{
  "id": 16237188,
  "title": "LA couple bought $925,000 farm, made barn a home, started cider business",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/la-couple-bought-925-000-farm-made-barn-a-home-started-cider-business",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-23T22:28:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/real-estate/news/an-la-advertising-couple-bought-a-925000-california-farm-with-no-house-turned-its-barn-loft-into-a-home-for-100000-and-built-an-apple-orchard-and-cider-business-into-a-family-destination/articleshow/135122821.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "David Bailey and Dana Tiel, both advertising professionals from Los Angeles, traded their city life for a rural adventure. Their shared love for gardening led them to pursue farming, ultimately leading to their purchase of a 16-acre farm in Mariposa, California. The property, situated near Yosemite, features a four-acre apple orchard and an existing hard cider business. Baileys paid $925,000 for the land, despite the absence of a house, as they later spent an additional $100,000 converting a barn loft into a home. Their venture, Sierra Cider, has blossomed into a family destination offering cider tastings, a petting zoo, a seasonal pumpkin patch, and a pick-your-own apple orchard. Initially considering a move to a larger property, the couple stumbled upon this citrus grove and apple orchard while on a visit to Dana's mother in Oregon. The seller presented them with a turnkey hard cider business, which they found appealing due to its comprehensive package. After declining a USDA loan, the couple secured funding from an agricultural lender specializing in small businesses. Renovating the barn loft took seven months and cost $100,000. The couple juggled their full-time advertising jobs, farm work, and learning new skills throughout this period. Despite concerns from family members, they persisted, eventually opening Sierra Cider, where visitors can enjoy cider tastings, engage with animals, and partake in various seasonal activities.",
  "summary": "David Bailey and Dana Tiel left their advertising careers to purchase a 16-acre farm in California. After spending $1 million, they converted a barn loft into their home. Their farm, Sierra Cider, includes a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and cider tastings. The couple faced challenges while balancing work and renovations during their transition. Despite initial doubts, the farm has become a popular…",
  "key_points": [
    "LA couple David Bailey and Dana Tiel purchased 16-acre farm in Mariposa, California for $925,000",
    "Converted barn loft into home, spending $100,000 on renovation",
    "Started Sierra Cider business with existing hard cider operation and seasonal activities"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}