Not quite as expected

While this is a lovely home, and the setting and views are incredibly picturesque, there were unfortunately just too many issues or inconveniences upon arrival or during our stay to be able to truly enjoy the home as intended. This was meant to be a family reunion for our parents and inclusive of 6 adults. Before leaving this review, we waited two weeks to see if the owner might at least contact us, but we never heard from them, after we departed early due to these inconveniences. While we realize unexpected repairs do come up, we were notified only days before our arrival that the double oven was not working, although notes show the lower oven had not worked properly for quite some time. This would have been okay had the owner arranged to have a decent size counter oven to use, in addition to having a working BBQ and area with basic conveniences one likely also needs. What was provided however was a small toaster oven that hardly fit two slices of bread, and not even foil to use. More concerning however was that when we later went to use the BBQ to cook our dinner after reading an entire page of detailed instructions by the owner, we found the igniter was broken, and the propane tank was badly leaking. Clearly no one had bothered to check these other details after the oven suddenly broke and it was suggested to us by the owner that we use the BBQ instead. No cooking spray was provided either, which would have been a nice gesture in light of the circumstances. By the time we were able to find someone to at least provide us with a new tank, it was much later and quite dark on the back porch, due to overhead porch lights not working either. The only working lighting source in that area is very dimly lit, low voltage string lights that we were told are kept this way for light pollution. The darkness makes use of this area at night not very appealing to sit, BBQ or dine at during this time of the year, as it gets dark early and the owner should know this. The porch lights should be fixed so it is more functional and guests are not having to dine or cook with it being so dim. Or this should at least have been mentioned as it really was not very conducive for regular cooking or dining with no real oven to use. It was also disappointing to arrival with our groceries, and find the pantry locked and nowhere for groceries we had bought, with counter space already very limited due to items already there and cabinets already full. This is something that should have also been disclosed at a minimum as most people assume there is a pantry or cabinet to use. Additionally, we had little to no water to drink the first day and night because it was suggested by the owner and management to not drink the tap water due to the higher minerals, and they specifically told us not to use the refrigerator water dispenser which perhaps also did not work. Rather, they said still water would be provided and in the frig. However, the only water supplied was 1 gallon of distilled water one might use more for an iron. To the credit of the management company, though, we did at least get them to bring waters and foil at a later day after having to address these issues. On a more positive note, the beds and linens were were quite nice and comfortable. Bathrooms and the home was overall clean inside, with fairly updated features. However, one should be aware of the following: In the second bedroom upstairs, the left side has a very low gable roof line that causes one to have to duck in and out of bed, unless you are perhaps a small child. Although it is visible in pictures, it is hard to understand how low this ceiling really is, and for that reason, it should be mentioned as it may not work for some guests. In the master upstairs, we also found the closet was locked off, something that was never mentioned and should have been. While a smaller chest of drawers and very small hanging rack was available, it was not really adequate for the two of us intending to spend a week in that room. We therefore found ourselves living half out of our suitcases which isn't what we would expect from a home like this. Additionally, this master also only has two very small lamps on side tables that were in no way adequate to properly light up the room so it was unusually dark. We were also told in advance the living room fireplace was operable, but it had actually been sealed in similar to the lower bedroom. Not a deal breaker, but it would have been nice to have enjoyed a fire in the living room fireplace, or at least be told this in advance, and not otherwise. While the home is decorated tastefully, perhaps a bit minimalistic, it was not very functional in the upstairs master, kitchen or living room. In the latter, with 6 people, it meant the 5th and or 6th person having to sit on a wood bench just to watch TV, talk, etc. The back porch only has 4 chairs as well. Therefore, the home may be better suited for 4 people. As for the pool area, it is lovely, but the pool was much too cold to use this time of the year without it being heated. It is also very dark to walk back there and the grounds have many broken and fallen over path lights that we had to kick out of the way so they were not trip hazards. We felt this home could be amazing if the owner made a few necessary repairs and a few minor adjustments with added seating, storage and lighting,. We did discuss all this in a polite and constructive manner to the management company during our stay, and Ronda told us she would be meeting with the owner that Friday to discuss all of this. We trust she did. As my parents are older and preferred to dine in, this made staying at this home and cooking dinner rather challenging the longer we were there. This, coupled with the living room set up not very comfortable for 6 persons, caused us to depart earlier than planned, something we have never done in our 30 plus stays. We never want to have to leave any negative review, and rarely have, but we also did not feel we got what should have been working and useable, or disclosed properly if not. ”

Great Spot

Views were wonderful as well as sitting outside on the porch. Calistoga is such a great town and perfect for what the doctor ordered in terms of rest and relaxation. Good wines just a stones throw away.”

Beautiful Napa Valley Property

This home was the perfect Napa Valley getaway! Tucked down a peaceful country lane, the property is gated and opens into a beautifully designed wine country estate. The grounds were gorgeous, serene, and incredibly peaceful. The pool was a huge draw on a hot summer day and made the stay even more enjoyable. The house itself was beautifully appointed and tastefully decorated. We especially appreciated that every bedroom had its own private bathroom, which was perfect for our group. We absolutely loved our stay. We did experience a small hiccup with the tankless water heater, but the owners were very easy to communicate with and did their best to remedy the issue, which we greatly appreciated. Overall, this was a wonderful property and a fantastic place to relax and enjoy Napa Valley. We would definitely return!”