Stone Gables Estate

Book Your Stay at The Newville Nest!

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:35:05 GMT

Airbnb Stay right here in Elizabethtown, PA!

Stone Gables Estate offers several lodging accommodations in close proximity to Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Hershey, with only a 15-minute drive to the Harrisburg International Airport. The Newville Nest is a must-see property that is larger than life as it sits on the center of a huge, fenced-in corner lot. It is generously treed and sports a wooden deck for entertaining and cookouts. Inside, wooden floors glisten throughout the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home. This house comes complete with a gorgeous full kitchen, a breakfast bar, and two dining areas perfect for hosting dinners. The stylish yet cozy recreational area creates a warm and welcoming ambiance.

One lodger commented, “As our family grows and moves in different locations, we need a house that would be warm and inviting to gather. The Newville Nest is just that! We played games, drank, ate, laughed, and attended both the Brittany’s Hope breakfast, train ride and the National Christmas Museum followed by mass. We made a fire outback and toasted marshmallows. Dinner followed with more laughter and fun. We sure made many more memories that will last till next year! Thank you, Stone Gables Estate personnel for accommodating us.” - Carolyn S.

In keeping with the Ranch home's personality, you will find horse décor throughout. The “Cowboys Quarters” is on the ground level and 3 ensuites are located on the upper level. Each bedroom carries its own horse theme.

Book this amazing accommodation in conjunction with your event, wedding, or vacation. It is also perfect for a business retreat like Corey did: "Thanks for accommodating our group. Everything worked out well. We spent most of the time at the house. We met at the dining room table for meetings every day and cooked meals throughout. It was a good setup for my team to utilize for meetings.” - Corey D.

4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths
Sleeps 8
Check-in is 2:00 p.m. and Check-out is 10:00 a.m.

BOOK YOUR STAY!

If this home doesn’t quite meet your lodging needs, we have several other options! Click here to browse our other unique accommodations.

Finding Beauty in Mid-Winter

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:42:06 GMT

Finding Beauty in Mid-Winter

Pennsylvania is one of the rare places you can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons at the height of their glory. Even in the middle of winter, Stone Gables provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding. The wintry photo-ops are endless: snow sprinkled on the pines in the Pine Tunnel at Ironstone Ranch; the reflection of the Solarium lights on the shimmering snow; or the grand spires of the Star Barn towering above the frozen surface of Liberty Lake.

Fur capes, fuzzy mittens, and cozy boots can add a playful touch to your photos while keeping your bridesmaids warm during those outdoor photos. If your wedding month is December, you and your guests will be treated to all the spectacular Christmas decor on the estate. Don’t forget to add a campfire to your celebration to provide a warm ambience for your guests!

Couples who embrace the chill of the season are warmed by the presence of their family and friends as they celebrate their wedding day amongst the beautiful snow-covered settings of Stone Gables Estate.

Photo by Thomas Beaman

Photo by Philter Photos

Photo by Reflections Media

Photo by Nathan Desch

Photo by Cinematic Love Stories

The National Christmas Center in 2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:53:24 GMT

The National Christmas Center in 2025

We are still receiving the question, “Is the new location open this year?” Unfortunately, our answer continues to be, “Sorry, no.” The National Christmas Center has not yet moved to its permanent home. However, we are excited to share that there are some new displays being revealed this year that should definitely entice you to return.

One of the major highlights is the resurrection of our large, wooden, hand-carved Nativity. In years past, the spectacular Nativity was on display inside the Star Barn and also inside the Main Barn at Ironstone Ranch. As our estate events grew in size, and space was needed in those barns, the large Nativity was temporarily put into storage much to the disappointment of our guests. However, for 2025, it has been dusted off and moved into The National Christmas Center! This one-of-a-kind Nativity was hand carved from basswood by Ludwig Andreas Kraus (1921-1982) of Oberammergau, Germany between 1958 and 1965. The Nativity was on display in the Marshall Field's Department Store at their flagship store in Chicago until Target purchased the store in 1990. It then found its way to The National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA where it was displayed for many years before The National Christmas Center was purchased by David Abel and moved to its current location.

Another feature which actually made its debut last year is a collection of handmade masterpieces by curator, designer and artist, Dolph Gotelli. Beautifully presented behind individual windows, each themed exhibition was meticulously created with extraordinary detail and care. Gotelli has designed many holiday exhibitions using his collections of dolls and toys in elaborately detailed tableaux that allow each viewer to imagine a personal story or memory.

