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LA RESIDENCE: A CIVILIZED SANCTUARY
by Pat Fusco
 La Residence, Napa Valley’s four-star inn, has long been a
destination for visitors in search of a tranquil stay. Although
its setting among ancient oaks and towering redwoods is secluded,
its central location is perfect as a starting point for winery
tours or drives through the countryside and it is close to many of
the county’s world famous restaurants.
This combination of privacy and practicality has drawn guests back
again and again during the seventeen years since owners David
Jackson and Craig Claussen bought the property and began
transforming it into the elegant compound of today.
The bare bones were there: a beautiful wooded property and its
original house, built in 1870, with construction underway on a
second building. The two newcomers from Iowa had vision, talent
and (fortunately) lots of energy for creating a place of their
own. They christened the first house The Mansion, and when the
second was finished it became The French Barn. Last
year a third building–The Cellar House–was completed.
They fit together on the site, all echoing the period when the
place was first settled. Landscaped gardens and softly splashing
fountains buffer the front of the inn from traffic sounds and
other urban intrusions. An immaculate pool and spa are hidden
behind hedges and white fences.
Each guest room has a definite personality, with delicately
patterned wallpaper and snowy linens, thick comfortable duvets and
fat pillows. The Mansion is furnished with American antiques and
designer fabrics appropriate to a house of its period. Three
suites include marbled baths and sitting areas with sofas and
televisions. In The French Barn, armoires and European
pine antiques add a Gallic country touch. Many rooms have
woodburning fireplaces and comfortable overstuffed chairs. Outdoor
access to a balcony or terrace adds more privacy to an already
discreet experience.
The debut of The Cellar House brings another layer of luxury to
the inn. Larger rooms feature king size beds, soaking tubs, wet
bars and televisions. They open to a patio and sitting area.
Separate from the rest of the guest rooms, the Cottage Suite has
its own living room and a private patio overlooking gardens and
vineyards.
La Residence hosts a wine hour with its owners each evening, a
casual gathering that features bottles from a single winery–a
different one each week–along with a generous spread of hors
d'oeuvres. Often the winemaker will be on hand to chat with
guests. In balmy weather the outdoor setting is a roomy deck with
small tables; cooler weather brings everyone indoors near
a warming fireplace.
Breakfasts could not be more civilized. Linen-clad tables in a
pale yellow dining room are set with china and silver. French
doors and many windows give it an airy feel, the rays of morning
sun highlighting a collection of antique glass cake stands
displayed on sideboards and French ceramics on the walls. An
extravagant seasonal floral arrangement stands on a grand piano in
the center of the room. Freshly squeezed juice and hot coffee or
tea is brought by attentive servers, then a full breakfast:
perhaps scrambled eggs and, always, house-made pastries and fruit.
La Residence is a fascinating cross between a bed-and-breakfast
and a hotel. Hospitable touches like bookcases full of eclectic
volumes and a collection of board games couldn’t be more
invitingly homey, while prompt responses from a capable staff are
evidence of professional, upscale service.
Claussen and Jackson are very much on the scene at their hostelry.
They share the everyday tasks–taking turns in the kitchen, Jackson
working with the gardeners or Claussen handling reservations. One
of them will be on the phone arranging dinner reservations for a
guest while the other puts together the evening’s selection of
local cheeses and other tidbits for the
wine hour. Their combined talents have made their vision a
reality. This is a place where it’s obvious that the owners care
enough to be involved with the details.
4066 Howard Lane, Napa, 707/253-0337, www.laresidence.com
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