Stone Gables Estate
Stone Gables Estate is a privately held, family-operated wedding and event venue business on 280+ acres in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, operating three wedding venues, seven lodging properties, a heritage railroad, a Christmas museum, and horseback trail rides, with all net profits donated to the Brittany's Hope charity.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersElizabethtown, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Stone Gables Estate does
Stone Gables Estate is a privately held, family-operated hospitality and event venue business headquartered on a 280+ acre property at 1 Hollinger Lane, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company operates three distinct wedding venues — The Star Barn Village (a restored 1877 Gothic Revival barn complex on the National Register of Historic Places, accommodating up to 600 guests), Ironstone Ranch (a 100+ acre working horse ranch with an 1860s barn seating up to 180), and St. Michael's Vineyard (a garden and vineyard venue with multiple gazebos and a Tuscan tent seating up to 250) — alongside seven lodging properties ranging from the seven-bedroom Klein Mansion to one- to four-bedroom cottages and farmhouses sleeping two to fourteen guests. Supplementary attractions include the National Christmas Center Museum (18,000+ square feet of curated Christmas memorabilia, including a 22-foot Titanic model and 1,250+ nativities), the Harrisburg, Lincoln and Lancaster Railroad (featuring the only replica of the 1865 Lincoln Funeral Car and an operating 4-4-0 steam locomotive replica), and guided horseback trail rides priced at $89.90-$99.90 per person. The estate is registered in Pennsylvania as DAS Companies, Inc. and is stewarded by David and Tierney Abel, who purchased the original Ironstone Ranch property in 1986 and have since acquired and relocated the Star Barn Village (2014), the National Christmas Center collection (2018), and the Barns of Belmont.
The business operates as a direct-to-consumer destination venue, with revenue generated primarily through one-time venue rental fees (ranging from $3,490 to $14,990 plus tax depending on venue and season), lodging nightly rates, activity ticket sales booked through FareHarbor and Hostfully, and custom-priced corporate and nonprofit events. Pricing follows a tiered seasonal model (Off Season Jan-Mar, In Season Apr-Aug and Nov-Dec, High Season Sept-Oct) with a 50% deposit required to secure bookings. The go-to-market motion is asset-led: customers discover the property through search, social media, earned regional media coverage (Lancaster Online, Trains Magazine), and word-of-mouth, then convert via in-person tours, direct phone/email contact, or integrated online booking. Three consecutive Lancaster County Magazine Best of Lancaster awards (2021-2023) anchor the regional brand position, and the estate has 43 years of operating history with more than 600 former associates.
Stone Gables is structured as a for-profit operating company whose stated mission is to donate 100% of net proceeds to Brittany's Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to aiding abandoned children worldwide through international adoption grants, in-country care, wells, clothing, and education across Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The estate's strategic differentiation rests on one-of-a-kind historic artifacts (Lincoln Funeral Car replica, Leviathan locomotive, 1877 barn structures), integrated venue-lodging-activity offerings on a single contiguous property, and a faith-based mission narrative that resonates with its core customer base of wedding couples, family lodging guests, recreation seekers, and corporate retreat organizers. The operating company holds no external institutional investors and is governed as a family-owned enterprise.
Stone Gables Estate firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stone Gables Estate
- Legal name
- DAS Companies, Inc.
- Website
- https://stonegablesestate.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Stone Gables Estate is a privately held, family-operated wedding and event venue business on 280+ acres in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, operating three wedding venues, seven lodging properties, a heritage railroad, a Christmas museum, and horseback trail rides, with all net profits donated to the Brittany's Hope charity.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stone Gables Estate industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wedding & Event Venue Services
- NAICS
- Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels (72111), Historical Sites (71212)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Heritage & Historic Boutique Hotels (THAGADAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Luxury Farmhouses, Country Houses & Vineyard Estates (THAMAEAG)
Keywords
Where Stone Gables Estate is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Elizabethtown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Stone Gables Estate business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Wedding and Event Venue Rentals: The primary revenue driver. The estate offers three main venues: The Star Barn Village (premier historic venue seating up to 600 guests), Ironstone Ranch (rustic farm venue across 70+ acres seating up to 180), and St. Michael's Vineyard (garden/vineyard venue seating up to 250). Revenue comes from venue rental fees which vary by season and include various amenity packages. The estate also hosts corporate events, holiday parties, conferences, and fundraisers.
