Imagine a building that has witnessed nearly 150 years of history, from its humble beginnings as a stable to becoming a haven for Grammy-winning musicians. That’s the story of the green carriage house at 414 Walnut Street in Williamsport, a historic landmark now on the market. But this isn’t just any property—it’s a living testament to how repurposing a structure can breathe new life into it, blending the past with the present in the most captivating way. And this is the part most people miss: its walls echo tales of prominent women’s clubs, a legendary pianist’s final days, and a community that cherished his privacy during a global pandemic.
Built around 1870, this 6,200-square-foot carriage house originally served the Smith Ullman house, a Victorian mansion still standing on Millionaire’s Row. But its most transformative chapter began in the 1920s when five of Williamsport’s most influential women’s clubs—Clio, College, Civic, Garden, and Business and Professional Women—joined forces to purchase the property. Under the architectural guidance of Carl V. Welker, the former stable was reimagined into an elegant event space. The hayloft became a grand meeting room with a fireplace, and villa-style wrought iron balconies were added, along with a second fireplace on the first floor. By September 2, 1925, the Woman’s Club of Williamsport officially opened its doors, hosting weddings, receptions, holiday feasts, and even bridge luncheons.
But here’s where it gets controversial: a 1918 Steinway piano, once owned by the Stroehmann family, was donated to the club and later left behind when they relocated. Fast forward nearly a century, and this very piano became the centerpiece of the carriage house’s next chapter. When Chef Richard Hoschar (Chef Hosch) and his wife Ann purchased the property in 2017, the piano was included—and it was this instrument that drew Grammy Award-winning pianist George Winston to Williamsport during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winston, renowned for his new age music and 1994 Grammy-winning album Forest, sought a private place to rehearse and perform virtual concerts during the lockdown. Williamsport resident Dave Whitnack, who had worked with Winston for 30 years, connected him to the Hoschars. ‘It was an old piano with a lot of history and character,’ Winston remarked, appreciating not only the instrument but also the warmth and hospitality of Chef Hosch and Ann. During his stay, Winston often played late into the night, pausing to feed stray cats through the exit door—a testament to his love for animals.
What was meant to be a three-month stay stretched into nearly three years. ‘George loved how everyone in Williamsport respected his privacy,’ Whitnack recalled. ‘It was an easy decision to stay here during the pandemic.’ Sadly, Winston passed away from cancer on June 4, 2023, while still in Williamsport. His legacy was honored in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The piano he played, now bearing his autograph and the date August 7, 2020, remains in the carriage house—a poignant reminder of his time there.
Today, the carriage house stands as a unique blend of history and potential. Listed at $485,000 by real estate agent John Brindger of RE/MAX Commercial, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Williamsport’s past while shaping its future. But here’s the question: What would you do with a property so rich in history? Would you preserve its legacy as an event space, or reimagine it for a new purpose? Let’s discuss—the possibilities are as endless as the stories these walls could tell.
