What began as a family home for a prominent local merchant, James H. Francis, the property became a landmark for the city of Calistoga. Built in 1886, it is the only stone building with authentic French Second Empire architecture in Napa County.
Unfortunately, change in ownership, natural disasters and the passing of time all contributed to the fading of this remarkable property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Francis House was eventually closed down by the State of California in 1965, and for 52 years it stood uninhabited.
In 2015, Dina and Richard Dwyer stumbled upon this unique house online. Living in San Francisco, they filled their weekends meandering wine country roads, meeting local winemakers and visiting wineries in Napa.
Their love for the area turned into a quest for a special property. The stars were aligned: The Francis House with its Second Empire architecture waited long for this couple. Dina’s experience as an interior designer and Richard’s background as a real estate developer – general contractor made them the perfect team to embark on this complex rehabilitation.
The next three years, Dina and Richard carefully restored and redesigned the house preserving its former glory. Never compromising. Every detail is a deliberate choice.
This special Napa Valley bed & breakfast property exemplifies contemporary luxury – in an elegant old world setting . And with only seven guest rooms, provides privacy, comfort and highly personalized service.
ROOMS & SUITES
All of our rooms exude an old-world Parisian elegance which begins with customized leather headboards and antique desks, antique brass luggage racks and chandeliers.
But there’s more such as Toto heated toilets, heated floors, USB charges built in bedside, Aesop bathroom amenities and Dyson hairdryers. Plus all our rooms have a safe, steamer, magnifying mirror, and high-speed Wi-Fi. All common areas have poetic detail even in its randomness.
The blend of old and new is evident at every turn; whether it is a famous Impressionist’s work in that gilded frame in the dining room or the array of random books interspersed with antiquities in the salon library, there is something everyone will notice with its layers of meaningful objects. However long you stay, you become part of The Francis House story.
PREMIER KING
Premier King rooms showcase original interior stone walls, Baccarat chandeliers and Chantilly lace curtains which create a truly authentic French elegance. These second-floor rooms overlook the pool and have a king bed, French marquetry tables and brass luggage racks. 169 square feet.
DELUXE KING
Our Deluxe King rooms on the third floor have 2 windows draped with Chantilly lace, comfortable seating antique writing desks and luggage racks. They have king size beds and angled walls that are unique to the mansard roof typical of French Second Empire architecture. 169 square feet.
POOL HOUSE SUITE
Should you want a larger accommodation that is more private we recommend our Pool House Suite. This room is in a new building on the property.
The room has a modern feel and is a very special space to admire a century old landmark building from your bed or the sofa. It has an antique writing desk and a fireplace as well as a living room set up with a three-seater linen sofa, burlwood coffee table and 2 classic Danish armchairs. 200 square feet.
DELUXE QUEEN
Our Deluxe Queen Rooms have a queen-size bed, antique writing desks & chairs and full-length mirrors. These third-floor rooms are furnished with antique French chandeliers and have angled walls that represent the uniqueness of the French Second Empire architecture. 169 square feet.
EXPERIENCE
The Francis House is an experience like no other. Admire the French Second Empire architecture surrounded by grounds reminiscent of the French countryside with citrus trees and an owner-tended herb garden.
Relax by the pool on a sunny day and enjoy an espresso. Rejuvenate in the infrared sauna and salt room. Whatever you desire, our luxurious bed & breakfast property will put you in a wine country state of mind. The Francis House experience is designed for guests seeking an adult getaway, hence we cannot accept children under 16 years of age and do not allow pets.
DISCOVER CALISTOGA AND ITS ENVIRONS
California’s original Wine Country, Napa Valley is full of natural beauty, delightful culinary experiences and exciting adventures. Ideally located in friendly, walkable Calistoga, The Francis House is two blocks from Main Street, Lincoln Avenue.
You are steps away from local shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, spas and mud baths. On Saturday mornings, you’ll also find the Calistoga Farmers Market bringing fresh produce from all over the valley.
Venture out and explore all that Napa Valley has to offer. Soar above it all in a hot air balloon. Relax and rejuvenate in Calistoga’s legendary hot springs spas. Bicycle through the scenic vineyards, or hike the area’s meandering mountains.
Visit the local crafts and art galleries. Indulge in farm-to-table meals as you make friends and memories. In fact, you may need more than a couple of days. Your stay, your way! The Francis House’s skilled hospitality staff is delighted to create a custom itinerary just for you.