- Lodging Accommodations: The estate operates 7 lodging properties: The Klein Mansion (7 bedrooms, sleeps 14), Hollinger House (3 bedrooms, sleeps 6), The Farmhouse at Ironstone Ranch (sleeps 8), The Liberty Spring House at Star Barn Village (1 bedroom, sleeps 2), The 880 Cozy Cottage (3 bedrooms), The Newville Nest (4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms), and The Rockin Retro (3 bedrooms). Properties booked through Hostfully platform.
- Recreational Activities: Trail rides on horseback ($89.90-$99.90 per person), train rides on the Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad, and access to the National Christmas Center Museum. Activities booked through FareHarbor platform.
- Profit Donation to Brittany's Hope: Although a for-profit organization, Stone Gables Estate's stated mission is to donate 100% of net proceeds to Brittany's Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to aiding abandoned children worldwide through international adoption grants, in-country care, wells, clothing, and education.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | St. Michael's Vineyard - Garden/Vineyard Wedding Venue |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Ironstone Ranch - Rustic Farm Wedding Venue |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | The Star Barn Village - Premier Historic Wedding Venue |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | One Hour Horseback Trail Ride |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Stone Gables Estate product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stone Gables Estate is a 280+ acre event venue and hospitality destination in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, operating three wedding venues (The Star Barn Village, Ironstone Ranch, St. Michael's Vineyard), seven lodging properties, the National Christmas Center Museum, the Harrisburg Lincoln and Lancaster Railroad, and horseback trail rides. It serves couples planning weddings, families seeking lodging and recreation, and corporate clients hosting events, with revenue tied to rentals, lodging, and activity fees.
Product overview
Stone Gables Estate is a multi-venue wedding and event destination comprising three distinct wedding venues: The Star Barn Village (historic 1877 Gothic Revival barn), Ironstone Ranch (working horse ranch with 1860s barn), and St. Michael's Vineyard (garden and vineyard setting). The estate offers seven unique lodging properties including The Klein Mansion, various farmhouses, cottages, and cabins sleeping 2-14 guests. Additional attractions include the National Christmas Center Museum, Harrisburg Lincoln and Lancaster historic railroad with train rides, and horseback trail rides. The company operates as a biblical faith-based ministry donating 100% of net profits to Brittany's Hope, a nonprofit aiding abandoned children worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Star Barn Village: Historic 1877 Gothic Revival barn complex relocated to Elizabethtown, now serving as a premier wedding venue featuring The Star Barn, carriage house, chicken coop, hog barn, and ancillary structures.
- Ironstone Ranch
- St. Michael's Vineyard
- National Christmas Center Museum
- Harrisburg, Lincoln and Lancaster Railroad
Products and services
- The Star Barn Village Premier historic 1877 Gothic Revival wedding venue featuring a bank barn with towering cupolas and star ventilators, restored and relocated to Stone Gables Estate. Accommodates up to 250 guests on the main floor, an additional 75 on the mezzanine, and up to 600 for corporate/non-profit events. Includes tables, chairs, ceremony benches, wooden dancefloor, 12-hour venue rental with 6-hour event, bridal suite, groom suite, parking, and event host.
- Ironstone Ranch 100-acre working horse ranch with a restored 1860s barn offering rustic barn wedding venue space, outdoor orchard ceremonies with a white bell tower, and overnight lodging accommodations. Seats up to 180 guests and includes tables seating 150, Farmhouse bridal suite, groom suite, and event host.
- St. Michael's Vineyard Outdoor garden and vineyard wedding venue featuring a 30-foot Grande Gazebo, Corn Crib II, Grande Canopy Tuscan Tent, Victorian Gazebo in the Orchard, and Solarium in the Peaceful Pines. Accommodates up to 250 guests and includes tables, chairs, ceremony benches for 250 guests, wooden dancefloor, 12-hour venue rental with 6-hour event, bridal suite, groom suite, parking, and event host.
- The Klein Mansion 7-bedroom, 6-bath historic stone mansion built in 1924, featuring themed suites (Burgundy Truffle Suite, Mocha Latte Loft, Romantic Round Turret), a 19-seat Titanic-themed movie theatre, train museum, and a Conservatory for private events. Sleeps 14 guests.
- The Farmhouse at Ironstone Ranch Fully restored 1860s farmhouse with country elegance décor, 3 bedrooms, fireplace, and views of Ironstone Ranch. Sleeps up to 8 guests.
