Hollywood Farm
Hollywood Farm was a 206-acre dairy farm in the Sammamish Valley, approximately 25 miles northeast of Seattle. It was built in 1910 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.[2] The property is now occupied by the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. The Craftsman house was a 1+1⁄2 story frame structure with a concrete foundation and full basement, approximately 75' by 60'. The property also included a carriage house, separate caretaker's residence, and greenhouses. Several acres surrounding the main residence were elaborately landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers firm.[2] HistoryFrederick Spencer Stimson, of the Stimson Lumber Company, built the home as a weekend and summer retreat for his family.[3] He also established a dairy farm with purebred Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle,[4] intended as a demonstration of modern agricultural practices, and eventually expanded the property to 600 acres. The state-of-the-art operations included laboratory testing for contaminants and measuring butterfat content, as well as strict sanitation controls.[2] His wife, Nellie, managed the gardens and nine greenhouses, and was known for her carnations and roses.[4][5] Enterprises associated with the property included Hollywood Gardens and Hollywood Poultry Farm.[6] A railroad spur was built to an ice cream parlor on the farm, where passengers could purchase ice cream, eggs, butter, cream, and sausages.[7] The Stimson family moved permanently to Hollywood Farm in 1918, on the advice of Frederick's physician. Frederick and his wife Nellie sponsored "Hollywood Fresh Air Farm", a two-week program for undernourished children from the city, allowing them to enjoy the country air and fresh dairy foods.[8] Hollywood Farm was sold to the Macbride family in 1944, who restored the gardens and main residence, which had fallen into disrepair, and added a greenhouse. The Macbrides raised beef cows and exotic birds.[8] Ste. Michelle Vintners, Inc. purchased the property in 1975.[9] References
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