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Winter Place: A Glimpse into Montgomery's Past

Explore Winter Place in Montgomery, AL: A historic landmark showcasing 19th-century architecture and offering a glimpse into the lives of a prominent family.

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Winter Place, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a historic complex comprised of two conjoined houses, the North House and the South House, reflecting distinct architectural styles of the mid-19th century. Built for Colonel Joseph Samuel Winter and his family, it offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family.

A brief summary to Winter Place

  • 454 Goldthwaite St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

Local tips

  • Take your time to admire the architectural details of both the North and South Houses, noting the distinct Italianate and Second Empire styles.
  • Check for any ongoing restoration work, as the property has been undergoing renovations in recent years.
  • Consider exploring other nearby historical sites in Montgomery, such as the Alabama State Capitol and the First White House of the Confederacy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Court Square Fountain in downtown Montgomery, walk south on Dexter Avenue. Turn left onto Monroe Street, then right onto Goldthwaite Street. Winter Place will be on your left at 454 Goldthwaite St. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Winter Place via public transportation, use the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS). Take Bus Route 1 (Montgomery to Alabama State University) and disembark at the 'Goldthwaite St & Adams Ave' stop. From there, walk approximately 0.3 miles north on Goldthwaite St; Winter Place will be on your left at 454 Goldthwaite St. A single ride fare on MATS is $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Montgomery, head south on US-231 S/S Court St. Turn right onto Goldthwaite St. Winter Place will be on your left at 454 Goldthwaite St. Street parking is available, but be mindful of any parking restrictions. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $1-2 per hour.

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Discover more about Winter Place

Winter Place, situated at 454 Goldthwaite Street in Montgomery, Alabama, stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural evolution during the mid-19th century. This unique complex comprises two conjoined houses, the North House and the South House, each representing distinct architectural styles and reflecting the changing tastes of the Winter family who resided there. The story of Winter Place begins with Colonel Joseph Samuel Winter, a prominent businessman and community figure in Montgomery. In the 1850s, Winter commissioned the construction of the North House, an Italianate-style residence that served as the primary family home. The Italianate style, characterized by its symmetrical design, low-pitched roof, and decorative brackets, was immensely popular in Montgomery at the time. Following the Civil War, in the 1870s, Winter added the South House to the complex. The South House, designed in a Second Empire style, became the residence of Winter's daughter, Sally Gindrat Winter Thorington, and her husband, Robert D. Thorington. Architectural historians believe that Samuel Sloan, a renowned Philadelphia architect who designed Winter's first home in Montgomery in 1851, also designed Winter Place. Beyond its architectural significance, Winter Place holds a unique place in Montgomery's social and cultural history. According to family lore, the South House was the site of a tea party where F. Scott Fitzgerald first met his future wife, Zelda Sayre. Winter Place has also experienced periods of decline and neglect. In the mid-20th century, the complex was converted into apartments, and over time, it suffered damage from hurricanes and general deterioration. After several decades of neglect, the complex was placed on the Alabama Historical Commission's Places in Peril list in 2004. In 2018, the homes were sold to real-estate investor Benjamin Blanchard who renovated the South House as his personal residence.

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