- The Liberty Spring House Romantic cottage at The Star Barn Village with a plush Queen bed, claw-foot tub, fireplace, and private veranda overlooking Lake Liberty and The Star Barn. Sleeps 2 guests.
- The 880 Cozy Cottage Distinctive country cottage with 3 bedrooms (each with full bath), eat-in kitchen, adjacent gazebo and fire-pit overlooking horse fields. Located near Hershey Park and Lancaster.
- The Newville Nest 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home with horse-themed decor, full kitchen, breakfast bar, two dining areas, and wooden deck. Features Cowboys Quarters and 3 ensuites upstairs.
- The Rockin' Retro 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home featuring a retro 1950s design with original aqua stove top, matching refrigerator, customized Murphy Bed, and large deck overlooking horse pastures.
- National Christmas Center Museum Christmas museum featuring over 18,000 square feet of nostalgic Christmas décor, 17-foot-tall buildings replicating 1950s Columbia PA storefronts, over 1,250 nativities worldwide, animated Tudor Towne, train store, and antique Santa collection. Open seasonally March through December.
- Harrisburg, Lincoln, and Lancaster Railroad Historic train experience featuring a full-size operating steam locomotive (4-4-0 American Standard replica completed 2009), Lincoln Funeral Car replica (2015), Pioneer Coach (2019), Combine Coach, and Day Coach. Offers scenic rides on reconstructed 1838 right-of-way.
- Horseback Trail Rides One-hour guided trail rides through 280+ acres of Lancaster County countryside on gentle well-mannered horses. Priced at $89.90 Monday-Thursday and $99.90 Friday-Saturday. Minimum age 8, weight limit 225 lbs. Helmets required for under 18.
Quantifiable outcome
- Stone Gables Estate has donated 100% of net profits to Brittany's Hope, aiding abandoned children worldwide through international adoption grants, in-country care, wells, clothing, and education.
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Stone Gables Estate
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles9 records
Stone Gables Estate technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Stone Gables Estate partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Jim Morrison (National Christmas Center Founder)coreFounder, curator, and historian of the National Christmas Center. In October 2018, Stone Gables Estate purchased the entire Christmas collection from Jim Morrison, who came with the collection to Stone Gables Estate. Morrison continued to play an integral role in the resurrection of the National Christmas Center until his passing in 2024.
- Dave Kloke (Locomotive and Rail Car Builder)coreMaster builder of historic railroad equipment. Built the only replica of the Lincoln Funeral Car (2015) and the full-size operating 4-4-0 steam locomotive replica (completed 2009). Also built Pioneer Coach (2019) and Combine Coach. Stone Gables Estate purchased these pieces from Dave Kloke.
- Trillium Dell TimberworkscoreTimber framing specialists who braced The Star Barn structure during deconstruction and rebuilt the structure during restoration. Critical partner in historic preservation project.
- Amish GazebosminorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Provides gazebo structures for outdoor events and venues. Contact: 800.700.1777 | AmishGazebos.com
- Colonial Craft Kitchens, Inc.minorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Kitchen design/build partner. Contact: 717.867.1145 | colonialcraftkitchens.com
- B&D BuildersminorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Timber framing and construction partner for historic barn restoration projects. Contact: 717.687.0292 | BandDBuilders.com
- Ultra Glow ElectricminorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Electrical services for venue installations and events. Contact: 717.808.1835 | ultraglowelectric.com
- Haldeman Bros. MasonryminorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Masonry construction and restoration services. Contact: 717.838.4069 | haldemanbros.com
- Blessings of HopecoreBlessings of Hope is a nonprofit organization listed as a strategic partner. Stone Gables Estate supports this charity partner through events and exposure. Contact: 717.824.1227 | blessingsofhope.com
- C&J CateringcorePreferred catering partner for Stone Gables Estate venues. Exclusive access to full commercial kitchen at estate venues. Listed on strategic partners page with booking button.
- Food for Thought CateringcorePreferred catering partner for Stone Gables Estate venues. One of only two caterers allowed to use the full commercial grade kitchen. Listed on strategic partners page.
- FX Photo BoothsminorStrategic partner listed on Stone Gables Estate strategic partners page. Photo booth services for events. Listed with booking button on partners page.
