About us

Seva Retreat at the Elkins Estate is seated on a private 42-acre oasis just outisde the northern border of Philadelphia, Pa. Designed and built as the summer home of 19th century entrepreneur and philanthropist William L. Elkins and his family, the Estate features two elegant mansions and several historic outbuildings, all designed and constructed by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer. A gentle stream traverses the grounds and gathers in two tranquil ponds, and the charming rose, mediation, and courtyard gardens offer places for quiet reflection. Sold in the 1930's to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, the Estate was then operated as a retreat for women by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherne de Ricci for 75 years until financial pressures forced them to sell. The Land Conservancy of Elkins Park, Inc. was formed to save this historic property from certain demolition and development, while adapting it for continued use as a health and wellness education retreat center.

Chelten House

This 27,000 square foot Elizabethan Tudor mansion serves as the heart of Seva Retreat. It boasts warm, rich hardwood floors throughout the first floor meeting spaces and studios, which can accommodate groups of up to 50 people. On the upper floors, there are three treatment rooms for massage, healing arts, and energy therapy, as well as overnight accommodations for up to 30 guests. The Chelten House has its own commercial kitchen, where our staff chef works to ensure that our retreat guests' appetites are satisfied with healthy vegetarian meals.

Catherine's Hall

Catherine's Hall is the site of the Elkins Estate's original PowerStation, which was converted for retreat use and expanded in the 1970's by the Dominican Sisters. It offers two large meeting spaces that can accommodate 150 people, as well as four break-out rooms that comfortably accommodate 30-40 people. Catherine's Hall can sleep up to 70 guests in our bright, airy rooms with the option of a private or shared hall bath. A full commercial kitchen and cafeteria space make this an ideal location for an all-in-one retreat.

Elstowe Manor

The crown jewel of The Elkins Estate is this 64,000 square foot Italian Renaissance-style mansion is the perfect location for large retreats and workshops. The spacious 2,600 square foot Gallery ballroom can seat 500 people for presentations and performances, and the elegant Music Room, Library, Billiard Room and Original Dining Room offer meeting space for up to 130 people in each. Also available are the Breakfast and Smoking Rooms for intimate meetings and conferences. On the lower level, additional breakout rooms, offices, and meeting spaces are available for use. Elstowe Manor offers luxurious presenter suites, sleeping quarters for a variety of budgets and can comfortably accommodate up to 120 overnight guests. The large dining area, located on the lower level, can seat 300 people for our healthy gourmet meals, which are served buffet-style. We can offer multiple sittings if necessary.