Born in Seesen in the Harz Mountains, Charles (Carl) was sent by his parents to the United States in 1848 due to the unrest in Germany, to explore economic opportunities there. A year later, the family emigrated, and after working for various piano manufacturers, they founded Steinway & Sons in 1853. Charles and his brother William were heavily involved in the company alongside their father.
Having long suffered from health problems, particularly respiratory issues, Steinway traveled to Europe in July 1864 and took a health cure with his wife in Bad Kissingen, where he was listed as a “German-American piano manufacturer.”
Charles Steinway and his wife remained in Germany despite their family's pleas for them to return; due to existing health problems, a return trip to the United States was out of the question.
He died of typhoid fever in Braunschweig in 1865. His body was eventually transported to the United States a year later, where he was buried.
At Villa Müller, you won't find a front desk or a room key waiting for you at the counter. Instead, you'll find an apartment that feels like home right from the start.
