Known as Wine Country,
Napa Valley boasts picturesque views of rolling hills, vineyards, and exceptional architecture. Since the beginning of the 20th century, homes in Napa Valley were primarily single-family homes with a mix of large and small wood frames. Architectural styles popular in the 20th century included Colonial Revival, Classical Revival, Shingle, First Bay Region, and Craftsman styles. These styles influenced many homes for sale in Napa Valley. These homes also pay homage to the area’s rich history and natural beauty.
Classic architecture styles
Classic Revival
Many homes in Napa Valley are influenced by Greek and Roman architecture. The Greek Revival architectural style is widespread across Napa Valley. The architectural style originated in the late 1850s and typically features hipped, front, or side-gabled roofs and uses classical columns. Another classic architecture found in Wine Country is the Queen Anne Revival. This architectural style derived from the English architectural movement, which includes the use of a variety of exterior cladding and intricate details.
Like the Classic Revival architectural style, which is a relaxed interpretation of the design ideals of ancient Rome and is characteristic of symmetry and proportions, many homes and buildings designed in Napa Valley blend classic architectural styles with non-European architectural styles. For example, Casa Cabernet was inspired by a monastery outside Mexico City and designed as a series of pavilions. The structure pays homage to the monastery while providing luxury features, including a lap pool that doubles as a fountain.
American Colonial Revival
The American Colonial Revival is one of the most well-known architectural trends, and its use was traced back to 1876. There are entire neighborhoods in Wine Country that draw inspiration from the styling and charm of this architectural style. Hallmark staples of these homes include sunrooms or sun porches and are one or two stories. In addition, many government buildings, post offices, libraries, schools, banks, and churches are influenced by the American Colonial Revival.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style homes are filled with character. This architectural style has been traced back to the 1860s. These homes focus on simplicity and warmth and are defined by strong angles, covered front porches, overhanging roof eaves, and tapered columns. The interior features exposed ceiling beams, inviting layouts, and wide-paneled doors. The customizations and upgrades put into Craftsman homes only increase the value of these inviting homes.
California Ranch
Many custom-built homes in Napa Valley are influenced by the California Ranch architecture style, which originated in the 1930s. Homes in this style feature an asymmetrical one-story shape with low-pitched roofs, emphasizing open layouts and combining indoor-outdoor living. In addition, these homes tend to have sliding glass doors, large backyards, and a spacious garage.
American Four-Square
American Four-Square homes are recognizable by their shape. They tend to be two stories with a four-square layout. These homes also tend to have a front porch with wide stairs, large windows, and a steep roof. The boxy shape of these homes maximizes space inside and allows the upstairs to be dedicated almost entirely to bedrooms.
Blending the old with the new
Many homes and structures in the area retain their original architecture or are updated to reflect and capture the impressive landscape surrounding the building. These homes draw upon the influences and history of the region to pay homage to the land.
Materials that embrace the surroundings
Newer buildings are embracing the mixture of natural cedar, weathered steel, and concrete to mimic the texture and colors of the surrounding hills. As a result, these buildings blend in with the land and limit disturbances to local wildlife.
Windows, windows, windows
The views are always breathtaking in Napa Valley, regardless of the time of day or the weather. Local designers utilize glass with the use of floor-to-ceiling windows or walls constructed entirely out of glass. For instance, the
Bouchaine Winery was built in a semicircle to optimize the stunning views of the vineyard and surrounding rolling hills.
California modernism
Found in both homes and wineries, California modernism uses cantilevered roofs, angled profiles, and warm tones. Using clean lines and exposed wood enlivens the large, open spaces. Homes and wineries that utilize these designs also incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure unrestricted views of the lush scenery.
Indoor-outdoor living
The weather in Wine Country is typically warm enough year-round to sit outside, so it’s common to find homes with a blend of indoor and outdoor living. Featuring expansive outdoor living spaces that can include fire pits, fireplaces, and kitchens, the outdoor space creates a calming environment to cook, relax, or entertain.
Focus on exposed wood
Emphasizing the area’s architectural history, many houses and buildings focus on exposed wood. Vaulted ceilings, post-and-beam construction, and exposed wood framework are styles in older and newer buildings. The exposed wood creates an air of comfort, encouraging guests to gather.
Modern barns
Today, many farm houses or barns are renovated into homes. Designers and architects often keep some, if not all, of the original structure and its charming touches, such as the wainscotting in farmhouses. These buildings have updated kitchens and lighting but retain more of the farmhouse’s or barns’ charm. Modern barns have several defining characteristics that maintain the appeal of the countryside barn with the contemporary touches of updated materials, an open floor plan, high ceilings, and large windows.
Use of solar energy
The environment plays a crucial role in Napa Valley, and the area features numerous green practices to care for its surroundings. Many wineries are installing solar technology to make their operations more environmentally friendly. Honig Vineyard and Winery, Peju Family Estate Wines, and ZD Wines are paving the way for Napa’s wineries to venture into solar energy. In 2006, Honig Vineyard installed over 800 solar panels, which is estimated to save 7.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
Whether you are looking for a newly renovated house with a historic touch or a more modern home, there’s something for everyone in Wine Country. The architecture in Napa Valley seamlessly blends the old with the new and each home is crafted with care for its surroundings. Knowing what you want in Napa Valley real estate, which has a wide variety of options and architectural styles, can be difficult, so it’s best to work with a
trusted advisor wherever you are in the process. If you want to explore Napa Valley’s real estate in more detail,
contact Lauren Lawson with any questions.