“My Christmas installations transport the viewer by awakening their ‘inner child’ with nostalgic memories of holidays past.” - Dolph Gotelli

We can’t forget Jolly Old Saint Nick! PA native, Bob Phillips, portrayed Santa Claus in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade for seven years. He was also the White House Santa for three years during the George W. Bush administration. A room at the Christmas Center has displayed memorabilia from Phillips’ personal collection for several years. This year, the Phillips collection expanded to include Phillips’ Santa costume, complete with his black shiny boots.

A few other special surprises for this season include handmade Santa and Mrs. Claus figures outside the Candy Shop sitting amongst new Ornament Trees and exquisitely detailed Gingerbread Houses. In addition, a newly added Reindeer Barn houses animated reindeer, and Santa’s Workshop and the Coke display have gone through transformations.

Ask any guest about their experience at The National Christmas Center and you are bound to hear, “I’ve never seen anything like it! There was so much to see that I didn’t get to see it all!” Well, this year there is even MORE to see! Grab your tickets now and make your visit to The National Christmas Center a part of your annual Christmas tradition!

Photos by Darrel Moyer

A Wedding in 3 Weeks?

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 19:52:01 GMT

A Wedding in 3 Weeks? Sure! We can do that!

When we heard Cameron and Marie’s story, we knew it would be an honor to be a part of it. Here it is, in their own words.

“My wife and I cannot say enough amazing things about Ironstone Ranch and the entire Stone Gables Estate Team. We originally had to plan our wedding on short notice due to health issues with my wife’s dad. Because of the tight timeline, we had resigned ourselves to hosting a small backyard wedding so that he could be in attendance. Then, just three weeks before our big day, we attended my sister’s wedding at The Star Barn (also part of Stone Gables Estate). While there, we got to talking with the Venue Host and shared our story. She checked their wedding calendar and told us that there was one venue open on our date, Ironstone Ranch — and that if we wanted it, it was ours!

We couldn’t believe it! In that moment, everything changed. The Stone Gables staff moved mountains to help us shift from our backyard plans to one of the most beautiful venues we’ve ever seen — all in just a few weeks. Our Host coordinated with our existing vendors, recommended others we still needed, and was endlessly patient and flexible as we navigated last-minute changes almost daily.

On our wedding day, the entire Ironstone Ranch team went above and beyond in every way imaginable. The Host handled every single detail behind the scenes so we could simply enjoy the day. From start to finish, everything ran flawlessly — and the venue itself was breathtaking, from the rustic barn and grounds to the stunning ceremony set in the orchard.

What makes this story so special is that we truly didn’t think a “dream wedding” was possible given our circumstances and timeline. But the Ironstone Ranch staff made it happen. They didn’t just give us a venue — they gave us an experience, a celebration, and memories that will last the rest of our lives.

To anyone considering Ironstone Ranch, or any of the Stone Gables Estate venues, don’t hesitate, book now! The beauty of the property speaks for itself, but it’s the people who make it truly magical. We are forever grateful!”

Cameron & Marie Runyeon

Married October 4, 2025

Photo credit: Kristin Cummings Photography & Design

A Tobacco Barn Joins the Rescued Treasures of Stone Gables Estate

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:53:32 GMT

Historic Tobacco Barn reassembled on Stone Gables Estate!

An agricultural property in Lancaster County, PA, just wouldn’t be complete without a Tobacco Barn! Rescued from the Martin/Bellevue farm along Route 30 and Route 772 in Gap, the 1800 square foot barn has been reassembled on Stone Gables Estate as part of the Barns of Belmont project. The 1870’s barn was originally used for drying tobacco; an interesting view that is often seen in late summer in Lancaster County as barn doors are left wide open for the tobacco to dry. Located on the hill above the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, the new keepsake will be visible to this year’s Christmas guests as they make their way through the ticketing area and approach the covered bridge.

In 2019, the Abels sighted the Tobacco Barn as they were driving by the Martin farm in Gap and were intrigued by the “For Sale” sign. In true Abel-style, it wasn’t long before the barn was theirs and plans were being made to incorporate it into the Belmont complex to replace the Tobacco Barn that was originally part of the Belmont Farm but wasn’t able to be salvaged. An additional barn was donated by the family and given the name “Baby Belmont” as it will also be incorporated into the upcoming Barns of Belmont project.

