This grand Victorian residence, known as Elmshaven since 1900, was constructed in 1885 by railroad entrepreneur Robert H. Pratt, serving as a vacation retreat for the Pratt family until 1900. In that year, Ellen G. White—one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—acquired the home and resided there until her passing in 1915. During her time at Elmshaven, White authored approximately 60 religious texts, including nine volumes written in her upper writing room.

Today, Elmshaven is adorned with furnishings reminiscent of White's time, many of which belonged to her and remain arranged as she placed them. The property is owned and preserved by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is open for public visits.

Whether your interests lie in architecture, antiques, church history, or simply experiencing life as it was a century ago, Elmshaven offers a tranquil environment to explore. The home's understated elegance and middle-class decor evoke a sense of simplicity and harmony, undoubtedly reflecting Ellen White herself.

Ellen White advocated for total devotion to God, asserting that genuine faith is best exemplified through simple living and practical service. In addition to her call for a return to biblical principles, she traveled worldwide, encouraging millions of women—who at the time lacked the right to vote—to embrace sensible living and reach their full potential. She outspokenly critiqued tight corsets and heavy dresses, which she believed collected dirt and introduced illness into homes. At the institutions she founded, she emphasized that neither men nor women should be entirely reliant on one another.

"In home-making, both boys and girls should acquire knowledge of household tasks," Ellen White asserted in her influential 1903 educational text. "Learning to make a bed, tidy a room, wash dishes, prepare meals, and care for one’s own clothing is training that won’t undermine a boy's masculinity; rather, it will enrich his life and usefulness. Moreover, if girls could learn to harness and drive a horse, as well as handle tools like saws and hammers alongside rakes and hoes, they would be better prepared for life's challenges." {Education, p. 216}

With her practical and sensible approach—seen in her lectures and door-to-door publications—Mrs. White, who experienced the heartache of losing two children to illness, encouraged individuals to steer clear of harmful medicines in favor of fresh air, clean water, physical activity, and a vegetarian lifestyle.

It’s no wonder that Elmshaven embodies practicality and history: it is simple, balanced, and tasteful. Take a brief online tour, then come and experience the serene beauty of Elmshaven in person.