“The most perfect and beautiful venue for a wedding!! 10/10 recommend from a photographers perspective” - Tanya

History

Swedish immigrant Erick Sanders, a successful business and lumberman in Seattle and Bainbridge Island, built this elaborate craftsman house for himself and his wife Sara. The Sanders and several partners purchased 1,100 acres of land in the Green River Valley west of Kent as an investment. After constructing the Mill Pond and sawmill they began to harvest the timber. As a result, the open fertile farmland allowed for the start of what is now known as the Smith Brothers Dairy Farm. On this land, they founded the standard dairy and mill operations.

Between 1908-1910 the Sanders’ mansion was constructed with lumber from the recently invested mill, salvaged glass from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, and excess bricks from the West Valley Highway construction. Most of these original features, which made the Sanders’ Mansion a unique and modern home of the early 1900’s, have been maintained and restored to keep up our Estate as a historical landmark. You can still expect to see original light fixtures in the home and enjoy a warm shower in the very rare and original “cage shower” in the upstairs restroom.

The mansion was to be the Sanders retirement home, equipped with every modern experience and decked out in plants and trees galore. As the years went by the unobstructed view of the valley farmlands and Mt. Rainier were just a few benefits the Sanders enjoyed within their property. Now, in the 21st century, Sanders Estate is our lush home away from home tucked in the corner of Kent.