By: Susan Miller

Just minutes from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Cooperstown Dreams Park, a thoughtfully designed seven-bedroom home is quickly becoming a popular destination for baseball families, coaches, and teams. Created by healthcare professionals Dana Brun and her husband, the Cherry Valley retreat blends warmth, creativity, and practicality—offering a welcoming space for large groups who want to stay together, relax, and enjoy everything Cooperstown has to offer.

With room for up to 15 guests, this home may be perfect for families attending tournaments or visiting the Hall of Fame, while also appealing to multi-generational gatherings, opera lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. What sets the home apart isn’t just its size, but the heart, intention, and playful details—including live plants, a ping-pong table, and a handmade bar—that make it feel like more than just a rental.

Consider booking the home here: Cherry Valley Retreat on Airbnb.

A Home Designed With Heart—and on a Budget

Dana Brun might not call herself a designer, but her eye for detail is evident the moment guests step inside. Much of the home’s furniture was sourced second-hand and refinished by Dana herself, transforming overlooked pieces into beautiful, functional features. The result is a space that feels curated, personal, and inviting—never staged or sterile.

Her approach reflects a belief that great design does not always require extravagant spending, only creativity and care. Each room feels lived-in and welcoming, striking a balance between comfort and character that guests immediately respond to.

Built for Togetherness: Families, Teams, and Groups

With seven bedrooms and expansive shared spaces, the home was intentionally designed to accommodate large groups with ease. This makes it especially appealing to families traveling together, wedding guests in the area, and baseball teams visiting Cooperstown Dreams Park or the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

For baseball families in particular, the house offers something hotels typically can’t offer—the ability to stay together, share meals, and relax in one place after long tournament days. Coaches and parents alike enjoy the calm, space, and sense of community the home provides.

Beyond Baseball: Opera, Nature, and Four-Season Travel

While baseball is a major draw to the region, the home’s appeal extends far beyond the field. Guests also come for the renowned Glimmerglass Opera, scenic hiking trails, Glimmerglass Lake State Park, fall foliage weekends, and winter escapes that showcase the beauty of upstate New York year-round.

Its location allows visitors to enjoy a full itinerary of cultural events and outdoor activities—or simply unplug and enjoy the slower pace of country living.

A Healthcare Family’s Escape to the Country

For Dana and her husband, both working demanding jobs in healthcare on Long Island, the Cherry Valley home represents balance. It’s a place where their four dogs can run freely, where kids and extended family can gather, and where time together feels intentional. Family plays a central role in how the home was designed, with multiple generations often coming together under one roof.

The Details That Make It Special

Throughout the home, thoughtful details invite guests to linger and connect. A handmade wooden bar becomes a gathering point in the evenings, the fireplace anchors cozy conversations, and the ping-pong table adds an element of fun for kids and adults alike. Live plants throughout the home create a sense of life and energy, something renters have repeatedly commented on as a favorite feature.

These features are not just amenities—they’re reflections of how Dana envisioned people using the space: laughing, relaxing, and truly spending time together. 

Interview with Dana Brun

1. You personally decorated and styled the home yourself. What was your original vision, and how did you want guests to feel the moment they walk in?

Dana: “I can honestly say that I did not have a clear vision when we first began the slow process of restoring the original farmhouse portion of the house. I knew I had many bedrooms to furnish, so I started browsing Facebook Marketplace and came across an old armoire. Around the same time, I found a blue velvet headboard that inspired me to paint the armoire a similar shade. I began watching YouTube videos on refinishing furniture, and that’s when my passion truly began. I would come home from work each day and spend my evenings sanding and painting until the armoire was complete.

Soon after, I found inexpensive matching curtains, and that’s how the blue tones for the entire old farmhouse came together. My goal was for guests to feel a sense of peace the moment they walked into the home. I also added live plants throughout the house, which give it an unexpected vitality and make guests feel immediately at home.”

2. Much of the furniture was second-hand and refinished by you. What advice would you give other homeowners or Airbnb hosts who want to create a beautiful space on a budget?

Dana: “I furnished and decorated the entire farmhouse—including three bedrooms, a living room, and a study—for under $2,000. My favorite piece is a secretary desk I purchased on Facebook Marketplace from a lovely couple for just $45. It took many hours to sand, refinish, and paint. I later sent a photo to the couple, who had relocated to California, and they were so happy to see it brought back to life for others to enjoy.

