Minsteracres Monastery and Retreat Centre, Consett

History

Minsteracres is a fine 18th century listed mansion built by George Silvertop in 1758 and then enlarged and remodelled in 1811 and 1865. The Silvertops were a Roman Catholic family who owned extensive portions of land in the area. Henry Charles Silvertop built the chapel by the mansion and dedicated it to St. Elizabeth of Hungary in 1854. In the second part of the 19th century, the Silvertops, following a fashion of the time, collected various plants and flowers for the grounds. Today Minsteracres is known for its avenue of Sequoiadendron Giganteum (California giant redwood trees), probably the largest collection of this type of tree in the country.

The Silvertop family sold the house to the Passionist Congregation in 1949. At that time the fathers embarked on a project of adapting the mansion to the needs of a monastery.

Food & beverage

All meals are provided with the lodging. The retreat house has a kitchen area for tea and coffee, including a licensed bar.

Other facilities

Linens are supplied. People are asked to bring their own towels. There is a variety of meeting, conference and common rooms. The retreat house has a  book and souvenir shop, chapel, library and extensive grounds.