Churchill Manor B&B

I came to Churchill Manor for a wedding, so I can’t comment on staying overnight. The courtyard was a lovely setting for a small ceremony, with the fountain making it feel calm and peaceful. The bride and groom had plenty of praise for both the hosts and the property, and told us we should stay there sometime. We might take them up on that. There was construction next door, but the workers stopped hammering out of respect for the wedding. That was a thoughtful touch. I was curious about Churchill Manor’s history, so I looked it up. It’s a Victorian mansion in Napa, California, built in 1889 by local businessman Edward Bell Churchill. It was reportedly the Napa Valley’s largest 19th-century residence, with close to 10,000 square feet, and stood on one of Napa’s original streets. Edward had come from Vermont in the 1870s and made his money in lumber and milling. The Queen Anne design included a wraparound veranda, stained glass, and detailed woodwork from local mills. In 1891, he gave his son Cedar Gables, just behind the manor on Coombs Street, creating a family compound. The Churchills lived there for generations. Edward’s granddaughter Dorothy Churchill hosted weddings and social events there, and married first Herman Hess and later Mr. Ewing. The family later ran into financial trouble during the Great Depression and Prohibition. The house was the first Napa Valley property added to the National Register of Historic Places, in 1975. It’s also part of the Napa Abajo National Register Historic District, created in 1997, which covers about 300 historic properties across 29 downtown streets. Nearby Goodman Mansion, built in 1872, and Manasse Mansion are other reminders of Napa’s Gilded Age. After falling into disrepair, Churchill Manor was restored in the late 20th century and turned into a bed and breakfast. It now operates as a luxury boutique hotel, with period furnishings, gourmet breakfasts, spa services, and Napa City Landmark status. Its history reflects both the fortunes of an early California family and Napa’s change from frontier town to wine destination.

The daily happy hour was a highlight for us: from 5:30 to 7, there was wine, including Churchill Manor red, and a charcuterie board for each room. Breakfast was delicious too, with fresh fruit, coffee, tea and OJ alongside the entree. Our room was cozy and very clean, and the Churchill Manor robes and slippers were a nice extra. The house has lovely period decor, and the grounds are well kept, with flowers and fruit trees in the backyard. Owners Brian and Joanna work at the estate and chat with guests when they can. They were helpful with questions and any issues, and had lots of winery and restaurant suggestions. The staff who cleaned and cooked were friendly as well. We booked months ahead for May and got a great price. Downtown Napa, with its shops and restaurants, is just a couple blocks away on foot. There’s a lot to like here. We’d highly recommend it and plan to return.

They handled our dietary restrictions so easily and kindly, and everyone there was welcoming and accommodating. I’d gladly stay at this bed-and-breakfast again. Highly recommend.

Breakfast, treats, and wine at cocktail hour were lovely extras, and the service from Brian, Joanna, and their staff was great. They keep the house in pristine shape. It’s a memorable, distinctive place to stay in Napa, a few blocks from downtown shops and restaurants and a quick drive from valley wineries. I’d absolutely come back.