A Twelve-Sided 1900s Home in Ludlow

The Latta House’s dodecagon shape combines one-of-a-kind curb appeal with modern updates for a home unlike any other.

August 3, 2026

2541

Price: $625,000

For nearly 80 years (from the mid-1800’s into the early 1900’s), steam-powered fire engines were the gold standard for strong, powerful fire suppression. Prior to their invention, bucket brigades and hand-pumped fire engines required tons of manpower, with major limitations to water pressure, range, and response time. When the power of steam came onto the scene, the industry was revolutionized.

Its talented inventor was Ohio native Alexander Bonner Latta, an experienced machinist and manufacturer who rose from humble beginnings to become an expert in steam engines. After perfecting his design, he sold the world’s first steam-powered engine to the city of Cincinnati in 1853, and would go on to sell more than 30 fire engines to cities throughout the U.S.

It comes as no surprise that, in terms of ingenuity and resourcefulness, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Latta’s son, Griffin Taylor Latta, built a home in the early 1900s that defied standard architecture. It boasts an unusual, yet enchanting, dodecagon shape (for those whose geometry might be a bit rusty, that’s 12 equal sides). Clad in yellow brick, its Arts & Crafts style is punctuated by a window or door on each side of the house. A wide, welcoming front porch provides subtle ornamentation.

254 Latta St. sits on a generous, half-acre lot. This large amount of land in the heart of the city is surprising, but it can be traced back to Ludlow’s early days. The Latta family was one of three prominent families that developed large sections of property close to downtown. The idea was to create a ‘cluster’ of new homes nearby that could house their children and grandchildren, and even provide rental income.

Alexander Latta purchased four acres, and the parcel would eventually be divided into three lots for the family homestead, Griffin’s home, and his sister, Luella’s, five attached houses—which became Ludlow’s only urban row (known as Latta Row). Her experience as a property developer and businesswoman in the male-dominated Victorian era is fascinating, but that’s a story for another day.

Once inside 254 Latta St., the uniqueness of the floorplan is felt immediately. “There is a square hallway in the center, but every other room is not rectangular. The footprint is the most unique thing about it,” says listing agent Adam Sanregret.

The foyer is flanked by a dining room and parlor. Both rooms are large and bright, with jewel-tone color palettes and a fireplace in each. Continuing straight back through the foyer, a grand staircase awaits. Retaining endless old-world charm, it features globe-shaped newel post lamps, with a stained-glass window on the landing. At the top of the stairs, prepare to be stopped in your tracks, mid-climb, to marvel at the gorgeous stained-glass skylight.

Once you tear yourself away, the second floor spreads out to offer four sizable bedrooms, an en suite bathroom with the primary, and another full bathroom elsewhere on the second floor—there are three-and-a-half bathrooms total for the 3,326-square-foot home. Each of the bathrooms has been updated for modern comfort. The second floor also comes equipped with the convenience of a second laundry room (the other is in the finished basement).

Throughout the house, the unique layout creates an open, easy flow from one room to the next. Though each room maintains its own distinct identity, there’s no sense of isolation or disconnect. Original pocket doors remain and can be used to open or close off spaces as needed. At the back of the house, a cozy living room is simplified with creamy white walls that allow the (unpainted) wood trim to contrast beautifully. There is no shortage of warm natural light in the house, and the living room is especially blessed.

Moving through, the living room connects to an updated kitchen. There’s generous cabinet space, seating at the peninsula, a cozy window seat, and plenty of prep area. The back patio can be accessed from the kitchen, and it leads to a backyard that simply can’t be missed. A long, paved walkway trails back to an inground pool and pool house. Mature trees combined with tasteful landscaping make the area feel completely private and peaceful. A four-car garage rounds out the exhaustive list of amenities. With easy walkability to all of Ludlow’s charming offerings, plus a 10-minute drive to Cincinnati, there is a whole ‘Latta’ love at this fantastic property.

A Twelve-Sided 1900s Home in Ludlow

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