Only ten miles from Philadelphia city center, beautiful Elkins Estate spreads over 42 acres of Cheltenham Township. The Estate boasts two separate houses – the glamorous Elstowe Manor and the Chelten House.

Elkins Estate was built in 1895 by Architect Horace Trumbauer, an important architect of the gilded age. He was responsible for designing homes for the wealthiest families in America, as well as major cultural institutions such as the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Elkins Estate was built for William L. Elkins, a noted financier, transportation entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Rich in history and charm, Elstowe Manor was built in 1895, fashioned in the Italian Renaissance style. In 1896, Mr. Elkin’s son, George W. Elkins, commissioned Trumbauer to build Chelten House, a large, half-timbered Elizabethan-style house.

William Elkins was fundamental in the creation of the Pennsylvania Railroad system (SEPTA). He also helped redefine the oil refining industry in Philadelphia by funding many industrial projects including those of Thomas Edison. The NY Times characterized him as “one of the few men of his time to have had a long and unbroken series of successful achievements.”

In 1931, the entire Estate was purchased by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci. Over the next 75 years, the Sisters conducted religious retreats there and built two additions to Elstowe Manor for guests. They also meticulously maintained the buildings and grounds, thus preserving the rich history of the Estate.

Now the mission of the Elkins Estate is to maintain the historical integrity of the property by sharing the legacy of William L. Elkins with the community. The Estate also commits to following sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices.

Elkins Estate is quickly becoming among the finest award-winning service venues on the East coast as an ideal location for weddings, social gatherings, corporate events and retreats.

Donations

The Elkins Estate is continuing to restore and preserve the historic architecture and grounds in an effort to re-create the elegance and grace of the Gilded Age era.

We seek the following donations in kind:

• Books for our library - vintage books preferred, any health, nutrition and wellness titles, literature of all kinds welcome
• Oriental carpets in good condition
• Coffee and end tables - turn of the century period preferred
• Fine art prints and statuary
• Ornate lamps of all sizes - turn of the century period preferred
• Landscape and garden tools, both hand and power

If you would like to make a donation, please contact us at (215) 782-8520