Holiday Home Tour

Edward Churchill and his wife, Mary, moved to Napa from Rochester, N.Y., in 1878, when he became the cashier of the James H. Goodman Bank (later sold to the Bank of Italy). He and Mary built the Churchill Manor in 1889 on Brown Street (then named Grant Street), considered to be the original street of the Napa founders. At nearly 10,000 square feet, Churchill Manor was reputedly the largest home in the Napa Valley at the time. After finishing it, Churchill built what is now known as Cedar Gables, which he presented to his son as a wedding gift in 1891.

Brian Jensen and Joanna Guidotti have spent decades restoring Churchill Manor into one of Napa’s most admired inns. Together, they revived the mansion room by room, reopening it for guests just a month after purchase. Guidotti has personally coordinated more than a thousand weddings, while Jensen’s talents in the kitchen—especially his signature Flambeed Amaretto Shrimp—have become part of the inn’s charm. United by humor, dedication, and an eye for detail, they have preserved the home’s beauty and spirit through years of hard work.

Built in 1878 for banker Joseph McClelland and his wife, this stately home later passed to the Priest family in the 1930s—giving rise to its familiar name, the McClelland-Priest House. In 1988, Celeste Carducci purchased the property from the Priest estate and, following careful restoration, opened it as the McClelland-Priest Bed and Breakfast in 1991.

Today, the home has entered a new chapter as a luxurious six-suite inn blending historic character with modern comfort. Under the guidance of innkeeper Choolwe Kalulu, the property underwent a complete “bottom-to-top” transformation—including a new foundation, earthquake retrofitting, updated electrical and plumbing, and an elevator addition. Interiors were reimagined by Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates (CMCA), an internationally acclaimed design firm, whose work highlights the mansion’s ornate 19th-century details while introducing a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Guests enjoy plush robes, locally inspired gourmet breakfasts, and the warmth of personalized service—all while experiencing a Napa landmark reborn.

Originally built in 1891 as the George Goodman Jr. mansion, this striking Queen Anne Victorian quickly earned its reputation as “the most handsome house in town.” More than a century later, the property was lovingly restored by the Theodorides family—Patty, Kiki, and George—who purchased it in 2016 with a vision to transform it into one of downtown Napa’s most distinctive boutique inns. After decades of wear and disrepair, the family reimagined the home as a nine-room luxury inn that celebrates Napa’s elegance.

Every detail of the renovation honors the home’s historic character while embracing modern design. Original woodwork, wavy leaded-glass windows, and grand staircases were meticulously restored, complemented by modern touches such as heated bathroom floors, Carrera quartz surfaces, and a stunning hand-painted peacock mural by local artist Fabio Sanzogni. Guided by the Greek principle of philoxenia—“love of the stranger”—The George embodies gracious hospitality, inviting guests to experience Napa’s heritage wrapped in luxury, comfort, and heartfelt welcome.

Built in 1902 for the prominent Norton family, this Craftsman-style home has long been a cherished landmark in downtown Napa. Annah Norton, an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, was admired for her charitable work and community involvement. After serving for decades as a private residence, the building was converted to office space in the 1970s. In 2000, new owner Scott Warren, a former real estate developer from Mill Valley, undertook an extraordinary restoration—transforming the property into the Blackbird Inn, which opened the following year.

Warren’s vision and appreciation for the Arts & Crafts movement guided every handmade detail, inspired by the renowned Greene & Greene architectural firm. Local artisan Ken Boyd contributed exquisite stained-glass windows and partitions, discreetly incorporating the names of Warren’s beloved dogs. The inn’s stone foundation was crafted from local river rock, blending the structure with its natural surroundings. A particularly charming detail—the ginkgo leaves pressed into the light sconces—came from a Frank Lloyd Wright home Warren visited in Chicago. In recognition of his sensitive restoration, Napa County Landmarks honored the Blackbird Inn with an Award of Merit for Historic Preservation in 2001.

We invite you to become an event sponsor and showcase your brand to an engaged local audience. Last year we welcomed 300 guests from six states and eighteen cities from across California as well as our own Napa neighbors.

Sponsors receive complimentary tickets and logo placement on our website, ticketing platform (MyNorthBayTickets.com), and in all event promotions and digital communications. The Holiday Home Tour is Napa County Landmarks’ largest fundraiser of the year, directly supporting preservation programs, scholarships, and advocacy efforts throughout Napa County.

Sponsorship levels:

• $250 Holly: includes 1 ticket
• $500 Evergreen: includes 2 tickets
• $750 Mistletoe: includes 4 tickets
• $1000 Crown: includes 6 tickets

To register or become a sponsor, please mail your check to Napa County Landmarks, PO Box 267, Napa, CA 94559, or sign up online here with a note in the Donor field. Logos and other information can be sent to info@napacountylandmarks.org. Contact Christine at 707-231-8261 with any questions. Thank you for your support!

Our Marketing Partners are local businesses that join us in celebrating the season. This free collaboration gives you a chance to showcase your brand and offer something special to tour guests, like discounts, two-for-one offers, giveaways, or festive treats.

To sign up, please send your logo (for online and printing), website url, a description of your guest enhancement, and contact information to info@napacountylandmarks.org. Or call/text our office at 707-231-8261 with any questions. We will send you our event graphics and logo for distribution through your social media, website, and marketing outlets. We appreciate your support!