HISTORIC RESTORATION / RENOVATION PROJECTS
Frescos:
The beautiful frescos in the Court, Breakfast Room, and Music Room are badly in need of cleaning, restoration and regular maintenance. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Grand Staircase:
After decades of being hidden under carpet, the Grand Staircase landing has revealed that they are actually finely carved limestone and marble steps. Through the years, the carpet adhesive has absorbed into the floor, and the soft French limestone has been chipped and damaged. For the safety and comfort of our visitors, our goal is to repair the limestone and restore this magnificent feature to its original splendor. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Grand Piano:
One of the most stunning furnishings in Elstowe Manor at the height of its grandeur was a magnificent, ornate Grand Piano. We hope to once again grace the Music Room with an elegant grand or baby grand piano. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Elstowe Manor Roof:
The terra cotta roof is not only a structural necessity but an artistic relic of a by-gone era that truly valued beauty and craftsmanship. Cracked and missing tiles must be replaced in order to protect and preserve the historical integrity of this building. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Granite Restoration and Repair:
Over time, carbon and rust build up have penetrated the sealed surface of the granite facades and stairs of these architectural treasures. To restore them to the bright, stunning original color and luster, considerable attention needs to be directed to these features by means of sand-blasting and re-sealing to prevent future damage. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Limestone Restoration and Repair:
The limestone facade of Elstowe Manor is very soft and porous and has become gray and cracked with age. The exterior walls require careful washing with environmentally friendly chemicals to ensure that they do not erode further during the cleaning process, and the cracks must be repaired before the limestone blocks begin to crumble. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Chelten House Patio:
The elegant Tudor Chelten House was designed with a wrap-around patio that is inlaid with terra cotta tiles. Over time, the terra cotta tiles have lifted from their settings in some places and have become cracked or eroded in others. The concrete that frames the terra cotta has also become cracked, and the edges of the small elevated flower beds that accent the patio have crumbled. Repairs to these unique features are a delicate and costly process. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Formal Gardens:
There are three formal gardens at the Elkins Estate; the Rose Garden, the Meditation Garden, and the Library Courtyard. These once striking gardens were resplendent with roses and other flowering plants and bushes of all colors and varieties are in need of expert attention to prune, plant, and catalog these gardens to restore them to their original magnificence. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Stained and Etched Glass Restoration:
The ornate stained glass art above the Grand Staircase and the etched glass above the Gallery were both hand-crafted at the turn of the century. The temperature of the air trapped between these features and their protective skylight covers has causes portions of the glass to crack and the leading to weaken. Already, there are several panes missing from the stained glass and the leading has begun to warp, endangering its structural integrity. It is essential to have these pieces repaired and restored by a specialist in historic glass restoration. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Greenhouses:
The greenhouses were once an essential part of the operation of the Estate. From starter and off-season vegetables to hot-house flowers, there was an abundance of greens whenever they were needed. Though, still standing, the greenhouses need to be structurally reinforced, aging and brittle glass replaced with tempered panes and the interior cleaned, weeded, and put in order. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.Historic Restoration/ Renovation Projects
Frescos:
The beautiful frescos in the Court, Breakfast Room, and Music Room are badly in need of cleaning, restoration and regular maintenance. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Grand Staircase:
After decades of being hidden under carpet, the Grand Staircase landing has revealed that they are actually finely carved limestone and marble steps. Through the years, the carpet adhesive has absorbed into the floor, and the soft French limestone has been chipped and damaged. For the safety and comfort of our visitors, our goal is to repair the limestone and restore this magnificent feature to its original splendor. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Grand Piano:
One of the most stunning furnishings in Elstowe Manor at the height of its grandeur was a magnificent, ornate Grand Piano. We hope to once again grace the Music Room with an elegant grand or baby grand piano. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Elstowe Manor Roof:
The terra cotta roof is not only a structural necessity but an artistic relic of a by-gone era that truly valued beauty and craftsmanship. Cracked and missing tiles must be replaced in order to protect and preserve the historical integrity of this building. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Granite Restoration and Repair:
Over time, carbon and rust build up have penetrated the sealed surface of the granite facades and stairs of these architectural treasures. To restore them to the bright, stunning original color and luster, considerable attention needs to be directed to these features by means of sand-blasting and re-sealing to prevent future damage. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Limestone Restoration and Repair:
The limestone facade of Elstowe Manor is very soft and porous and has become gray and cracked with age. The exterior walls require careful washing with environmentally friendly chemicals to ensure that they do not erode further during the cleaning process, and the cracks must be repaired before the limestone blocks begin to crumble. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Chelten House Patio:
The elegant Tudor Chelten House was designed with a wrap-around patio that is inlaid with terra cotta tiles. Over time, the terra cotta tiles have lifted from their settings in some places and have become cracked or eroded in others. The concrete that frames the terra cotta has also become cracked, and the edges of the small elevated flower beds that accent the patio have crumbled. Repairs to these unique features are a delicate and costly process. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Formal Gardens:
There are three formal gardens at the Elkins Estate; the Rose Garden, the Meditation Garden, and the Library Courtyard. These once striking gardens were resplendent with roses and other flowering plants and bushes of all colors and varieties are in need of expert attention to prune, plant, and catalog these gardens to restore them to their original magnificence. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Stained and Etched Glass Restoration:
The ornate stained glass art above the Grand Staircase and the etched glass above the Gallery were both hand-crafted at the turn of the century. The temperature of the air trapped between these features and their protective skylight covers has causes portions of the glass to crack and the leading to weaken. Already, there are several panes missing from the stained glass and the leading has begun to warp, endangering its structural integrity. It is essential to have these pieces repaired and restored by a specialist in historic glass restoration. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Greenhouses:
The greenhouses were once an essential part of the operation of the Estate. From starter and off-season vegetables to hot-house flowers, there was an abundance of greens whenever they were needed. Though, still standing, the greenhouses need to be structurally reinforced, aging and brittle glass replaced with tempered panes and the interior cleaned, weeded, and put in order. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
