Farm family's home burns down in Howes Cave
The family home at a farm in Howe's Cave burned down over the weekend. Henry Hill Farm manager Robin Stine is devastated, but grateful for the support she's received from her community.
HOWES CAVE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The family home at a farm in Howe's Cave burned down over the weekend. Henry Hill Farm manager Robin Stine is devastated, but grateful for the support she's received from her community.
Stine had just wrapped up a busy night, hosting a wedding at the farm's venue: an 1800s restored post and beam barn nestled in scenic Schoharie County. She had fallen asleep in the family home that sits adjacent to the venue.
"I woke up and I smelled smoke and thought it was from the bonfire from the wedding," Stine recalled, "but I opened the door from my bedroom to the downstairs, and the smoke was just billowing out."
Stine and her two puppies made it out safely. Despite hard work from local firefighters, the house is a total loss. Stine suspects it was caused by an electrical failure.
The barn is fully intact and unharmed.
While Stine's heart breaks for the house where three of her grandchildren were brought home, and countless memories were made, she's comforted by messages from hundreds of community members, as well as brides who have gotten married at the barn.
Ashley Bean said her vows at Henry Hill Farm in 2017. She's a hairstylist and bonded with Stine over being in the wedding business. They've been in touch ever since.
"If she has a bride who needs a stylist, I'm always here, and vice versa. Robin's absolutely amazing. She goes above and beyond for all of her brides," Bean said. "When I read this story, I had goose bumps and chills. I just couldn't believe it. I'm so happy she's okay and her puppies are okay."
As for the newlyweds who were just on the property, celebrating their love the night before the fire, they returned the next morning to see Stine after they heard the news.
"They came back to make sure that we were okay. They're so sweet," Stine said through tears.
Stine said the barn doesn’t have any weddings booked for several weeks, and the hope is what's left of the house will come down before their next event. She extends her heartfelt thanks to all who reached out, as the messages continue to pour in from couples who have gotten married at her venue over the past nine years.
"They're just all so wonderful and great," Stine said.