Franz Valley Escape - Calistoga Hilltop Home with Pool, Hot Tub and Vineyard Views

Spend mornings on the deck as fog drains off Mt. St. Helena, afternoons hiking the Oat Hill Mine Trail or tasting at Tom Eddy and Schweiger, and evenings around the gas fireplace with a Cabernet from the day's barrel-room finds. A round at Mount St. Helena Golf Course sits minutes down the hill. Settle into the great room beneath a circular iron chandelier, where window walls pull the valley inside and the gas fireplace anchors slow conversations after dark. Central AC keeps the single-level layout cool through Sonoma summers. Cook on the chef's range while someone pours a glass at the granite island — bar seating keeps the cook in the conversation, and the open layout flows straight to the dining table beside a floor-to-ceiling glass wine room. Linger over dinner with a bottle pulled from the wine wall, then drift back to the sofa as the chandelier dims and the valley goes dark beyond the glass. OUTDOOR LIVING Step onto the wraparound deck for sunset meals with valley and vineyard views, shaded dining, and teak loungers angled toward the hills. Slide into the private pool or the hot tub on its own platform as deer and wild turkeys move through the grounds below. SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS Three king suites, each with a private bathroom: - Bedroom 1: King bed, en-suite bath, vaulted ceiling, deck access, mountain views - Bedroom 2: King bed, en-suite bath - Bedroom 3: King bed, en-suite bath Sleeps 6. Please note: The pool house is not for guest use. PROPERTY AMENITIES - Private heated pool & hot tub - Gas fireplace - Central air conditioning - Chef's kitchen with granite island - Glass-enclosed wine room - Wraparound deck with valley & mountain views Please note: Pool heat available October, November, April & May; pool heat not available June–August; pool not available December–March. TOT# 3595N.

Pour from the floor-to-ceiling glass wine room, swim laps in the heated pool, and let the mountain and valley views do the rest — pure Calistoga back-country. The whole estate is yours, with a private hot tub, a gas fireplace, BBQ, and outdoor dining at the pool. Grab the key from the lockbox; pull into the driveway, and follow Franz Valley School Road in (Google Maps is reliable when GPS stops short).

Your Franz Valley location puts you in the peaceful hills above Calistoga, where vineyards and wilderness meet. Tom Eddy Winery is just 1.7 miles away, with Storybook Mountain Winery even closer at 1.5 miles. For a unique experience, The Petrified Forest's ancient redwood giants are only 2.1 miles from your door. Downtown Calistoga's famous Lincoln Avenue awaits 4 miles away, where you can walk between spa resorts, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Cal Mart grocery is 4 miles for provisions, while Lovina restaurant (4 miles) serves California cuisine in a charming setting. For casual dining, Buster's Original Southern BBQ is 4 miles away, or try Local Q 707 at 3.1 miles for barbecue closer to home. Outdoor enthusiasts will love having Pepperwood Preserve just 2.2 miles away, while the popular Oat Hill Mine Trailhead is 4.1 miles. Several small family wineries dot Franz Valley School Road, including TNT Vineyards (1.8 miles) and Helena View Johnston Vineyards (1.9 miles).

Calistoga is about 90 minutes from San Francisco via I-80 and Highway 29 — a scenic drive up to the northern end of Napa Valley. The driveway accommodates 2 vehicles — note that GPS sometimes stops short, so use Google Maps as backup and ensure you enter Franz Valley School Road (not Franz Valley Road). A car makes the valley easy to explore — tasting rooms, restaurants, and vineyards are spread from Calistoga south through Napa. For tasting days, plan a designated driver or book a rideshare ahead — it makes the whole day easier.

The home features high-speed internet for reliable connectivity. While the property doesn't have security cameras, the gated entry provides privacy and security. The modern design stays naturally cool thanks to the hillside elevation and cross-ventilation through those spectacular window walls, complemented by air conditioning for warmer days. The pool is heated and available for swimming in October, November, April, and May — during peak summer (June-August) the pool is refreshing without heat, and it's closed December through March. The primary renter must be 25 or older. The glass wine storage room makes a stunning display for any bottles you collect during your stay. Wildlife sightings are common — deer and wild turkeys frequently visit the property, especially in early morning and evening hours. The multiple deck areas catch sun at different times of day, so you can follow the light or find shade as desired.

Permit info: LIC25-0500