The 30’ x 60’ Tobacco Barn sits on a beautiful stone foundation. The original stripping room and a pot-belly stove will be fully restored to complete the barn project.

Get your tickets NOW for our Christmas events so you can get a first look at the new Tobacco Barn decked with lights for the celebration of Christmas!

*All photos by Greg Kelton

Horseback Trail Ride with a Twist

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:14:18 GMT

A trail ride that ended with an engagement!

A Trail Ride with a Twist

Stone Gables Estate offers a horseback riding experience that is nestled in the heart of Lancaster County. Fifteen minutes from both Lancaster and Hershey, it is a step back to a time of peace and tranquility where you are surrounded by over 280 acres of pristine forest and rolling fields. Gentle, well-mannered horses with experienced equestrian guides will navigate you on this most memorable adventure.

When Erick heard about the trail ride opportunity, he knew it would be the perfect location for a little surprise he had up his sleeve. He contacted the Stone Gables Equine Team, and plans were soon underway for a surprise proposal! During their trail ride, an unexpected horse “injury” just happened to take place, so the couple had to dismount their horses and take a stroll while the horse’s fake injury could be addressed. With photographers hiding in the bushes, the surprise proposal went off without a hitch and she said, “Yes!” Congratulations to Kyiah and Erick! Who knows? Maybe they’ll be back for engagement photos or even celebrate their wedding day with us!

Trail rides make great birthday presents, anniversary gifts, and of course, surprise proposals. We even offer “date night” rides for couples. Photo opportunities abound, so bring your camera and capture the adventure with your special someone; or make it a family event!

Trail rides end November 15, 2025, so book yours today! The estate is beautiful this time of year!

The Star Barn Hosts a “Wish Upon a Wedding”

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:33:20 GMT

The first time, they had a very small wedding. So when Amber’s husband was selected as a recipient of a “Wish Upon a Wedding”, she was about to have her wedding dreams come true with a vow renewal unlike any other.

Similar to the “Make A Wish Foundation”, the “Wish Upon a Wedding” organization provides couples who are facing a terminal illness or a life-altering health condition with an all-expenses-paid wedding day of their dreams. When Stone Gables Estate was invited to be the host venue for Amber and Michael’s wedding, we were honored and excited to participate. Stone Gables offered the couple The Star Barn for their vow renewal and reception and the quaint Liberty Spring House for their lodging that night both at no cost to the couple. The event was led by Wedding Coordinator, Gillian McSherry, who enlisted a dedicated group of vendors, as listed below, who donated 100% of their labor, services and materials.

A wedding day is often sprinkled with a variety of emotions. This particular day had an added layer of sentiment as the groom was in an active fight with brain cancer. Although everyone involved was aware of his battle, it was not the theme of the day. The couple was showered with special touches and meaningful gestures to make this vow renewal more than they could have ever dreamed of.

The complete story was covered by Lancaster Online and can be found here . Mountain Laurel Catering also featured the event on their website and shared a gallery of exquisite photos by Lauren Bliss which can be viewed here .

Organization - Wish Upon a Wedding
Venue - The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate
Planning / Design / Décor - Events By Gillian and Co.
Photographer - Lauren Bliss
Videographer - Zach Beidler Media
Florist - Sarah’s Floral Designs
Catering - Mountain Laurel
Mixologist - The Traveling Tap
Plateware and Lounge Rentals - A to Z
DJ - Baker Event Co
Live Musicians - Vivace Live
Rising Country Star Performer - Nathan Merovich
Baker - K Sweet Designs
Linen - Special Occasions of Premier Linen
Stationary and Signage - Cork and Chambers
Custom Veil - Sew Glorious
Suit - Generation Tux
Hair - Disco Cowboy
Makeup - Amy George Makeup

All Photos by Lauren Bliss

Christmas Preparations Are Underway!

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:57:46 GMT

Christmas in September?! That’s right! Christmas preparations are in full swing at Stone Gables Estate!

Each year, Lancaster is the home of The Santa Gathering , a weeklong national training event designed to help Santas and Mrs. Clauses hone their craft to prepare for their Santa season.. Their schedule is packed with whimsical and practical workshops aimed at making each Santa more jolly, polished, authentic, and full of holiday spirit.