I firmly believe it is not only more fun but more rewarding to decorate with used furniture. It’s too easy to walk into a store and buy everything new. If you find just one secondhand piece you love, you can build an entire space around it on a budget. There was simply no way I could have furnished this home financially without doing it this way, and I am incredibly proud of how it turned out.”

3. What are some of your favorite DIY or upcycled pieces in the house, and why do they stand out to you?

Dana: “The first armoire I refinished still stands out as a symbol of the beginning of my furniture journey. I also love the blue tones that tie multiple rooms together and a secretary desk that has become a functional centerpiece. These pieces aren’t just furniture—they carry the story of transformation and creativity, and I hope guests notice and enjoy that personal touch.”

4. The home sleeps up to 15 people. Why was it important for you to create a space that could comfortably host large families and groups?

Dana: “We originally purchased this home as a place to retire. With five grown children, we needed a house that could accommodate large family gatherings. It wasn’t until after we owned the home that we considered renting it, but the expansive space and unique layout make it ideal for large groups. With four en-suite bathrooms, three king bedrooms, and three queen bedrooms, it’s great for multiple families or even baseball teams staying together—no one has to fight over the king bed!

The two separate houses, connected by a large family room, create the perfect setup for two or more families to enjoy their own space while sharing a kitchen and den. It truly feels like two homes in one.”

5. Many guests visit Cooperstown baseball camps and the Baseball Hall of Fame. What makes your home especially ideal for baseball families and teams?

Dana: “For baseball families in particular, the house offers something hotels typically can’t offer: the ability to stay together, share meals, and relax in one place after long tournament days. Coaches and parents alike enjoy the calm, space, and sense of community the home provides. It’s a home designed for togetherness—everyone can gather while still having privacy when needed.”

6. Beyond baseball, guests come for the Glimmerglass Opera, hiking, and outdoor activities. What do you personally love most about the area?

Dana: “The property sits on over 30 acres of beautifully maintained trails, featuring multiple ponds, a peaceful brook, and a stunning 20-foot waterfall. An aerial map with marked trails helps guests explore the land. Just a few miles away is Bear Swamp State Park, with hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

I spend most of my time hiking our own land and then enjoying one of the many local restaurants. There’s a perfect mix of cultural experiences, nature, and slow country living.”

7. You and your husband both work in healthcare. What drew you to buying a home upstate and embracing country living?

Dana: “We both work demanding jobs on Long Island, and this home represents balance. Steve grew up in Newburgh, NY, and always dreamed of retiring back in the area. We chose Cherry Valley because we fell in love with the property and the quaint, historic surroundings—rolling hills, peaceful drives, and a welcome contrast to the Long Island Expressway.

It’s a place where time together feels intentional and restorative.”

8. You have four to five dogs who enjoy the space as well. How did having pets influence your decision to purchase this property?

Dana: “Our four dogs—Monty the Bernese, Harper our Golden Retriever, Ollie our Maltese mix, and Kai, our 145-pound Leonberger—have plenty of room to run and explore, and they love the property even more than we do. Kai makes a beeline for the pond for a quick dip every chance he gets. While we don’t allow guest pets, our own dogs certainly make the most of this special place.”

9. When your kids and extended family come together upstate, how many people are usually under one roof, and what does that time together mean to you?

Dana: “The house comfortably sleeps 15, which is essential when our family gathers for long weekends. My favorite spot on the property is the entrance to the woods just beyond the second meadow—about 100 yards from the back door and up a good incline (a great way to get your cardio in!). Early in the morning, I take my coffee there and sit quietly as the sun rises over the mountains, reflecting on just how special this place truly is. Time together here feels intentional and precious—something everyone looks forward to.”

10. From the handmade wooden bar to the fireplace and ping-pong table, the home feels designed for connection. What do you love most about the house today, and what do you hope guests take away from their stay?

Dana: “At its core, this home was built around one simple idea: time together is precious. The bar, fireplace, ping-pong table, and live plants throughout all invite guests to linger, laugh, and make memories. I love seeing families, groups, and even solo travelers find a sense of belonging here. I hope guests leave feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired to return.”

For travelers heading to Cooperstown and the surrounding region, this isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to gather, recharge, and create traditions worth repeating—especially for baseball fans looking to make the most of their trip to the Hall of Fame and Dreams Park.

Consider reserving your stay: Cherry Valley Retreat on Airbnb.