Just ninety minutes from the bustle of New York City, a hidden gem awaits in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
Cedar Lakes Estate in Port Jervis is more than a beautiful retreat — it’s a story of family, vision, and transformation. Nestled on 500 acres of lush wilderness, this one-of-a-kind destination has become a beloved setting for weddings, retreats, and celebrations that blend modern sophistication with timeless charm.
Yet, behind its luxurious exterior lies a remarkable tale of two sisters, Lisa and Stephanie Karvellas, who turned their childhood home into a world-class haven for love and connection.
From Summer Camp Roots to a Modern Retreat
Cedar Lakes Estate began with humble yet meaningful origins. In 1929, it opened as Camp Minisink, a summer retreat created by the NYC Mission Society and Harlem churches to give inner-city children the gift of nature and freedom. For five decades, it served as a sanctuary of joy and exploration — a place where generations of campers built friendships and lifelong memories.
Decades later, the property fell silent until Steve and Lisa Karvellas saw its potential and brought it back to life.
In the 1980s, they transformed the land into Team USA Sports Camp, a training ground for elite gymnasts and soccer players, including Olympic and World Cup athletes.
During those years, their daughters Lisa and Stephanie grew up surrounded by nature and community. Summers were spent running barefoot through the grass, swimming in the lakes, and watching their parents create something magical from the ground up.
“We were raised here,” Stephanie reflects. “Cedar Lakes shaped our sense of hospitality and appreciation for beauty in simplicity.”
Bringing a Childhood Dream to Life
As adults, the sisters felt an undeniable pull to return home. Combining their love for food, design, and entertaining, they set out to reimagine Cedar Lakes Estate — not as a camp, but as a luxury destination where guests could gather, connect, and celebrate in style.
What began as a passion project soon became one of the Hudson Valley’s most sought-after venues. Today, the estate features 16 beautifully appointed cottages, 14 nostalgic cabins, and six cozy suites. Every space honors the property’s history while offering all the comforts of modern luxury.
The Glasshouse — Where Nature Meets Modern Design
As Cedar Lakes Estate continues to evolve, the sisters recently unveiled their most ambitious project yet: The Glasshouse.
This striking new 3,500-square-foot venue redefines what it means to host an event in the Hudson Valley. Designed as a four-season space, The Glasshouse combines sleek, contemporary architecture with the warmth of its natural surroundings.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a 30-foot-high glass roof, and locally sourced stone bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, while full climate control and sustainable geothermal heating allow events to unfold in comfort, no matter the weather.
In the past, couples often spent thousands renting tents and creating backup plans for unpredictable conditions. Now, with The Glasshouse, they can celebrate confidently — rain or shine — without compromise.
“We wanted to eliminate the stress that weather brings while keeping that magical connection to nature,” says Stephanie. “The Glasshouse makes that possible.”
A Celebration of Heritage, Heart, and Hospitality
What sets Cedar Lakes Estate apart is not only its stunning landscape but the heart behind every detail.
Lisa and Stephanie’s vision is deeply personal, inspired by the values of family, warmth, and authenticity that have always defined the property.
Every event — whether a wedding, retreat, or celebration — is treated as a fully personalized experience.
The sisters’ philosophy centers on genuine connection, from custom menus featuring ingredients grown on-site to fireside gatherings that bring people together long after the music fades.
Their leadership has also shaped a culture where staff feel more like family than employees. Guests often describe the service as “intuitive,” reflecting a team that truly cares about every experience.
Redefining the Hudson Valley Wedding Experience
Today, Cedar Lakes Estate embodies the future of luxury celebrations — intimate, immersive, and deeply meaningful. For couples, it offers the best of both worlds: the peaceful beauty of nature and the refinement of a world-class venue.
By hosting only a select number of events each year, the estate ensures privacy and exclusivity. Each celebration transforms the property into a private sanctuary, where guests can relax, explore, and celebrate without distraction.
With The Glasshouse now part of its offerings, Cedar Lakes Estate continues to set new standards for design-driven destination weddings in the Hudson Valley — proving that luxury can still feel like home.
“We’ve watched Cedar Lakes evolve through so many lives and seasons,” says Lisa. “But no matter how it grows, its soul remains the same — a place for people to connect, celebrate, and feel at peace.”
