In a place as layered as Napa, a hotel stay barely scratches the surface. The area’s wealth of offerings, with its scenic nature, expansive vineyard repertoire, and Michelin-caliber dining, is too rich to be experienced in a few days. Fortunately, a 160-acre parcel on Pritchard Hill, first acquired by a New York family, held the perfect potential to evolve into a private retreat for month-long stays. Consider this your formal introduction to the blue-chip Pritchard Hill Estate.
Luxe rustic touches, such as wooden pergolas and stone patios, marry Pritchard Hill Estate with its quintessential Wine Country surroundings.
The original owners had a plan: assemble a world-class design team and let the magic happen. The roster included late architect Howard Backen, interior designer Nicole Hollis and landscape architect Mark Bower, who each contributed to the villa’s rustic grandeur and undeniable Wine Country aesthetic. Now, it’s a part of the region’s premier rental company, BeautifulPlaces. “We are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity for our clientele to experience one of the most architecturally significant estates that defines the essence of Napa Valley luxury and is the product of some of the most influential figures in modern design,” says company co-founder and president Liza Graves. With interiors recently refreshed in partnership with RH, the vacation rental is certainly living up to its pedigree.
Between the estate's two guest houses lies the spacious swimming pool, set against a scenic background.
From entryway to backyard, the property is alive with purposeful design touches. Among the elements that particularly impress the team are doorways outfitted with proscenium arches, grand outdoor fireplaces built from volcanic rock quarried on-site and a farmhouse kitchen featuring its own outdoor pizza oven.
In conjunction with Backen’s hallmark “back from the land” vision, “All buildings are thoughtfully situated to take advantage of the views, and the use of rustic natural materials and sliding doors creates the feeling of a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” says Patrick Smith, CEO and co-founder of BeautifulPlaces. “The estate evokes a sense of quiet luxury where scale and craftsmanship replace the ornamental,” he says of the premises, which include a main residence, a guest wing, an additional one-bedroom residence and a two-bedroom guest cottage.
Soaring ceilings and retractable doors make indoor-outdoor living a breeze.
This is especially true in the great room, the heart of the main house, where living and dining coexist around a table for 14 and plush sofas encircling the fireplace. Just off it is the main kitchen, complete with textbook farmhouse touches, such as a copper sink, a pitched ceiling and a central island with barstool seating for five.
“All buildings are thoughtfully situated to take advantage of the views, and the use of rustic natural materials and sliding doors creates the feeling of a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle” –PATRICK SMITH
Pritchard Hill rounds out the rental experience with amenities tailored to its location. “Vineyards have been planted on the property for KHK Wines, a collaboration between chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller, the Hall family and fourth-generation Napa resident, James Keller,” says Smith. “We look forward to hosting guests at The French Laundry and our other restaurants in Napa Valley, as well as providing exclusive in-home culinary experiences helmed by our team,” adds chef Keller.
The main residence kitchen centers on a restaurant-quality range, perfect for private chef, prepared cuisine.
Further enhancing the experience, the estate’s dedicated host team can arrange in-villa spa treatments, yoga classes, exotic car rentals and other bespoke activities. Regardless of the activities, life at Pritchard Hill unfolds at an easy pace, shaped by vineyard walks, long meals and evenings gathered around the fire as the light fades over the hills—a setting that reflects Napa Valley’s enduring appeal and sense of place.