In the midst of their busy teaching sessions, the group took a festive “field trip” to The National Christmas Center , where they immersed themselves in yuletide history and inspiration—further fueling their passion for spreading Christmas cheer. Having over 160 Santa guests at one time at the Christmas Center was a festive way to kick-off our favorite season - the celebration of Christ’s birth!

Meanwhile, at the estate, our grounds crew is already busy hanging Christmas lights for our Drive Thru Light Show. The weather might not feel wintry, but the crew is hard at work putting in hours and hours of creative manpower to build a spectacular 3+ mile Drive Thru. Miles of lights and cords have to be meticulously assembled and correctly connected, piece-by-piece, to create a magical show that results in “ooohs” and “aaahs” from young and old alike.

Christmas is our busiest time of the year, full of many family-fun events. Click Here to view all the festive opportunities available for your family and friends. Join us in celebrating our Savior’s birth!

Special Features That Set Stone Gables Apart

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:01:03 GMT

“What made you decide to have your wedding at Stone Gables Estate?”
Lyndsey: “The horse drawn carriage!”
Sarah: “The minis and alpacas! You can’t get animals for your wedding anywhere else!”

A month doesn’t go by without hearing a bride say she selected Stone Gables Estate as her wedding venue because of the unique Amenities available to her. “As soon as I heard I could arrive on a carriage, I knew this was my venue,” said one excited bride. The grand entrance with dad by her side is bookended with a fairy tale exit with her new husband. The animal-loving bride can add-on a petting zoo, complete with two goofy alpacas, two gentle mini horses, and two silly mini donkeys. Guests are surprised by the unexpected “guests-of-honor,” and they love to participate in photo ops with the animals. The estate is also home to deer, horses, foxes, wild turkeys, mini long horns, babydoll sheep, and JR, the pig.

The special “extras” aren’t just for the girls. The groomsmen can start their day with skeet shooting right on the estate. This competitive activity provides the guys with a memorable experience that sets the day apart from all other weddings in which they have participated. Campfires and yard games are other favorites of our groomsmen.

If you are an Ironstone Bride and you want your entire bridal party to have a unique entrance to your Bell Tower ceremony, consider booking the tractor-pulled wagon. It can bring parents, the bridal party, and the bride all the way down through the orchard to the ceremony location. This special entrance is perfect for the couple who loves the rustic, farm-vibe which all of Ironstone provides. Just in case of rain, we have you covered, too!

Schedule a tour today and be sure to ask your friendly Sales Consultant about our unique Amenities that can “Wow” your guests and make your wedding day the one that will be talked about long after the send-off!

Photo by Fern and Fountain

Photo by SMJ Photography

Photo by Juliana Bird

Photo by Emilee Frey Photography

Photo by Brianna Wilbur Photography

Stunning Settings for Your Ceremony Location

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:45:00 GMT

Photo by Reflections Media

Stone Gables Estate offers several stunning options for the location of your wedding ceremony no matter which venue you might select. Two new ideas that recently surfaced came about when two of our Star Barn brides saw the property through fresh eyes.

Julia had chosen the Star Barn courtyard for her ceremony location. Instead of positioning her guest seating straight across in the courtyard like we usually do, she chose to turn the benches at a 45-degree angle, so they were facing the corner of the stonewalled area. Three elegant black iron urns full of summer florals created the backdrop for the couple, and the guests could see more of the beautiful white buildings of The Star Barn Village. This clever idea provided a fresh look for a ceremony in the courtyard.

Another bride who thought outside of the box was Abbey. Her ceremony location was at the Liberty Lake Gazebo in front of the Star Barn. Traditionally, the bridal party stands in front of this stunning white gazebo with its hanging flower baskets and large urns overflowing with white flowers and greenery. However, Abby wanted her guests to be treated to the full view of The Star Barn Village and all its beauty. By simply moving her guest benches to the right of the gazebo, Abbey had an exquisite ceremony backdrop with a view of The Star Barn Village, the Liberty Spring House, and the fountain on Liberty Lake which is the home of Lincoln the swan. The result was stunning! Abbey added white stands with flowers to complete the look. The beautiful gazebo was not forgotten but was utilized in a clever way. It provided the perfect greeting area for guests to drop off their gifts and cards and to grab a cool drink prior to the ceremony.

We enjoyed working with Julia and Abbey to create wedding spaces that fulfilled their wedding day dreams!

