Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

About

Established in 1986

Story

Born in 1836 in Hesse-Cassel, Kingdom of Prussia, Conrad Bohn immigrated to the United States in 1851, living first in the cities of New York and Chicago before settling in Winona and establishing himself as a carpenter and builder. These trades blossomed into a planing and contracting business in 1866 when he built his first mill which prepared sash and trim work on the corner of Main and Sanborn streets ushering Mr. Bohn into the role of one of Winona’s thriving lumber barons. He later moved his business to the corner of Front and Laird Streets establishing a first-class operation employing 125 men.

In 1870, Conrad Bohn built his elegant Winona home for his second wife, Anna, and their growing family with proof of his fine sash work evident in several rooms of this executive home. Along with a grand three-story Carriage House large enough to accommodate six carriages, several horses, a second floor hay loft, and rooms for stable boys, the old Carriage House stands today as a pleasant reminder of a bygone era.

During his 24 years in the contracting business, Mr. Bohn built several prominent structures, the most memorable being the main building of the State Normal School directly across the street from his home. This site, now known as Winona State University, has supported the career of Economics Professor Donald Salyards who, most fittingly, is also the owner of Bohn’s magnificent home.

In 1986, the grand carriage house, Winona's largest remaining Victorian structure of its kind, was renovated into a guest house to accommodate four charming guest rooms with baths en suite. Former stable boy rooms and the old hay loft now boast jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces, a section of the old stable transformed into a light and airy four season porch. Both the main house and guest house are recognized by the Winona County Heritage Preservation Commission.

We know entrepreneur Conrad Bohn would, indeed, smile with delight at these unique innovations. And so will you.