Winter Place, North Alabama Travel Guide

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Explore Winter Place in Montgomery, AL: A historic landmark showcasing stunning architecture and a glimpse into a prominent 19th-century family's life.

Winter Place, located on Goldthwaite Street in Montgomery, Alabama, is a historic complex of two conjoined houses, the North House and the South House, reflecting the city's architectural evolution in the mid-19th century. The landmark offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of a prominent family and the styles that defined the era.

A brief summary to Winter Place

454 Goldthwaite St, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Winter Place.

Admire the architecture from the street, noting the blend of Italianate and Second Empire styles.
Check out nearby historical landmarks, such as the First White House of the Confederacy and the Alabama State Capitol.
Explore the Cottage Hill neighborhood where Winter Place is located to see other examples of historic architecture.

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Explore Winter Place on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Winter Place, mapped for you.

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. Continue walking south on Goldthwaite Street for approximately 0.5 miles. Winter Place will be on your right. There is no cost for walking.
Public Transport

To reach Winter Place via public transportation, find the nearest bus stop served by the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS). Take Bus Route 1 (Montgomery to Alabama State University), which typically runs every 30 minutes. 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. Note that bus fares may apply, so check with MATS for the latest fare information. A single ride fare 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 generally available, but be aware of any posted restrictions. Parking is free, unless otherwise posted.

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. The North House became a symbol of the Winter family's prosperity and social standing.Following the Civil War, in the 1870s, Winter added the South House to the complex. This addition showcased the Second Empire style, a more ornate and elaborate architectural style that gained popularity after the war. The Second Empire style, distinguished by its mansard roof, decorative dormers, and intricate detailing, reflected the Winter family's continued success and evolving aesthetic preferences. The South House 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. Sloan's influence is evident in the overall design and detailing of the complex, which seamlessly blends the Italianate and Second Empire styles.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. Following several decades of neglect, the property was placed on the Alabama Historical Commission's Places in Peril list in 2004. In 2018, the homes were sold to Benjamin Blanchard who renovated the South House as his personal residence in 2020 and plans to renovate the North House in the coming years.