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The Story Begins...
During the late 1800s, the whole area between Colockum Pass and Wenatchee was filling up with settlers, this included Stemilt Hill. Despite almost insurmountable transportation problems, Stemilt Hill itself was wonderful…once you got there.
Stemilt is a Native American word meaning "coming from the mountains" or "foothills to the mountains".
In 1906, George S. and Elizabeth (Eliza) Bainard came from Nebraska to Stemilt Hill, and on a beautiful piece of property, set amongst the pines, they raised livestock and fruit. Within the walls of a tiny home, they also raised six children, Ethel, Nettie, Ida, Genevieve, Frank, and George. When Eliza passed, George needed help raising the six children. A teen neighbor named Alma came to help. As time passed, George and Alma fell in love and got married. They had an additional six children together, making twelve children raised in the small farmhouse.
The Bainard homestead located on the future Mountain Pines Meadow property
As days turned into years and years into decades, the property changed hands multiple times. The old cherry orchard was torn out and the small farmhouse torn down making room for the new home that currently sits on the property now known as Mountain Pines Meadow. A few items were salvaged from the old farmhouse, a door and window remain and are part of the décor in our home now. They serve as reminders of a simpler time, a tangible window and door into the past. What stories they must hold.
An original window frame from the old Bainard farmhouse
When we first saw the property, we were touched by the stories shared. There was so much history collected by those who have owned the property throughout the years. We were drawn to it immediately and wanted to be part of the legacy. The drive up the hill was totally worth it.
Purchasing this property was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We’ve been married for over 35 years and feel this is our forever home. We met when we were 12 and grew up in this valley. We were sweethearts at a young age and felt the Lord brought us together. We love being married and all that comes with it. We are each other’s best friends and we are more in love now than ever. Part of marriage is falling in love over and over. The Lord blessed us with two beautiful children, who are both grown and married with families of their own. We have five wonderful grandchildren, and we love it when they come up the hill to Grammy's and Papa’s house.
We feel the Lord led us to this property for a reason. We love serving people and sharing what we have. When COVID struck, our niece’s wedding plans had a setback. The venue they had reserved could not fulfill their obligation and their date was canceled. We knew what we had to do and offered up our property for her wedding. Even though the guest count was cut down to 30, it was a beautiful wedding and the first one on the property. Soon after, a coworker’s son had the same unfortunate scenario. It felt amazing to be able to share what God had provided. It felt good to help these young couples create their moment in time.
A year later, we renewed our vows right here on the property. It felt magical and solidified our dream of opening a venue. As the saying goes, “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite”. It is so true; your love story is unique and is one of a kind.
We invite you to become part of the love stories shared at Mountain Pines Meadow…creating your moment in time.
Stace & Angie Knudtson
Our magical vow renewal ceremony at Mountain Pines Meadow
