The Francis House
French Second Empire château meets contemporary Parisian interior design. Think gilded picture frames, Chantilly lace curtains, antique brass luggage racks, and Impressionist art — all layered over 139-year-old stone walls. Intimate, adult-only, and very quietly luxurious.
Only 8 rooms means weekends and peak season book out fast — reserve well ahead
Why It Matters
Holds a 2025 Michelin Key Award. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Featured in Architectural Digest as one of the 15 best-designed hotels, Travel + Leisure, Forbes (named Best Bed & Breakfast in Napa Valley), and Vogue. Only 8 rooms, adults-only, and ranked #1 of 26 B&Bs in Calistoga on TripAdvisor.
The Francis House is a château-style stone estate built in 1886 — the only Second Empire French architecture building in Napa County, and the only stone building left in Calistoga. It served as a merchant's home, then a hospital where many of Calistoga's residents were literally born, then sat abandoned for 52 years until Dina and Richard Dwyer discovered it online, spent four years restoring it, and opened it as a boutique hotel in October 2018. Eight rooms. No lobby crowds. No tour buses. Just original limestone walls, Baccarat chandeliers, and a chef-prepared breakfast that guests keep talking about.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe King
Third-floor rooms that sit inside the Mansard roof — the defining feature of French Second Empire architecture. Angled walls give them a genuinely Parisian attic feel. Two Chantilly lace-draped windows, antique writing desk and chair, and French brass luggage racks. A little cozier than the Premier Kings below.
King
Deluxe Queen
Also on the third floor inside the Mansard roof. Same angled walls and Parisian character as the Deluxe King, with a queen-size bed, antique writing desk, vintage mirrors, and Chantilly lace at the windows. Good choice for solo travelers or those who prefer a slightly smaller bed configuration.
QueenFrancis House Suite
The flagship room. Overlooks the fountain courtyard with soaring ceilings, original interior limestone walls, and two private balconies. Has a gas fireplace, soaking tub, and walk-in shower with brass rainhead. Two Smart TVs. The most expansive room on property and the one to book for a honeymoon or anniversary.
King adjustable bedPool House Suite
A separate building directly across from the pool — the most private option on the estate. Has its own private outdoor shower, a fireplace, 12-foot ceilings, and a black-and-white quintessential French heated floor in the bathroom. Best pick if you want maximum separation from the main house and a poolside lifestyle.
Queen
Premier King
The showpiece standard room. Twelve-foot ceilings, original interior stone walls, and Baccarat chandeliers make these the most architecturally dramatic rooms in the main house. Antique French Marquetry writing desk, vintage full-length mirrors, and French brass luggage racks complete the look. Shower with antique brass rainhead.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hospitality team creates bespoke wine country itineraries. Staff have arranged VIP winery tastings at estates like Ehler and booked dinner reservations at top Napa restaurants. Being a Francis House guest often comes with preferential treatment at partnered venues.
Stone fire pit in the grounds for evening gatherings — a natural gathering spot after a day in wine country.
A curated salon library with a mix of travel, wine, and design books alongside antiquities — a quiet space for reading or unwinding.
Estate-grown herb garden used directly in the breakfast menu — citrus trees and herbs on grounds reminiscent of the French countryside.
Staff can arrange hot air balloon rides over Napa Valley — a popular area activity.
Heated outdoor saltwater pool with sunbathing terrace and a poolside area for relaxing between wine tastings. Guests have noted champagne by the pool as a regular treat.
On-site private tennis court available to guests. Multiple guest reviews specifically call it out as a highlight.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
On-site meeting room available for corporate retreats and strategy sessions.
The Francis House does not accept children under 16 years of age and does not permit pets.
BUILD YOUR THE FRANCIS HOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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