Exterior

Located between Calistoga and St. Helena, dramatic views, a bold architectural statement and a strong relationship to the terrain create the unique residence known as Kodo House.

A smooth, paved road winds up the slopes of the Vaca Mountains - the range that defines the Napa Valley’s eastern edge - to a place where the dense foliage of the lower reaches gives way to a dazzling unobstructed view of the valley. In this coveted locale, Kodo House was built with thoughtful and meticulous care for its surroundings.

The striking lines of the house and its earth tones are drawn from the tawny hillside and the sun-drenched climate. Its well-crafted simplicity contains subtle architectural details that enrich the design. In counterpoint to the clean angles, the roof’s layers of stacked tiles form an eye-catching capital that runs the entire length of the house, capping its oculus-topped great windows.

Outdoor courtyards and terraces are oriented to take advantage of different aspects of the views. Each setting offers a distinct experience of the stunning vistas. Off the dining room is a stone patio just steps from the kitchen and perfect for alfresco dining with a backdrop of incredible views.

Upstairs the guest floor opens to a veranda that overlooks the serene lower courtyard filled with fruit trees. The perspective from the rear of the home is upward to the green and golden hills. And on the far end of the home, the master bedroom gives out to a sheltered sitting area where the vistas can be enjoyed in romantic privacy.

The entire front of the home faces the spellbinding panorama of the Napa Valley. Crushed granite terraces descend to a bow-shaped promontory that juts out over the sloping hillside. When you stand at the railing the there’s a sense that you are on the prow of a majestic ship with an exhilarating warm breeze gently blowing and the fragrance of lavender in the air.

Mature olive trees cover the grounds, intermingled with wildflowers and native foliage that sweeps over the rolling hills. You can take an exhilarating plunge in the infinity pool with its turquoise waters and contemplate the fluffy white clouds drifting overhead toward the distant Mayacamas Mountains.

This is a place of serenity with a connection to the strength and vigor of the land that can be sensed in the eloquent aesthetic expressed in Kodo House.

Interior

The sculptural form of Kodo House, with its dramatic use of glass and soaring walls of earth-tone stucco, expresses a harmony with the tawny hills and makes a defining statement of place. The home’s panoramic views and interplay of natural light are an integral part of the design elements, creating a diffuse radiance throughout the space.

The enormous open room that comprises the living space is somehow intimate in feel despite its expansive dimensions. Its rich, glowing floors are made of wood from French boxcars and the walls were lime-washed 10 times to give them an almost suede texture. The extensive use of windows on all exterior walls and doors leading to the terraces and patios offers an ever-changing scene. The windows and doors were hand-forged in France as were the wrought iron chandeliers that traverse the 20-foot ceiling and exterior courtyard overhangs.

Each area of the great room is subtly distinct: the dining space provides guests a different view from each seat at the formal wooden table and double glass doors open to more casual dining on the sandstone patio, just steps off the kitchen. The kitchen is a chef’s dream and a beautifully designed room for meal preparation or just as a gathering spot for good conversation and good times around a massive wooden center island. Freestanding hand-hewn credenzas display fine dinner and glassware and the grey green tones of the walls offset the deep red enamel of the fabulous Aga stove (invented by a Nobel prize winning scientist and named one of the three top design icons in the world), set in a brick recess.

The living area is drawn together by the sculpted stone fireplace. Comfortable sofas allow spirited conversations or provide an agreeable setting to contemplate the magnificent views. A central sound system lets you set the mood you want anywhere in the house. Double glass doors open to the upper terrace where you can stroll and revel in the gentle breezes. Multiple doors to the home’s exterior provide unfettered access to the outdoors: one of the treasures of wine country living.

In the sumptuous master bedroom, vaulted, beamed ceilings and rich, Asian-influenced furnishings create a quiet sanctuary. Creamy hues catch the diffuse light from the windows and glass doors that open to a private courtyard. The tall, sand-toned fireplace supplies a cozy warmth on cool evenings where you can lounge and watch a movie on the flat screen TV or indulge in the soft billows of the four-poster bed and gaze out to the serene vistas beyond. Next to the bed is a jade plant in a brick red container—a sign of good fortune.

The master bath is a contemporary oasis with warm granite flooring and walls. Fronds of bamboo rise over the greenhouse-like windows that stretch the length of the room. An ultra modern soaking tub shares the peaceful view and there is a separate stone tile shower and toilet. Modern farmhouse sinks sit atop opulent, dark wood vanities on either side of the room. Next to the bath is an absolutely huge double walk-in closet that has built-in shelving, storage and a wall of mirrors.

Upstairs, the guest suite is a private retreat with a sitting room with large flat screen TV and access to the balcony. The generous bedroom with its limewashed walls in soft cocoa shades has its own distinctive views of the hillside scenery through a nearly full wall of windows and double doors to the balcony. Completely sheltered, the balcony overlooks the lower rear courtyard with its espaliered pear tree and citrus trees.

The bath has a floor of hand-set polished flat river rocks, a large contemporary farmhouse sink and ceramic tile shower over a soaking tub and a commode. The walls are hand-rubbed layers of paint for a luminous “lacquer-like” finish.

This same "lacquer" look is applied to the guest powder room on the main level, done in a gorgeous shade of red, and in a soft green in the hallway that leads from the kitchen to the pantry laundry and wine storage. A stairway from the kitchen provides access to the large two-car finished garage, which has its own bathroom and work sink.

Fine details and thoughtful and original design are effortlessly blended with the home’s superb setting and unsurpassed vistas to create an experience that is unforgettable.

Property Highlights

• 3 bedrooms
• 3.5 bath
• Infinity pool
• Unequalled views
• Proximity to premium wineries and fine restaurants
• Romantic, contemporary design and architecture
• Fireplace in greatroom and master suite
• Private grounds with matured olive trees