Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) has completed the second phase of a multimillion-dollar renovation of The Estate Yountville – Hotel Villagio (formerly Villagio Inn & Spa) in Napa Valley, CA.
“This new property is a bold reimagining of luxury in Yountville,” said Kathleen Dauber, partner at HBA. “Hotel Villagio is spiced with a vibrant social undercurrent and embodies a glamorous hotel stay unlike any other in Napa Valley. Its contemporary vibe articulates the exclusivity of the 90 guestrooms and 22 suites, each layered with natural materials and textures, bringing the character of Yountville and its surroundings into the luxe stylish design.”
Before starting work on the design, Dauber toured Napa, Sonoma and other California wine regions for inspiration. “The takeaway was the focus on California as its own top-rated wine region,” she said. “The days of invoking France or Italy in the wine cellars and tasting rooms is over. California celebrates its own style and the architectural language of Hotel Villagio reflects that. Industrial accents lend strength to the design, along with honest materials and the contemporary farmhouse architecture by SB Architects.”
The first stage of the renovation involved a renovation of the Hotel Villagio’s sister property Vintage House, which reopened in October of 2017. Dauber wanted the two properties to complement each other without mimicking each.
“The Estate renovation project weaves a cohesive, narrative-driven harmonious design throughout both Vintage House and Hotel Villagio,” she said. “Each property has a distinct personality, but both are influenced by the understated elegance of Yountville, resulting in an all-encompassing and one-of-a-kind wine country experience for guests. Vintage House is the more serene interpretation of this experience, whereas Hotel Villagio is more vibrant. We address both properties as if they were siblings or cousins. Same origin, but the Vintage Estate has a more feminine feel with a lilac and white palette, while Hotel Villagio is warmer and more club-like.”
The lobby has warm woods, dark stone and industrial metal lighting, designed to be a sophisticated area to relax, entertain and socialize. The Bar at Hotel Villagio invites both locals and visitors alike to make new friends and connect with familiar ones in the heart of the property while looking out on the resort’s private vineyard. Anchored by a new beverage herb garden and steeped in the farming history of Napa, The Bar offers edible flowers and stunning garnishments to the craft cocktails being served in this social hub. A James Perse pool table anchors the lobby space and the ceiling opens to wooden beams featuring dramatic wood trusses that invite guests to explore The Estate Yountville’s bold re-envisioning.
Hotel Villagio guestrooms are polished retreats with streamlined fireplaces and sun-tapped terraces lending to their exceptional appeal. Hand-knotted rugs draped over wood plank floors and mahogany headboard walls set the stage for a romantic escape with dark undertones and a refined juxtaposition of industrial meets rustic elements. Open wood and iron closets provide a unique display. Dramatic, freestanding soaking tubs are illuminated with elegant lighting, creating a sensual ambiance in the unforgettable marbled bathrooms.
The Villa at the Estate is a five-bedroom, residence-style accommodation. Designed with elegant entertaining in mind, The Villa has a private pool and Jacuzzi, fire and water features and an entertaining and gaming area. A Grand Salon, an elegant living and relaxation area, is the focal point of The Villa. “Soaring 20-foot ceilings flanked by endless walls of windows overlook the private pool and hot tub,” said Dauber. “The gathering space has a living room and entertaining area as well as a Chef’s kitchen including state-of-the-art appliances from the Officine Gullo refrigerator which retails for $25,000 to the exquisite La Cornue oven which retails for $8,000.”
HBA worked in tandem with two of the firm’s subdivisions, Illuminate Lighting Design and Canvas Art Consultants, as well as with SB Architects for the exteriors, to spearhead the transformative renovation.
The carefully curated artwork program by Canvas is playful and romantic. Custom pop art pieces celebrate all things Napa Valley—from wine tasting to romance to a weekend getaway with friends.
Illuminate collaborated on this multi-disciplinary project, providing lighting design that reinforces the subtly upscale interiors, highlighting the custom art pieces and curated objects, tying the interior and exterior experiences together though lighting.
