High above Napa Valley on 28 private acres, Bellissima is a secluded Howell Mountain estate with sweeping views over St. Helena and across the valley to the Mayacamas Mountains. Surrounded by mature oaks, gardens and open land, the property feels wonderfully private while remaining within easy reach of the wineries, restaurants and shops of St. Helena and the greater Napa Valley.
The views are a defining part of the Bellissima experience. They appear through windows throughout the house, from the kitchen and dining room to several of the bedrooms, and become even more dramatic from the gardens and outdoor living areas. In the late afternoon, the western exposure takes center stage as the sun sets behind the Mayacamas.
The House
Bellissima has the relaxed character of a well-loved private Wine Country home. Beamed and vaulted ceilings, warm wood floors and trim, terracotta tile and substantial wood-framed windows are complemented by a comfortable mix of contemporary furnishings, Restoration Hardware pieces and antiques.
The main floor is designed for easy gathering while offering several distinct living spaces. The living room has soaring ceilings, a fireplace and ample comfortable seating, creating a natural place for everyone to come together. Nearby, a more casual sitting area with a television sits between the living room and kitchen—a comfortable spot for watching a movie or relaxing at the end of the day.
The spacious kitchen has a center island, generous counter space and large windows that bring the surrounding landscape into the room. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area seats ten beneath a vaulted ceiling, with a wall of windows looking out across Napa Valley toward the Mayacamas Mountains.
French doors and windows throughout the main level connect the interiors to the gardens and outdoor living areas. A half bath also serves this floor.
Bedrooms & Accommodations
Bellissima offers five bedrooms between the main house and a separate guest suite, with accommodations particularly well suited to families and multigenerational groups.
On the second floor of the main house are two private king bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom.
A separate two-bedroom family suite includes a king bedroom and adjoining queen bedroom that share a bathroom. The queen bedroom is accessed through the king bedroom, making this arrangement particularly suitable for parents with children or guests who are comfortable sharing a connected suite.
Located above the garage, the private guest suite offers a queen bed plus a twin daybed with twin trundle, providing a convenient arrangement for parents traveling with one or two children. The suite also has its own bathroom and office space, offering additional privacy from the main house.
Gardens, Pool & Outdoor Living
The outdoor spaces are at the heart of Bellissima.
From the house, a long architectural water feature extends through the gardens toward the western view. A series of arcing fountains runs the length of the water feature, particularly beautiful when illuminated in the evening, before the water cascades over stone into the pool below.
The pool itself is intimate and unusual—more a place for soaking, lounging and cooling off while taking in the view than for swimming laps. A stone terrace surrounds the pool with chaise lounges and a comfortable outdoor seating area, while the land falls away toward St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains beyond. It is an inviting place to spend a warm afternoon and an even better one to settle in as the sun begins to set.
Established gardens surround the house and outdoor spaces, with lavender, flowering plants, lawns, mature trees and winding stone and gravel paths. The gardens have the character of a private Napa Valley estate that has evolved over time, with different places to sit, wander and enjoy the setting.
Outdoor Kitchen & Recreation
Tucked beneath mature trees, the outdoor kitchen creates another gathering place away from the main house. A wood-fired pizza oven, grill, counter seating and dining space make it easy to spend an afternoon or evening cooking and dining outdoors.
For a little friendly competition, guests can enjoy the private putting green, bocce court and horseshoes. With 28 acres surrounding the house, there is also plenty of opportunity to walk and explore the property, or simply find a quiet spot beneath the trees.
Experience Howell Mountain
Bellissima is located in Angwin within the Howell Mountain AVA, one of Napa Valley's best-known mountain wine-growing regions.
A stay at Bellissima includes a private wine tasting at the villa with Tobias Vineyards, offering guests the opportunity to experience Howell Mountain wines without leaving the property.
For those who want to explore beyond the estate, Las Posadas State Forest is approximately five minutes away and offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through the forested hills of Howell Mountain.
St. Helena is an easy drive down the mountain, putting many of Napa Valley's acclaimed wineries, restaurants and shops within reach. At the end of the day, guests can return to the privacy and quiet of Bellissima—and perhaps make it home in time for sunset.
At a Glance
• Private 28-acre estate high above Napa Valley on Howell Mountain
• Panoramic views over St. Helena and across Napa Valley to the Mayacamas Mountains
• Spectacular western sunsets
• Five bedrooms between the main house and separate guest suite
• Two private ensuite king bedrooms
• Two-bedroom family suite with king and queen bedrooms and shared bathroom
• Separate guest suite with queen bed, twin daybed, twin trundle, bathroom and office space
• Living room with soaring ceilings, fireplace and ample seating
• Separate comfortable TV sitting area
• Spacious kitchen with center island and valley views
• Dining area for ten overlooking Napa Valley and the Mayacamas
• Multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
• Established gardens with mature trees, lavender and flowering plantings
• Dramatic architectural water feature with arcing fountains cascading into an intimate lounging and soaking pool
• Stone pool terrace with chaise lounges, outdoor seating and expansive views
• Outdoor kitchen with wood-fired pizza oven, grill, counter seating and dining area
• Private putting green
• Bocce court and horseshoes
• 28 acres to walk and explore
• Approximately five minutes from hiking and mountain biking at Las Posadas State Forest
• Private Tobias Vineyards wine tasting at the villa included with the stay
• Convenient access to St. Helena and the greater Napa Valley
What Guests Love
The extraordinary setting. Bellissima sits high above the valley floor, with views over St. Helena and toward the Mayacamas that are part of the experience from morning through sunset.
Sunsets at home. The western orientation makes late afternoon and evening particularly special. The pool terrace and gardens offer front-row seats as the light changes across the valley and the sun disappears behind the mountains.
The gardens and water features. The long fountain leading from the house toward the view and cascading into the pool below gives Bellissima a character all its own.
A property made for staying in. The pool, outdoor kitchen and pizza oven, putting green, bocce, gardens and 28 acres give guests plenty to enjoy without getting in the car—particularly appealing for a longer Napa Valley stay.
A private Howell Mountain wine experience. The included Tobias Vineyards tasting at the villa brings one of the pleasures of Napa Valley directly to the property.
The best of both worlds. Spend the day wine tasting, dining and exploring St. Helena, then retreat up the mountain to 28 private acres, quiet evenings and another spectacular Napa Valley sunset.
House Rules
This property is subject to local regulations governing vacation rental properties. Under local law, events, parties and outdoor amplified music are not allowed. Overnight and day time occupancy is limited to 10 guests, and rental guests must observe quiet hours between 9:00pm and 9:00am. The pool is heated Memorial Day through September. Note that the pool is not fenced or covered.
This residence is subject to a 30 night minimum stay in compliance with local regulations. Please contact BeautifulPlaces to discuss your needs, availability and terms.
