Montgomery County estate and wedding venue is expanding with a new boutique event space and distillery.

The Elkins Estate, a historic venue located in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, is poised for expansion with the introduction of a boutique event space and a distillery scheduled to launch next year. Existing primarily as a wedding venue, the estate aims to diversify its offerings in the hospitality sector.

Set to open in the fall, the new Tudor-style Chelten House will accommodate smaller gatherings of up to 100 people, featuring 16 guest rooms. Jeanne Cretella, co-founder of By Landmark hospitality, the company managing the Elkins Estate, provided insight into these developments. She described the Chelten House as an ideal setting for intimate events, ranging from corporate seminars to retreats.

In addition to the Chelten House, the estate’s 42-acre grounds will house a distillery named Morgan Stillhouse, planned to open by summer 2024. Situated in the estate’s former stables, this distillery will be led by Carlo DeVito, a noted spirits writer and researcher. Morgan Stillhouse is slated to produce vodka, gin, and whiskey, with an on-site tasting room allowing customers to sample the products. The distillery will debut Stork Club Vodka, a revival of a brand previously connected to the famous New York nightclub of the same name.

In 2019, By Landmark purchased the property from the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de Ricci for .5 million, intending to invest approximately million into restoring several historic buildings on the estate. The couple responsible for the acquisition had envisioned a luxury boutique hotel but adapted their plans due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, they focused on establishing Elstowe Manor, the estate’s centerpiece, which features extensive upgrades to meet modern standards.

Elstowe Manor, which hosts events of up to 300 guests, comprises 69 guest rooms adorned with 50-foot frescoed ceilings and a grand ballroom with a glass skylight. Since its opening, it has hosted over 100 weddings and events, establishing a reputation for offering clients a remarkable venue for celebrations.

Cretella envisions the Chelten House complementing Elstowe Manor, with its Italian Renaissance Revival architecture enhancing the overall aesthetic of the estate. The two facilities are expected to extend their appeal to a diverse range of clientele, from corporate retreats to large weddings, accommodating various event types throughout the week.

Looking ahead, By Landmark’s plans include public engagements, with paid tours of the estate initiated earlier this year. The estate will also host various events, including a Valentine’s Day dinner open to the public, with an opportunity for attendees to enjoy an overnight stay.

By Landmark operates nearly 30 venues across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, showcasing a commitment to preserving the history and enriching the culture of the areas they inhabit. The ongoing development of the Elkins Estate reflects the company’s aspiration to create a multifaceted hospitality experience while maintaining the integrity of its historic roots.