A Fairytale of Chance.
The Roots of Big Cedars Farm

Big Cedars Farm welcomes you to slow down. Embrace a quiet morning walk, soak in the views, and let us deliver the kind of hospitality that invites people to connect and feel at home.

A Place Rooted in Tradition

Since 1941, the Neily Family has served as stewards of this special Blue Ridge hollow, at one point owning more than 300 acres. My grandfather, Bob, was a timber cutter. His business kept people employed during the Depression as one of the main cedar suppliers for “Old Man Lane”—the furniture giant and namesake of Hokie Nation’s football stadium.

Lane told Bob, “The cedar that comes from the New River Valley is the finest cedar around,” and wasn’t bashful about accepting dinner invitations to Ganny’s table. If you own a Lane Furniture cedar chest made between the 1930s and 1980s, it is very possible that its cedar came from this valley.

Our Big Cedars name is reflected in the timbers, ledges, and shelves found throughout the property, honoring Bob’s legacy.

We believe our grandfather would be proud to see how the fields have transitioned from pastures to playgrounds for future generations. Our mission is to provide a retreat for those seeking connection and intentional moments to cherish. We hope the quiet rhythms of nature and friendly animals offer peace, connection, and grounding for the modern soul.

Rooted in Land, Built for Connection

A stay or visit to Big Cedars can be as peaceful or as full as you want it to be.

Rooted in Tradition

We honor those who came before us and cherish that future generations will continue creating memories and embracing the beauty of this property.

Mountain Sanctuary

Stay a few hours or a few days. The farm offers a grounding escape and the perfect setting for rest, reflection, and celebration.

Happy Accidents

This property rescued us. Repurposed and given a second chance, the magic found here—from personal interactions to nature’s evolving landscape—comes from rethinking everything. Some of our favorite spots are simply “happy accidents.” We are blessed.

Local Community

We believe the best moments happen when people come together. While we love welcoming travelers, much of what we do focuses on hosting day retreats, team-building events, and art and nature classes that create meaningful connections within our local community.

The Heart That Powers Big Cedars

Big Cedars Farm combines the charm of a working farm with the comfort of a welcoming retreat. Animals wander, the moon rises, and the mountains frame the horizon. But what makes the farm special is the people behind the story and the feeling of being part of it.

Whether you visit to celebrate a wedding, host an event, connect with family, or enjoy a farm stay, each visit carries its own quiet sense of discovery—and we hope you will return again.

Warren Neily

Old Goat & Property Manager

Sylvia Davis

Chicken Lady & Micro Event Master

Super Lab Penny

New Official Greeter & Seeking Playmates

Bon Bon & Gus

Rescue Donkey & Her Son ·

Will Smile for Treats

Our Goats

The Lodge’s Namesake ·

A Herd of Approximately 12+

A “Family” of Staff

From yoga to team building, it’s the staff who bring this place to life each day. Together, we work to deliver a personal, family-focused experience.

“For us, the magic of Big Cedars is built by love, ‘Happy Accidents,’ and taking daily inspiration from nature.”

Our Farm Life Fairytale Story

Once upon a time, this was simply an Airbnb created to help make ends meet.

Today, a visit to Big Cedars Farm offers many experiences and stories to share. We hope you’ll explore and ask questions. We love sharing the details because understanding the past and creating connections are part of the magic the farm inspires. We hope you enjoy it.

Meet the Donkeys

Our donkeys were rescued and brought to the farm to protect the existing herd of goats. They also fill the void left by the pony Sylvia never received for Christmas.

The Resort-Like Amenities

Planning? Not exactly. The vision is really a collection of many “Happy Accidents,” beginning seven years ago with the firepit, which was designed to solve the problem of a rocky area in the grass. The rest is still evolving...

Our Commitment

Friends since 1982, Warren and Sylvia reconnected in 2019 on a “not date.” He had the lodge; she loved the idea. Together, they created a vision, shared ideas, and found chemistry. The rest is history still in the making.

Combining Resources

We both love antiques and the stories behind period pieces. Many of the items around the farm were rescued from Sylvia’s great-grandmother’s farm in Indiana, came from the Neily farm, or are simply rescued relics we couldn’t live without.