Photo by Kaitlyn Nicole Photography

Saving The Star Barn Pt. 3

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:11:57 GMT

The fifth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

In Part Three of The Star Barn, David Abel remembers how God helped guide him in the rebuilding process. The Star Barn itself is a symbol of the people. The barn almost became history through time but the Lord inspired David and Tierney to bring back the beauty and honor the craftsmen of the past. Giving new life to The Star Barn, just as God wants to give new life to us through Christ.

Duration: Video 4 minutes

CLICK HERE – The Star Barn Documentary “The Moving of an Icon, A Window into Our Past”

CLICK HERE – Digital Download of The Star Barn Documentary

Our Core Values

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 13:30:01 GMT

The next installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

Steward, David Abel, describes how God uses the Stone Gables Estate property to heal and experience beauty.

Video: Duration ~ 3 minutes 29 seconds

The Barns Of Belmont

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:30:01 GMT

The next installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel speaks on the beauty of the Barns of Belmont, a historic set of barns originally located outside of Lancaster, PA. : The Barns of Belmont will be comprised of 7 barns and a replica of the original brick farmhouse. More information to come once the project is underway.

Video: Duration ~ 3 minutes 39 seconds

The next installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

Video: Duration ~ 3 minutes 39 seconds

Brittany's Hope

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:19:53 GMT

The next installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel speaks on how every public event on the Stone Gables Estate property points to God. Stone Gables Estate also donates 100% of their profit to their signature charity, Brittany’s Hope.

Video: Duration ~ 4 minutes 23 seconds

The National Christmas Center Pt. 2

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 14:25:01 GMT

The National Christmas Center Pt. 2

David Abel continues the story of the National Christmas Center’s move to Stone Gables Estate.

Video: Duration ~ 5 minutes 41 seconds

The National Christmas Center

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 14:28:21 GMT

The National Christmas Center

The tenth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel tells the story of the National Christmas Center’s move to Stone Gables Estate.

Video: Duration ~ 5 minutes 30 seconds

The Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 14:31:34 GMT

The Harrisburg, Lincoln & Lancaster Railroad

The ninth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel tells the story of how the full scale 1860’s steam locomotive came to Stone Gables Estate.

Herr’s Mill Bridge

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:26:41 GMT

Herr’s Mill Bridge

The eighth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel speaks on how Stone Gables Estate acquired the Herr’s Mill Covered Bridge, originally located near Ronks, Pennsylvania.

Family

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:53:01 GMT

Family

The seventh installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David Abel speaks about his family, how God grew their family to 17 children, and how they continue to be a blessing to others.

Saving The Star Barn Pt. 4 – The American Flag

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:01:17 GMT

Saving The Star Barn Pt. 4 – The American Flag

The sixth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

In Part Four of The Star Barn, David Abel shares his God Story of the 20 by 40 foot American Flag on the property dedicated to Chaplain (LTC) Grover DeVault, USA Army, Ret. and his Precious Wife, Nancy.

Duration: Video 2 minutes 20 seconds

Saving The Star Barn Pt. 2

Tue, 26 May 2020 15:22:39 GMT

The fourth installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

In Part Two of The Star Barn, David Abel speaks about the original intent of the styling and purpose of The Star Barn. Col. John Motter used the five-point star and fleur-de-lis to honor God on this historic property and as a sign for hope and prosperity for the nation.

Duration: Video – 4 minutes, 30 seconds

Saving The Star Barn Pt.1

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:30:28 GMT

Saving The Star Barn Pt.1

The third installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

In Part One of The Star Barn, David Abel speaks on how his wife, Tierney Foster-Abel, started the journey of saving The Star Barn from a call from God.

Duration: Video – 3 minutes

The Story Of The Ironstone Ranch

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:33:46 GMT

The Story Of The Ironstone Ranch

The second installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

David speaks about how he acquired the Ironstone Ranch and how the Lord spoke to him to restore the barn. This was the beginning of Stone Gables Estate.

Duration: Video – 2 minutes

Klein Factory Mansion Beginning

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:30:01 GMT

The first installment of a new video series brought to you by David Abel and Stone Gables Estate.

Learn the answers to some of the most asked questions of this historic property.

In this first video, David Abel speaks as to how he became the owner of the Klein Factory Mansion and steward of Stone Gables Estate in Lancaster County, PA

Duration: Video – 2 minutes