My Story

Some might think I am a little lost out here in Bailey. Originally from the Midwest, my friends definitely think so... However I have found a passion in providing a mountain escape for everyone and anyone. The cabins are not littered with stuff or too-fancy-to-sit-on couches. The cabins are your second home, tailored to be clean, simple, and easy. There may be a few things in the cabins that may be a bit weird ... but it wouldn't be authentic if it was any other way.

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I started renting the first floor of Cabin in the Sky in January 2020. At first I was looking to save some money on the mortgage, but Covid hit and the home became an escape for teachers, nurses, and others. It filled my cup knowing I could provide a haven for those trying to keep it all together. 

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Pre-Covid, my dog at the time (Bear) snuck away at dusk and in dog dad mode, I started to message and call neighbors. My neighbor above me texted back, "ah, I don't live there anymore. But while I have you, I am selling the lot next door if you'd like it." I was first perplexed as to who I had been waving to the last few weeks. After shaking that off, the opportunity to buy the land was something I was hoping to have in the next 15 years. Well, I could not pass it up. I had diligently saved up from work and closed the deal. Oh, and don't worry, Bear came back happy as a clam from chasing deer.

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A year into Covid, my lower, elderly neighbors (Beth and Stan) had not been around as usual. They only had a landline so I decided to look up other associated addresses to them and write them a good ole fashion letter. A few days later their daughter called confirming they were OK but had to move to assisted living in Denver. As a result they had to sell the home. Again, no expectation of this home being for sale for another 15 years, I thought I had to take the opportunity to try and make it work. I had little savings left, I was in the middle of quitting my job and becoming an independent consultant. Yikes, with traditional lending out the door, I had to lean into some of the STR companies providing loans based on market potential. Fortunately I was able to make it work and get a loan to buy the home. Cabin in the Bear's Den was born ... well really born after a bear snuck in for a weekend - the guy took a nap on the couch and grabbed a frozen pizza for a snack.

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I have struggled in finding a singular passion to push towards. I was always envious of those that simply new what they wanted to be in life. Cozy Nook Cabins has started to fill that gap by giving fulfillment in hospitality and a list of endless projects / opportunities. I often get questions from guests interested in my journey and I am happy to share any and all details. I am absolutely no expert (e.g. reference my terrible social media presence). I often learn on the fly so reach out if you want to hear about my many mistakes!

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