Our Story

Our Farm’s Story

The 26-acre Cornett-Deal Christmas Tree Farm & Vacation Rentals has deep family roots. At one time, this very land was owned by our ancestors. When the property came up for sale, my grandmother, Diane Cornett Deal, was blessed with the opportunity to bring it back into the family in 1986.

She purchased the property and planted her very first Christmas trees the following spring. By 1992, Diane and her husband opened the farm for Choose & Cut weekends in November and December, inviting families to visit, explore the rows of Fraser firs, and pick out the perfect Christmas tree to become part of their own holiday traditions.

Over the years, many visitors told Diane how much they loved the farm and wished they could enjoy it during other seasons—not just at Christmastime. That simple sentiment planted a seed that would eventually grow into something special.

In 2000, Songbird Cabin was built on one of the most scenic spots on the farm, chosen personally by Diane for its breathtaking views. From the deck, guests can see the slopes of Beech Mountain, the peaks of Grandfather Mountain, and the rolling hills that surround our little slice of heaven.

In 2024, life on the farm took an unexpected turn when Hurricane Helene swept through the region, leaving behind devastating damage throughout our community and plenty of cleanup here on the farm. But as Diane says, “We made lemonade out of lemons.”

What began as a heartbreaking season of cleanup soon became an opportunity for an even bigger dream. With the help of family and friends, the farm began to transform once again. Cleaning up the storm damage opened new views and created space for additional vacation rentals.

That is how Carolina Chickadee Cottage and Fraser Fir Finch Cottage came to life. These two tiny homes—which really aren’t that tiny at all—were the result of lots of hard work and a vision to share even more of the farm with others.

Not long after, the opportunity for another tiny home came along, bringing Indigo Bunting Cottage to the tree farm and adding another special place for guests to stay and experience life here.

It all began because Diane had a dream to share this farm with others. It has been a long journey filled with hard work, family, change, and plenty of memories, but the result is something we are incredibly proud of—a peaceful mountain escape that honors the past, embraces the present, and opens new doors for the future. – Bianca Morris