Inn of Imagination

magination: "The art or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality." It is this power not to accept reality as a fait accompli complete but to continue to invent new worlds that we celebrate at our Inn. Within, you will find rooms dedicated to Imagineers that have created new and fanciful worlds. Each room evokes the spirit of imagineer with period furniture, collections of their works, biographies and memorabilia as each tells the story of the person behind their works and achievements. Throughout the house and expansive gardens you will find murals capturing the whimsy and intelligence of each of them. The solarium/library houses scores of books that will stir your imagination and orchids to tickle your eyes.

We are located in the historic section of Napa which features houses built from 1860 to 1935. The inn, built in 1920 by a reputed gangster on the lamb, is on the National Historic Register as a classic example of the Spanish Revival period. It features 12 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, oversized rooms, private baths, a library, large fireplace and numerous gardens.

While you may think you know our imagineers, your visit to the inn will draw you deeply into their lives and works. Each of them believed in the power of a trait that is most acute in children: imagination. Although their works and lives vary dramatically, their basic message is quite similar: don't lose the wonder of imagination as you grow older. The rooms are dedicated to the following imagineers:

Charles Dodgeson: The enigmatic Oxford mathematician who transmogrified his name to Lewis Carroll, has delighted children of all ages and confounded scholars for over 100 years. His room is decorated in period pieces including an 1867 brass and burl bed, luxurious drapery and is awash in deep purples and gold. The private bath captures Alice's descent into Wonderland in a 360 degree mural.

Ted Geisel: This creator of odd and fanciful creatures who once said, "I doodle a few animals and if they bite each other; it is going to be a good book". As Dr. Seuss, he wrote over 200 books, made documentary films, was a fearless political cartoonist during War II and won Academy Awards. His room is bright and whimsical and features classic 1940's furniture, a collection of his "secret: art, hardwood floors, a large walk-in closet, and many details of Seussian fancy.

Jimmy Buffett: This calypso poet has sold over 18 million albums, authored 5 best selling books, co-wrote a Broadway play with Herman Wouk, and championed many environmental causes. His lyrics provide a mental compass for all of us. This oversized suite with four poster wrapped bamboo bed, blue and green hardwood floor, expansive bathroom and Caribbean flavor overlooks the large rose garden.

The library captures the feel of a tropical rain forest. This peaceful sanctuary houses scores of books illustrating a variety of imaginations. Lush green walls with hand painted butterflies and humming birds are set off by vibrant orchids and the copper floor.

Healthy and delectable with the ever present touch of imagination describes our breakfast. A buffet of fresh fruit and juices from our fruit trees, organic teas and special coffees, homemade pastries and treats, cereals all served in our elegant dining room with a floor to ceiling mural of our imagineers. Our expansive gardens include dozens of roses, camellias, fountains, sculpture, gazebo, croquet lawn, fruit trees, and several private. Places to relax and rejuvenate.

Located within the historic Arroyo Grande historical section of Napa, surrounded by beautiful architecture and gardens. We are within strolling distance to downtown Napa and the Napa River with its waterfront restaurants and shops. The American Center for Food Wine & the Arts (COPIA) is only a 15 minute walk from the inn with lots of history and surprises on the way. Many fine restaurants of varied cuisine, The Margrit Mondavi Opera House, Francis Ford Coppolla's Uptown Theatre, The Jarvis Conservatory, shops of all kinds, museums and art galleries are all within 10 blocks, while your stay at the inn is in one of the most historical and desirable residential neighborhoods in the city. From the inn, we have created a history and architectural walk that will show you much of the buildings that make Napa the city with the most pre-1906 structures than any in the Bay Area, including San Francisco. The styles of architecture include Italianate, Victorian, Gothic, Spanish Colonial, Classic Revival and Art Deco.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

• Each room is unique in style
• Private baths
• Rooms have a refrigerator and coffee maker