A Luxurious Base Camp and a Taste of Summer in Napa Valley
A stay at The Cottages of Napa Valley has the air of summer camp for adults, but the experience is far from roughing it. Nestled along cobbled pathways beneath the towering trees and string lights, the eight vintage cottages exude an enchanting rustic vibe. Woodsmoke drifts through the trees as couples make s’mores by the fire or play croquet and bocce ball on the lawn. A communal gathering space with sliding barn doors houses local art and a vintage canoe suspended from the rafters. A rustic farm table in the center makes a great place to spread out with board games and puzzles or share a bottle of wine and a summer meal prepared on the grill outside.
The cottages were built in the early 1900s and once served as a secret hideaway for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard in the 1940s. Owner Mike Smith purchased the property 16 years ago and thoughtfully renovated the cottages with luxurious creature comforts, cozy Provençal décor, and hints of artistry and humor. Walk through the door of one of the cottages and you’re likely to find soft jazz playing over the Bluetooth speaker, a fire glowing in the corner fireplace, and a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge.
You can dim the lights and take a soak in the jetted spa tub or opt for a couples’ massage en suite. You can order dinner delivered from the Napa Foodshed and binge-watch TV shows on Netflix or make s’mores by the fire of the well-stocked, wood-burning chimenea on your own private patio. Afterward, climb into a lofty king-size bed piled with a dreamy down duvet and buttery smooth sheets. In the morning, the innkeepers will deliver a breakfast basket of Bouchon Bakery pastries and fresh orange juice to your door with a copy of The New York Times. The spacious cottages also feature vaulted ceilings, heated tile floors, and well-equipped kitchenettes with complimentary drinks and snacks.
Pack a picnic in the cottage backpack and take a pair of cruiser bikes for a spin along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. You can ride north to Yountville, south to Napa, or just stop off at wineries along the way. The Cottages of Napa Valley place you in the heart of wine country with a luxurious base camp and a carefree taste of summer.
