Mountain Field Farm under new ownership

Where fields of flowers grow and outdoor weddings bring families together, Mountain Field Farm will continue its story under new ownership. Sisters Amber Lanphier and Jennifer Cole purchased the farm with dreams to expand on the vision that previous owner Sarah Phipps had for her family’s property. Lanphier and Cole will execute this new venture by playing off of each other’s experiences in farming, real estate and event planning.

“We have the right recipe and the right experience to be able to take this on,” Lanphier said. “[Phipps] really wanted to pass on the legacy and not have it bulldozed and turned into something else.”

The property had been restored after being abandoned for many years. Phipps worked hard to refurbish the structures that were there and create new ones, with even more space to grow flowers. The farm currently operates as a wedding venue and operational farm with short term rentals. Accommodations include a large luxury barn and upper story lodging, a tiny house, a courtyard cottage, acres of beautiful flowers and a gift shop.

“That place is magical,” Lanphier said. “You have fresh flowers, you’ve got the view that looks over Palmer and you can see the mountains and the water tower. It’s just this idyllic place that almost feels like it shouldn’t exist right by the city center. But with it being the 22 acres you just feel like you’re in this sort of magical garden that shouldn't be where it's at.”

Lanphier has grown flowers on the property for her own business, Wildwood Flower Co, giving her intimate knowledge of the soil. She had dreams of growing her business and building a wedding venue so this was an easy yes. Cole had been working in real estate for over 10 years in the Valley and was looking for a short term rental opportunity.

When Phipps made the decision to list the property for sale in 2024, Lanphier and Cole decided to combine forces and capitalize on the opportunity.

“It’s been a really cool synergistic experience,” Lanphier said.

The two plan to split business responsibilities, with Lanphier working on the farming component while Cole works on the short term rentals and event venues. Both are excited to be working together on the farm, but emphasized the importance of balancing their sibling relationship and business relationship.

“One thing we committed to each other before saying yes to this is that we would take care of our personal relationship,” Cole said. “When becoming business partners, things can get kind of dicey.”

Owning and operating the farm will be building a future investment for the community and their family, Lanphier said.

“I think the biggest component is family and community legacy,” Lanphier said. “To get an opportunity to do something like this with my sister and build experiences for other families is giving us purpose and it's a really beautiful thing.”

The plan is to keep the farm and venue operating mostly the same in 2025. Both Lanphier and Cole agree on getting a good feel for the business and the property before tacking on additional work. Their goal is to keep the farm running as smoothly and successfully as it has in the past.

“Our main focus is to master the things that are already here,” Cole said. “It’s divide and conquer. We will support each other in the roles that we have chosen to master.”

People that have booked the venue for 2025 should expect business as usual, Cole assured.

“I want to make sure that every couple that has already been in contract to have the property for their wedding this summer feels like their needs are met and we meet their expectations and exceed their expectations,” Cole said.

With her children growing up and becoming adults, Cole said she has more time and energy to put towards the farm and the business venture. She explained that her and her sister will look at any hiccups along the way as new learning opportunities. Cole looks forward to engaging with the community while carrying out the farm’s legacy.

“I’m in a place in life where I can put more energy and effort into doing something new,” Cole said. “I like the idea of owning a piece of Palmer in such a grand way.”

Both Lanphier and Cole have been overwhelmed by the positive support from the community since announcing the new ownership.

“We’re just grateful and excited that we get to be the ones to build out the next chapter of Mountain Field Farm,” Lanphier said.

With Lanphier and Cole taking on the responsibility of the property, Phipps said she looks forward to seeing how the sisters can maintain the farm and her family’s heritage.

“I’m happy that the farm is going into loving hands that will appreciate and take care of it,” Phipps said. “I’m relieved that it will still be a beautiful wedding venue and a gathering place for the community. And I’m happy that vegetables and flowers will still be grown in the beautiful, rich soil.”

The community is encouraged to join the Mountain Field Farm mailing list on their website to receive updates about the farm and provide feedback on new ideas.