- Brittany's Hopecore501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding abandoned children worldwide. Stone Gables Estate's stated mission is to donate 100% of net proceeds to Brittany's Hope. Supports international adoption grants, in-country care, wells, clothing, and education. Operations focused in Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
- Restore 'N MorecoreWindow restoration and reconstruction contractor for The Star Barn Village. Completed restoration/reconstruction of all windows for The Star Barn, carriage house, chicken coop, and hog barn in March 2016.
- Ferro Weathervanes (David Ferro)minorHired in June 2015 to replicate weathervanes and fleur-de-lis finials for The Star Barn and its associated structures. Delivered completed pieces including posts, directionals, balls, and fleur-de-lis finials.
- Elizabethtown College InternsminorCollege interns assisted with tasks related to event management, PR, and digital media for The Star Barn Raising Festival. First meeting held February 9, 2016 with Advanced Public Relations class.
- Lancaster Online / Lancaster Farming / The Sentinel / Trains MagazineminorRegional news media outlets that have covered Stone Gables Estate events including Lincoln Funeral Train re-enactments, Star Barn restoration, and wedding showcases.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Stone Gables Estate competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Hotel Hershey: Regional full-service resort hotel near Hershey Park offering weddings, lodging, and activities; comparable as a broader hospitality incumbent in the same PA tourism corridor.
- Wedgewood Weddings: Multi-property wedding venue chain operating all-inclusive packages across multiple U.S. states; comparable as a broader incumbent in the wedding venue category, though not regional or heritage-focused.
Direct peers
- Strasburg Rail Road: Heritage tourist railroad in Lancaster County; directly comparable for the historic train-ride experience and rail-themed tourism draw.
- The Ashford Estate: All-inclusive historic wedding estate with on-site lodging and bridal suites; comparable in offering an integrated venue + lodging + event-host wedding experience.
- Mount Ida Mansion: Historic mansion wedding and event venue with on-site lodging; comparable as a heritage estate positioning around a preserved historic structure.
- Bonnet Island Estate: Full-service wedding estate with multiple venues, on-site lodging, and event coordination; directly comparable in business model as a destination wedding property.
- Cairnwood Estate: Beaux-Arts historic estate wedding venue; comparable as a National-Register-style historic property used for weddings and private events.
- The Farm at Eagles Ridge: Lancaster County farm-style wedding venue on a working farm; comparable as a regional rustic-elegant wedding venue targeting similar couples.
- The Inn at Leola Village: Lancaster County wedding venue and boutique hotel on historic grounds; directly comparable as a regional heritage property combining lodging, event venues, and on-site amenities.
Emerging players
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: Regional heritage railroad museum; adjacent/partial overlap on the historic rail experience and museum-tourism side of Stone Gables' Christmas Center and train ride offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Stone Gables Estate social profiles
Digital presenceStone Gables Estate financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stone Gables Estate leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Stone Gables Estate funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stone Gables Estate M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stone Gables Estate
What does Stone Gables Estate do?
Stone Gables Estate is a 280+ acre event venue and hospitality destination in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, operating three wedding venues (The Star Barn Village, Ironstone Ranch, St. Michael's Vineyard), seven lodging properties, the National Christmas Center Museum, the Harrisburg Lincoln and Lancaster Railroad, and horseback trail rides. It serves couples planning weddings, families seeking lodging and recreation, and corporate clients hosting events, with revenue tied to rentals, lodging, and activity fees.
Is Stone Gables Estate a public or private company?
Stone Gables Estate is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Stone Gables Estate founded?
Stone Gables Estate was founded in 1986. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Stone Gables Estate based?
Stone Gables Estate is headquartered in Elizabethtown, United States, in the North America region.
How does Stone Gables Estate make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Wedding and Event Venue Rentals are the primary driver. The others are lodging Accommodations, recreational Activities and profit Donation to Brittany's Hope.
Who are Stone Gables Estate's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Hotel Hershey and Wedgewood Weddings. Direct peers are Strasburg Rail Road, The Ashford Estate, Mount Ida Mansion, Bonnet Island Estate, Cairnwood Estate, The Farm at Eagles Ridge and The Inn at Leola Village. Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is listed as an emerging player.
Does Stone Gables Estate have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stone Gables Estate.
What industry is Stone Gables Estate in?
Stone Gables Estate's product category is Wedding & Event Venue Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGADAD, Heritage & Historic Boutique Hotels, with a secondary code of THAMAEAG, Luxury Farmhouses, Country Houses & Vineyard Estates. Its NAICS code is 72111 and its SIC code is 7000.