PHILADELPHIA - For the first time ever, the gates of the historic Elkins Estate in Elkins Park will open to the public for a special evening tour, offering a rare look inside one of the Philadelphia region's most opulent and exclusive private estates.
On Thursday, November 20, the estate will host The Gilded Tour: Champagne & Charcuterie. This unique event allows guests to step back in time and explore Elstowe Manor, the 45-room mansion that serves as the crown jewel of the 42-acre property.
Built in 1898 for businessman and Gilded Age tycoon William L. Elkins, Elstowe Manor is a masterpiece of European-inspired architecture. Designed by famed architect Horace Trumbauer, its interiors are a lavish display of marble columns, intricate frescoed ceilings, and glittering crystal chandeliers, showcasing the height of Gilded Age craftsmanship.
The event begins at 5:00 PM with champagne, charcuterie, and light bites, giving guests a moment to take in the grandeur. Following the reception, a guided tour will delve into the manor's stunning architecture and storied past, from its origins as Elkins' "party house" to its 75-year history as a religious retreat for the Dominican Sisters, which helped preserve its immaculate condition.
For decades, the estate remained hidden from public view. Now under new stewardship as a luxury event venue, this tour marks its debut as a public-facing destination.
Event Details
What: The Gilded Tour: Champagne & Charcuterie
Where: Elkins Estate, 1750 Ashbourne Rd, Elkins Park
When: Thursday, November 20, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Tickets: $30 per person, which includes the guided tour, champagne, charcuterie, and complimentary valet parking.
