By: Vicky Talbot VP Media

Cherry Valley is the kind of place that feels untouched, authentic, and quietly magical. Guests often enjoy exploring:

Local Highlights

• Cherry Valley Museum – intimate, historic, and beloved.
• The Market – known for organic produce, specialty foods, and gourmet treats.
• Tryon Inn & Restaurant – offers prime rib, fresh clams, upscale dining, and a lively bar.

Just a short drive away, Cooperstown offers:

Cooperstown Favorites

• Toscana Italian Fusion & Grill – offering modern Italian cuisine.
• Stagecoach Coffee – an iconic café.
• Doubleday Café – a classic Cooperstown staple.

Plus charming boutiques, baseball memorabilia shops, and strollable, story-filled streets.

Outdoor Beauty for Every Season

Dana’s retreat sits on over 30 acres of private land with:

• scenic trails
• a winding brook
• multiple ponds
• a breathtaking 20-foot waterfall

Guests may also enjoy:

• swimming and picnicking at Glimmerglass State Park
• hiking at Bear Swamp State Forest
• kayaking and lake activities
• winter snowshoeing

The house offers hammocks, outdoor gathering spaces, and seasonal gear so groups can enjoy the landscape throughout the year.

Photo Courtesy: Dana Brun

A Retreat Created With Love—for Her Family & Yours

Though the home operates as a rental, it was originally a dream for Dana’s own large family. With five grown children, she needed a place big enough to gather. Today, the home brings in guests from all over the country—but at its core, it remains a place built for togetherness.

As Dana puts it:

“I poured my heart into this house so people could feel connected—not just to the space, but to each other.”

Photo Courtesy: Dana Brun

Dana’s 6 Tips for Budget-Friendly, High-Impact Airbnb Design

These expert-level tips come directly from Dana’s hands-on renovation journey:

1. Choose Solid Wood Over Veneer

Look for pieces made of true wood. Veneer cannot be sanded and limits your ability to fully restore or transform a piece. Solid wood may provide flexibility and longevity.

2. Find Pieces With Clean Lines & Interesting Details

Good bones matter. Even the oldest furniture can look fresh and modern if it has timeless lines or unique craftsmanship, which you can highlight with paint or stain.

3. Get Inspiration From Similar Designs Online

Once you find a great piece, search online for similar furniture. Let color palettes, finishes, and design styles inspire ideas you may not have considered.

4. Use Neutral Bases—but Don’t Fear Color

Dana favors neutrals for a calming, cohesive look. However, if the room needs a focal point or a pop of personality, color can sometimes elevate the entire space.

5. Understand Your Paints: Milk Paint vs. Chalk Paint

• Milk Paint: Beautiful, rustic, farmhouse style, but requires multiple coats and sanding between layers.
• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint: Dana’s preferred choice—easy, forgiving, and ideal for beginners or quick transformations.

6. Invest in the Right Tools & Protect Yourself

Dana started with a $20 sander from Amazon, but upgrading to a Surfprep made a noticeable difference—especially for rounded edges and detailed furniture.
And always wear a respirator while sanding. Skipping it can lead to respiratory issues, as Dana learned firsthand.

Bonus Tip: Restore Original Hardware

Maintain authenticity by reusing hardware. Dana boils her hardware in vinegar for 10 minutes, scrubs with Brillo, dries, then shines them with metal cleaner for a like-new finish.

For more information and to book your stay, visit the Airbnb listing:

Hosted by Evolve Field of Dreams Farmhouse on Airbnb.

Stay connected and see more updates on Instagram: Field of Dreams Farmhouse on Instagram