Wine Country Retreat
An idyllic escape among the Napa Valley mountains

English by Angela Feng
Photography by Matthew Millman

Stunning views of vineyards and mountains surround this idyllic wine-country retreat in Napa County, California. Luxurious yet down-to-earth, the place is the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. Designed by Bay Area-based Andrew Mann Architecture with interior designs by Chicago-based Kara Mann, the house is a contemporary take on the traditional country home. For more than 20 years, the firm has specialized in putting a modern spin on the traditional Bay Area style, with crisp lines and simple details.

A Clear Vision

This particular home and its location carries sentimental value for the client. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she frequently visited Napa Valley with her late husband. She had rented the home for three summers before finally getting the opportunity to purchase it. Already well-acquainted with the space, the new owner knew exactly what changes she wanted to make. She developed an idea book for the design team that captured the essence of what she was looking for: a splendid indoor-outdoor experience with a refined palette. 

“I have never worked on a project where the vision was so clear,” said Andrew Mann in an exclusive interview with Elite. “The client was a great decision-maker, consistent about client meetings and giving the right amount of feedback, never too much or too little.”

The original property was a shingle-style home built in the late 1980s or early 1990s with heavy detailing. Despite being situated among the rolling hills of Napa Valley, it was closed off and didn’t take advantage of the beautiful view. To open up the space, the designers simplified the floor plan and used French doors to connect the interior with the elegant private garden. The exterior materials and interior finishes are rich in texture, complementing the simple white-and-grey color palette.

 

The house came with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, but the designers decided to combine two of the beds and baths to create a grand, spacious master suite. Made up of various shades of white and cream, the bedroom has a fresh, relaxing feel. Large glass doors make up one wall, offering plenty of natural light and views of the stunning surroundings. In the bathroom en suite, the freestanding tub from Agape sits against a feature wall made of limestone sourced from Artistic Tile. 

The limestone is once again utilized in the kitchen, where it makes an appearance in the backsplash. The smooth white countertops are a quartz composite from Caesarstone in the color Blizzard. Above the kitchen island are customized pendant lights sourced from The Urban Electric Co. Woven bar stools give the otherwise pristine, modern kitchen a more rustic feel. In the living room, a coffee table consisting of four separate stone slabs is a striking and unique centerpiece. Flanking the table are two beige settees, enhanced by the sleek, brown leather throw pillows. A focal wall featuring V-Groove wooden boards surrounds the Borneo limestone fireplace. Above the mantel, a burnt-golden mirror frame adds a bohemian touch.

Tranquil Mountainside Living

Both Mann and the client’s favorite design feature is the pavilion, which was created in collaboration with Scott Lewis Landscape Architecture. From the start, the client knew she wanted some sort of outdoor seating area that feels nestled in the landscape. The pavilion is oriented to ensure that it captures views of the mountains in the west and the prevailing Napa Valley winds. A light color scheme and sweeping white curtains give it a lavish, resort-like experience, making it the perfect place to host wine tastings.

Throughout the home, minimalist furniture and neutral tones create a relaxed, welcoming ambiance. The elegant light fixtures and architectural hardware act almost like jewelry, adding eye-catching highlights to every room. The resulting creation is a traditional countryside retreat with a contemporary twist.