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Our Story

carolee posing next to the cultural landmark sign on the property

Carolee Smith, Owner

 My passion is to inspire others to adventure, relax, and enjoy life every day. The village provides the perfect oasis to escape from the ordinary and enjoy the extraordinary that lies within Houser's Crossing. No matter how long or short your stay, the village is your ticket to lasting memories for couples, families, and friends.  

One Family, One Village: Our story

Houserville & Houser's Crossing

 Charles & Catherine Houser settled on the property in the early 1900’s, in what is now referred to as The Bunkhouse; raising five children by farming the land and working in local Coal Mines. Times were hard, families worked and lived together to make ends meet. Additional houses were built on the property as the Houser’s children grew up, got married, and started families. 

The first house to be built was the Sear’s House in the 1930’s. Catherine (Granny Houser) ordered herself a new home from the Sears & Roebuck Catalog, delivered via the train, into the Tamaqua Train Station. By horse and wagon, family picked up the house and build it for Granny. 

The second house added was Butchie’s Bungalow. The family transformed a garage into a home for their son, Charles, and his family. The house is named after grandson, Butch. 

The third house built was Harold’s Hideaway for son Harold. Harold lived in the house until his death and has remained empty to this day. His name is still on the backdoor. 

The Flood of 1955 took out the original bridge to the property by two railcars that were washed down the Little Schuylkill River. It was devastating to the village as the bridge was, and still is, the only entrance/exit to the property. Through hard work and frugality, the existing bridge was built several years later. 

In the 1960’s, Grandson Jim purchased a house trailer for his newlywed. We fondly refer to it as the "Honey House". They had one son named Tim who grew up to own the property. 

"The Loft" was built by Great Grandson, Tim. Tim’s untimely passing returned the property to his father Jim, who was born in the summer kitchen of the Bunkhouse in 1933. Growing up with a private railroad crossing in your yard was quite an adventure for a curious young boy.

Since 2021 - we have been focused on restoring and sharing the village and its history with our guests. 

Book Your Stay
Close up photo of a house at Houser's Crossing

Historic Anthracite Coal Mining Village Offering Short/Mid/Long Term Stays

Open year-round, offering four amazing and private vacation rentals, to enjoy the tranquility of nature under the canopy of the fern-carpeted Wildcat Mountain & Little Schuylkill River. A true nature lovers paradise.


Enjoy the seclusion and amenities our private 10-acre village has to offer, along with the convenience of being just minutes to miles of hiking, biking, rivers, lakes, shopping, eateries, local history, and the town of Jim Thorpe, voted the "Most beautiful Small Town in Pennsylvania" by Architectural Digest.  Because of this, Jim Thorpe is a popular destination with many activities and points of interest for you to visit. Our lodgings are only 20 minutes away from Jim Thorpe and all it's beauty.


A short drive from major metropolitan areas NYC, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.  Located 45 min from the Lehigh Valley, 1 1/2 hrs. from Philadelphia, and 2 1/2 hrs. from New York City. 


Enjoy the Little Schuylkill River (fly fishing paradise) that runs through the village, watch the trains as they pass through our private Railroad Crossing, and/or get your hike/hunt on the 3,400 acres of PA State Game lands#257 that borders the village. The adventure and vacation possibilities are endless. 


Start a tradition by vacationing with us! - Enjoy the benefits of a private mountain house without the expense and work.  Make Houser's Crossing your next Family Reunion / Vacation Tradition / Romantic Getaway. 


Staycations - Looking for seclusion and relaxation close to home but far enough away? Celebrating a milestone? Visiting family or attending a special event in Schuylkill or Carbon County? We have your housing needs covered.


Wedding & Honeymoon Bliss - Looking for the perfect elopement location? Getting married at The Barn at Graver's Tree Farm? Marry, Stay, & Honeymoon at the village! Owner Carolee is even ordained, so she can officiate your wedding on-site.




Learn More
Hear what visitors say about our village

anthracite cultural landmark historical marker

In 2023, Houser's Crossing became an Anthracite Cultural Landmark for preserving the character & history a Mining and Railroad "Patch" while upscaling accommodations and amenities to serve our region's future visitors who will join us here to feel the best part of the past.

Photo of the plaque commemorating Houser's Crossing as a cultural landmark.

