The great American economy and the local economies that comprise it are neither driven, nor sustained, by anything but virtues. The Cameo Heights Mansion is a case in point.

It was opened just a few years ago as the national and local economy fell into a deep recession. The Cameo, no different than other local businesses built in times of uncertainty, was driven by the courage of its founders. Their goal was to become a prominent local business, such as Westin Hotels, Boeing, United Airlines, Nordstrom, Costco, John L. Scott and hundreds more.

This is the story of Alan and Deanne Fielding, successful hay and potato farmers with a 2,000 acre farm in Pasco. The Fielding family recently sold their ground crop farm to begin a new chapter in the orchard business.

The Fieldings purchased a new property in Touchet, between the Tri Cities and Walla Walla. The plan involved planting 127,000 fruit trees and building their dream home for a growing family of seven children. Then the Dot-com Recession of 2000 set in. For 10 years their home remained only partially completed with just the walls and roof constructed.

With their plans changed, Deanne Fielding conducted market research on the hospitality industry and discovered the need for an upscale bed and breakfast inn and restaurant for those visiting the surrounding wine country. Not only did the Fieldings learn about the market demand for their new business, but also about what is required for a world class bed and breakfast inn.

A review of the guest book and a guest research survey reports the highest accolades, even beyond the industry standard scales for service. In fact, the guest responses are often signed “Love.” These guests not only originate throughout the Seattle-Bellevue area, but from far corners of the nation.

The Cameo Mansion has not just “over the top” service, but the facility details include water fountains, incredible views of orchards and farms that one would usually experience in Tuscany, Italy.

And, there is more: each guest room uniquely represents English, French, German, Spanish, Greek, Italian, and Asian venues. The likes of these suites were once required for kings and queens of yore, however, in this case, they add a 21st century flare.

Jim Hebert is the president and founder of Hebert Research, Inc., an international real estate, land use, and statistical research firm in Bellevue.