Agriculture
LA Advertising Duo Buys 16‑Acre Farm Near Yosemite, Builds Home and Cider Business
David Bailey, 40, and Dana Tiel, both advertising professionals in Los Angeles, decided to leave city life for farming. They focused on a 16‑acre property in Mariposa, California, that included a four‑acre apple orchard and an existing hard cider operation. The couple purchased the land for $925,000, a price below the original $1.25 million asking, after noting the absence of a house. They spent $100,000 converting the barn loft into a one‑bedroom apartment, a renovation that took seven months. The barn’s loft already had gas and plumbing lines, which helped speed the process.
Bailey and Tiel financed the purchase through an agricultural lender that specializes in small businesses, accepting an adjustable‑rate loan. While the renovation was underway, they lived in Airbnbs for two months and then in a camper for five months, all while maintaining full‑time advertising jobs. The decision to buy the farm was questioned by family members, including Bailey’s parents and his accountant‑uncle, but the couple chose to proceed.
The property now operates as Sierra Cider. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday, and the grounds feature a petting zoo, a seasonal pumpkin patch, and a pick‑your‑own apple orchard that runs from August through October. The orchard grows many cider apple varieties, with harvest beginning in July. Bailey says the highlight of the operation is the apple‑picking experience, describing it as “nothing better” to be on a ladder picking apples.
Sierra Cider also hosts summer camps for children and offers visitors the chance to enjoy cider while children play in the fenced compound.
Frequently asked questions
What was the purchase price of the farm?
They bought the 16‑acre property for $925,000, below the original $1.25 million asking price.
How much did they spend renovating the barn loft?
$100,000 was spent converting the barn loft into a one‑bedroom apartment.
What is the name of the cider business operating on the farm?
The property now operates as Sierra Cider.