The George - A Little Bit of Luxury In The Heart Of Napa, California

Last weekend, my family took our first trip to Napa, California, and we couldn’t have been more excited. My daughter and her boyfriend came in from D.C., flying into San Francisco to attend an engagement party held for a friend in Napa. Since we now live in California, we decided to pick her up in San Francisco and head to Napa, visit with her for a while, and then part ways to take a short vacation just my husband and I. The trip from San Francisco to Napa was a picturesque ride that lasted only an hour and a half to Napa Valley.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Vineyard along the way through Napa Valley

We stopped for lunch and continued to Stags Leap Wine Cellars, where we had a wine tasting, and then drove to our final destination. We arrived at The George, late in the afternoon, just in time to CHECK IN.

The George is a luxury inn that has only been in business for a few years. In 2016, it was purchased by Patty Theodorides, and her children, Kiki and George.

Initially built in 1891, the property, when purchased, was in extreme disrepair and needed a great deal of work. Finally, in 2019 they opened after a very long and laborious renovation.

This ornate Queen Ann Victorian, The George, is a lovely property with contemporary design aesthetics yet still keeps with the home’s historic charm. As an interior designer, I pay attention to the small details, and this property did not disappoint. The banisters, fireplace, and other original structures were restored to perfection. If you didn’t know the history of this home, one would think the wood floors throughout were new, but they are the original braided inlay hardwood fully restored.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Gorgeous refinished wood floors.

In the main hallway, you are met with sparkling twin birdcage crystal chandeliers.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Main hallway. Look at these floors and, of course, the chandeliers!

In the bedrooms and in other areas throughout the house, you will find beautiful leaded stained glass windows.

This stained glass window is located in bedroom 101. It is one of my favorite design elements in this bedroom. It is the perfect example of how the owners paid particular attention to the juxtaposition between incorporating contemporary design while keeping with the home’s historic value. The stained glass window is fresh, colorful, and still functional.

The Sitting Room

You find beautiful contemporary designed sofas and period-stained glassed windows in this sitting room. The windows are also very bright, giving this space a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

The Peacock Room

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Peacock Room Mural

The breakfast room is called the peacock room for a reason. The space is decorated with a mural on the wall with leaves and peacocks, and the chairs are painted in a cheerful green lacquer. Not knowing the entire history of this inn, I thought at first the walls had been decorated with wallpaper, but as I ran my hand on it, I found it had been hand-painted! I later found that the mural was painted by a local Italian artist Fabio Sanzogni. The artwork is stunning and expertly crafted.

Breakfast is served each morning, and on the weekend, when we were there, we were offered savory and sweet options. One day we had breakfast sandwiches of egg and cheese, yogurt served in crystal cups with dragon fruit and granola, and the next day we were offered a choice of a frittata or scrambled eggs and bacon. All are self-served with chafing dishes to keep food hot and a small clear refrigerator for the cold items. The chef was only a few feet away in the kitchen to ensure everything remained fresh and delicious, and it certainly was.

The Kitchen

At the heart of the inn is a big open-concept demonstration kitchen extended into the rest of the main living space. It boasts state-of-the-art appliances, quartz countertops, inset cabinetry, and long sleek contemporary pulls selected for the hardware. At greater inspection, I noticed pocket doors on both sides of the kitchen. I love that level of detail since the kitchen can be closed off from the rest of the open area if needed. Honestly, they thought of every design detail possible.

When we checked in late in the afternoon, we were greeted in the kitchen with a glass of champagne and a lovely array of cheese, crackers, nuts, and other snacks served on a stunning, ornate silver tray. Champaign and wine glasses were laid out for those who had a bottle of wine they wanted to open.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Beautiful presentation with glasses to greet their guests make you feel so special!

Since we had my daughter and her boyfriend visiting us for a few more hours before heading off to a friend’s engagement party for the remainder of the weekend, we opened a bottle of wine and sat outside in the courtyard to visit just a little longer.

The Garden Patio

The well-appointed backyard had white iron furniture with plush cushions that were comfortable to sit on. The surroundings felt reminiscent of a few inns I stayed in at Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. You would think the ocean was around the corner if you didn't know better.

The landscaping was well manicured with blooming hydrangeas and meandering, well-lit walkways. It felt like an intimate secluded garden perfect for a calming, therapeutic gathering.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / The hydrangeas are still small but when these grow to full size this backyard will be remarkable. It already is!

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / Click on the picture to bring you to their website.

This is a garden shed that is in the backyard. It is just enchanting to look at.

Photo by Merze Lifestyle / More landscaping that surrounds the house.

My Accommodations

Photo by The George Website / This is a photo of our room. It was well appointed and very comfortable.
**Click on the picture to bring you to their website or here.**

When traveling, I look for clean, well-manicured accommodations that is in a good location. Cleanliness is absolutely top priority to me. The inn is immaculate. I can not say one word about anything being out of place. It is impeccably clean, and accommodations are flawless. From the heated bathroom floors, Matouk towels and linens, big screen TVs, and comfortable bed, there is nothing I did not like about this inn.

““Home isn’t just a house or a city or a place; home is what happens when you’re brave enough to love people.””

— Natalie Lloyd, A Snicker of Magic

The George is a lovely 9-bedroom boutique luxury inn just steps from the heart of downtown Napa. Each room has a spectacular WOW factor as you move through the property. It has a contemporary elegance, but for me, the natural beauty of this property is all the special attention to detail that goes into making its guests feel welcomed. It’s all the little personal gestures and spaces that are created for guests that make intimate gatherings so special. It’s all the sweet little things that we all understand that go into making a house feel like a home. A house is just a house, but a home is a warm cozy feeling. This inn feels like home.

““I try to greet my friends with a drink in my hand, a warm smile on my face and great music in the background.”

”

— Ina Garten

As with everything I post on my blogs, please feel free to comment or if you have any questions, please email me through my contact page. I welcome it anytime!