available to the public. However, visitors may view the home from a respectable distance during a visit to Petersburg.
Upon first glance, the Trapezium House in Petersburg looks like something of an optical illusion. The angles of the house seem jagged and mismatched and one might wonder what happened during the design process.
Robert Ziegenfus / Google
What makes the historic building so remarkable is the fact that these angles were constructed intentionally. In fact, you won’t find a single right angle in the structure of the building.
David H / TripAdvisor
The year was 1817, and a man named Charles O’Hara had heard that houses without any right angles couldn’t harbor any evil spirits.
Taber Andrew Bain / flickr
Taking the advice to heart, O’Hara requested that his future home be void of 90-degree angles.
Bill Smith (on a 111 day break) / flickr
Today, you’ll find the architecture of this building to be unlike anything you’ve seen. Without parallel walls, the structure is decidedly quirky.
Robert Ziegenfus / Google Even the inside of the house is void of angles. The stairs, floors, windows, and mantels are all set at a different angle.
So the next time you find yourself in the Petersburg area, you’ll want to add this bizarre yet fascinating example of architecture to your itinerary.
Google Maps
Have you visited the Trapezium House in Old Towne Petersburg before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience there!
Robert Ziegenfus / Google
David H / TripAdvisor
Taber Andrew Bain / flickr
Bill Smith (on a 111 day break) / flickr
Even the inside of the house is void of angles. The stairs, floors, windows, and mantels are all set at a different angle.
Google Maps
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Address: 244 N Market St, Petersburg, VA 23803, USA