Our opening Ribbon-cutting

"Hollywood" comes to the village

"12 - Midnight" Coproduced by Jeff Miller and Robert Savakinus, of Cannon Fire Productions, Scranton, PA. (June 2023)


Our guests loved watching "Hollywood" happen at the village while a scene was filmed for an upcoming movie “12 – Midnight” at our vintage house trailer. 


Jeff Miller was so impressed with Tamaqua area, it’s history and scenery and the Village at Houser’s Crossing, that he decided it would be the location for his next movie.  


The Village at Houser’s Crossing provided the right look for a scene.  Miller, who’s independent film company, Millman Productions, specializes in horror and action genres. 


It tells the story of a detective who is despondent over the recent death of his wife.  He is brought back to the police force to track down the serial killer who may be responsible for her death as well as a new slate of recent killings.  He realizes the perpetrator may be superhuman, a werewolf.


In the starring role is Robert Bronzi, a Hungarian actor who bears resemblance to the late actor Charles Bronson. 


Read full article here:  Serial killer movie being filmed in Tamaqua – Times News Online (tnonline.com)

Photo of the filming of "Dream Devil". A group of filmmakers sit and smile to one another.
Photo of the filming of "Dream Devil". A man stands on the porch of a house at Houser's Crossing
Photo of a film crew filming a movie at Houser's Crossing.

Feature Film "Dream Devil" Produced by Outhouse Production Films & Lee Film Company (July 2023)


Cast and Crew from Outhouse Production Films & Lee Film Company, stayed at the village during the production of fantasy feature film “Dream Devil”.  Based on the book by Im Ung, and directed by Robert J Morgalo.


"Dream Devil" is a fantasy tale of a middle-aged man who has lost everything due to a string of bad luck and bad decisions. His dead-end life is turned upside down when he finds a strange medallion and discovers that all that glitters is not gold.


Village Owner, Carolee, has a part in the movie and is looking forward to being on the big screen along with her fellow actors:  Nicholas Turturro, Lead Role, known for his memorable performances in "The Longest Yard" and NYPD Blues; Lillo Brancato (A Bronx Tale), Nestor Serrano (The Negotiator), Darlene Tejeiro (Star Trek), Teresa Navarro (Delirium), Gonzalo Menendez (Breaking Bad), Billy Blair (Machete) and Nik Pjeternikaj (We Own the Night).

Read full article here:  The Californer - Nick Turturro Set to Lead in the Feature Film "Dream Devil" - 10244716

carolee posing with speakers at her ribbon cutting event

Times News article: The Village at Houser’s Crossing offers restored homes with a view. (July 2024)


“Since 2001, we have been focused on restoring and sharing the village and its history with our guests.” Carolee Smith, Owner. "What followed was extensive renovations and additions to the buildings – from new floors and bathrooms to hand-selected antique furniture and modern appliances. Our accommodations are very high-end.  I thought, I’m only doing this once.  I’m remodeling it and doing it right.” Smith said.


The Village has hosted visitors from as far away as Australia, Croatia, and France. There have been return guests, too. It is like a retreat, a sanctuary to escape to and it feels like home.

To read entire article:  https://www.tnonline.com/20240706/the-village-at-housers-crossing-offers-restored-homes-and-a-view/ 

  • Policies & Disclaimers

The Village at Houser's Crossing

Carbon Lane, Tamaqua, PA 18252

Copyright © 2024 The Village at Houser's Crossing - All Rights Reserved. | View our Linktree


We truly love pets and understand their importance to our guests, however due to liability reasons, we cannot allow pets on the premises. 


Discover the perfect vacation rental near Jim  Thorpe at the Village of Housers Crossing, where you can enjoy the best  place to stay in Tamaqua. Our nature retreat in Pennsylvania offers a  family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for a quiet getaway in the  Pennsylvania mountains. Our vacation rentals provide the perfect venue  for exploring the great outdoors, which are surrounded by scenic hiking  trails. Embrace the serenity of our tranquil retreats with wildlife,  offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  For those attending a wedding at The Barn at Graver’s Tree Farm, we  offer convenient wedding accommodations, making your stay as comfortable  as possible. Planning a weekend getaway in nature in Pennsylvania? The  Village of Housers Crossing is your destination for an unforgettable  stay.

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