The Cottages of Napa Valley

History & Style

The Cottages of Napa Valley are a quiet and private retreat dating back to the 1920's. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard are said to have stayed here in the '40s. Secluded and tranquil, the proprietor describes the atmosphere as “not appropriate for toddlers through children age 12”. Pets are not allowed.

The property has contemporary design touches and luxury furnishings. Many of the cottages are modern builds but the cottage theme is consistent throughout. Amenities were clean and well kept. Services were high-end. 

Originally the property’s garage, the main building houses the office and a guest lounge on a courtyard paved with 300-year-old hand-made Belgian bricks. The courtyard opens on a large oval lawn shaded by mature oak, redwood, cedar, fig, fir and other trees. Party lights, a fountain and deck chairs create an inviting atmosphere. 

At check-in, we visited the office to pick up our keys and receive a surprise glass of wine. Our smiling host was right behind to guide us down a short path through a tall hedge and around a sprawling oak to our two-bedroom cottage tucked away at the end of the property. I felt like I was slipping through a portal into a secret, luxury adult summer camp. 

Rooms

Each cottage has a gas burning fire place inside, a wood-burning fireplace on the private patio outside, and private complimentary parking. All cottages are appointed with L’Occitane personal care products, robes, slippers, hairdryer, make-up mirror, iron, ironing board, Bluetooth systems for music players, free wifi, HDTV and Netflix, coffee maker and Peets Coffee & Tazo Teas. 

The property has eight cottages spanning three categories. The Cozy Kings are each 450 square feet with a luxurious king bed, living room and an equipped kitchenette all in one room under a vaulted ceiling. In addition to the private patio, each Cozy King has a private Gazebo that sleeps two.

The Romantic Kings are 550 square feet with a luxurious king bed, living room area with a queen sleeper/sofa, and an equipped kitchenette all in one room under a vaulted ceiling. The bathroom has heated tiled floor, BainUltra air tub and separate walk-in shower. Sleeps 4.

The sole Two Bedroom Cottage is 1400 square feet with a raised deck around half of the house. Each bedroom has a private bath with a heated, tiled floor and a 2-person walk-in shower. The primary bedroom has a luxurious king bed, dressing area and access to the deck. The second bedroom has a queen bed, cedar-lined relaxation room with BainUltra air tub, teak deck chairs, yoga mats, skylight and access to the driveway. The kitchen, laundry, dining and living rooms are fully equipped. Outside is a private lawn and patio surrounded by mature trees. With the living room sofa bed; this unit sleeps 6.

Service

Also included with every stay is a basket of Bouchon Bakery pastries and fresh orange juice delivered to your porch every morning; a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival; bottled water, sodas and snacks; umbrellas; bicycles; outdoor blankets and picnic backpacks with tableware for use during your stay.

The service was excellent and I say this because the amenities were thoughtful and elegant, but also because it was simple to have more magic delivered. Fee-based add-ons available for delivery: wine, a s’mores kit, a charcuterie plate and a cheese plate. The onsite concierge can arrange spa treatments in your room; wine tasting and tours; and restaurant reservations.

After enjoying a thoroughly indulgent food and wine tasting menu at Michelin starred restaurant PRESS, my companions and I agreed it would be a shame to not have a bottle of bubbly delivered with our morning pastries and the excellent orange juice come the morning. We dithered because we didn’t want to behave like spoiled brats. But then we caved, hoping to leave the request on voice mail and see what happened. At 10:30 pm the kindest live voice answered the phone and assured us our wish would be granted, and it was. We sat by the fire, listening to the owls, watching bats fly across the full moon and reveling in the knowledge that we were being taken care of.

Sense of Place

What to do: Sipping a glass of cabernet from legendary Chateau Montelena by the fire, under old growth trees, nestled below the storied Mayacamas Mountains and between daily deliveries from the original Bouchon Bakery, you can’t help but know you are in fabled Napa Valley.

To stretch your legs, head to the guest lounge to play a game, read a book or knock around with croquet on the lawn. Then turn in for a massage at your cottage. 

For an adventure, order a charcuterie plate, load the picnic backpack, grab a bicycle and peddle one mile south on the frontage road to Laird Family Estate for wine tasting and a picnic. Laird is one of the few Napa wineries that doesn’t always require a reservation. Ask your Cottages concierge to confirm for you. Or, ask them to reserve a tasting or tour at this or one of other wineries nearby. Silenus is just next door. A 15 minute bike ride north will bring you to Elyse Winery, Hill Family Estate and Chandon.

When to visit: As cozy as the cottages are, guests will spend a lot of time outdoors, either enjoying the grounds or visiting vineyards, wineries and restaurants. The property is on a rural road; there are no sidewalks connecting it to restaurants or retail so walking or biking is less ideal in winter which can be muddy in Napa Valley. Late spring is a good time to visit for mild weather and lighter crowds. Summer draws visitors with music/food festivals and warmer temperatures. Festivals and wine maker events continue through crush season in autumn. Wildfires are a distinct risk from June through October so advise clients to consider travel insurance to cover cancellations, delays, health issues related to air quality, etc. 

What to wear: Layers are suggested year-round, even in the warm days of summer. Outside temperatures swing from morning to night. Winery caves are kept at about 58 degrees F. Wear comfortable shoes for walking in vineyards and caves. Restaurant dress for dinner at most restaurants is smart casual.

Property Pros

• Small celebrations onsite such as “elopements” are possible, no weddings. This means guests won’t find the place over run by someone else’s event.

• Slightly remote and rural. A few wineries are within biking distance. Yountville is near by car. 

• Quality hospitality.

• No pets or young children.

• Peaceful, secluded.

The deposit is refundable, less a 5% processing fee if canceled more than 7 days prior to check-in. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable. Early departures are subject to the original reservation commitment. Terms for special events such as Bottle Rock weekend can be more strict so check with the reservations desk when booking.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to California. In need of further inspiration? Check out Irving Macario’s guide, Weekend Getaway to San Francisco, California.