Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. was formed in early 2009 to purchase and ensure the protection and preservation of the Elkins Estate, a historic property once owned and used as a summer retreat by Philadelphia millionaire and railway magnate, William L. Elkins. As part of a joint mission with Food For Life, a Pennsylvania non-profit that has been serving the Philadelphia community for 25 years, the Conservancy rescued this architectural treasure from demolition and development and is focused on restoring this landmark treasure to its former grandeur.
The Elkins Estate is situated on 42 acres of relative open space in Elkins Park, PA just outside the northern border of Philadelphia. The property boasts two Horace Trumbauer mansions, the glamorous Elstowe Manor, a 64,000 square foot Italian Renascence mansion and the Chelten House a 31,000 square foot Elizabethan style English Tudor, as well as four additional historic outbuildings, rolling lawns, lush gardens and a winding stream that traverses the property and connects two tranquil ponds.
Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. is committed to preserving the historic integrity of the buildings and architectural elements, protecting the open space, and promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices. Preserving and promoting the legacy of William L. Elkins and the tremendous impact he had on the City of Philadelphia is an integral part of Land Conservancy’s mission as well.
The Elkins Estate is fully functional as a premier special event and destination wedding venue. In addition, Land Conservancy has opened The Estate to the public for the first time in its history for performances, fine arts exhibits, concerts, and other cultural events. Land Conservancy’s mission also includes the Estate’s continued use as a retreat for health and wellness education and retreats for the local and regional community through its Seva Retreat.