Minsteracres

Minsteracres is an 18th-century mansion in Northumberland, now a Christian retreat centre. Built in 1758 by George Silvertop, it originally had two storeys before a third was added in 1811. A North wing followed in 1865, expanding the house further. The Grade II listed building sits in a quiet rural setting, surrounded by farm buildings and lodges. An entrance screen with flanking walls marks the approach to the estate. The stable block and other structures nearby share the same listed status. The house reflects the history of the Silvertop family, a Roman Catholic dynasty. George Silvertop became the first Catholic High Sheriff of Northumberland in 1831 after penal laws were repealed. His nephew Henry Charles Silvertop built a Catholic chapel in 1854, dedicated to St Elizabeth of Hungary. The chapel remains a Grade II listed building today. In 1949 the family sold the house, which later became a Passionist Monastery. A retreat house opened in 1967, expanding its role as a place of prayer. Visitors find a peaceful retreat with a resident community rooted in the Passionist tradition. Two large murals by Consett artist Sheila Mackie adorn the walls, painted in the early 1960s. The murals, *Agony in the Garden* and *The Conversion of Saul*, each measure 12 metres by 3.7 metres. The estate includes the mansion, chapel, lodges, stable block and farm buildings. The surrounding countryside offers quiet walks and views of the listed structures.