David Bailey and Dana Tiel, both 40, traded their Los Angeles advertising careers for a 16-acre plot in Mariposa, California, on the edge of Yosemite. They bought the land for $925,000, a price they negotiated down from the original $1.25 million asking tag. The deal came with a hard cider business and 800 apple trees, but zero dwelling. The couple had to build their own home if they wanted to live there.
The renovation took seven months and cost approximately $100,000. Bailey and Tiel converted the barn loft into a one-bedroom apartment, utilizing existing gas and plumbing lines that previous owners had installed but never finished. During the construction, they bounced between Airbnbs and a camper. They continued working full-time in advertising while learning to manage a farm and a small business simultaneously.
The decision drew sharp criticism from their own family. Bailey’s parents opposed the purchase, and his uncle, who serves as their accountant, warned against the financial risk. They considered backing out multiple times but concluded the regret of inaction would weigh heavier than the debt. They secured financing from an agricultural lender specializing in small businesses, accepting an adjustable interest rate to close the deal.
Today, the property operates as Sierra Cider. The tasting room opens Friday through Sunday, alongside a petting zoo, a seasonal pumpkin patch, and a pick-your-own orchard active from August through October. Bailey says the physical labor is the highlight of his new routine. "To be on a ladder picking apples, there is nothing better," he told Collabs.io Mag.
The next phase involves scaling the destination model to withstand seasonal fluctuations. With the harvest season kicking off in July, Bailey is focused on maximizing yield from the cider-specific apple varieties. The couple plans to leverage their marketing backgrounds to expand the brand beyond the local tourist circuit, aiming to make Sierra Cider a year-round economic anchor for the Mariposa community.