The Guide: Napa Valley
September 1, 2007
John Mitchell (Mitchell Construction, St. Helena,
707.963.2458). Mitchell Construction has been building in Napa Valley for 30
years. Although his clients’ demand for Tuscan-style homes is strong, Mitchell
has seen other interests lately. "A lot of what we’re seeing now is California
vernacular," he notes. These include contemporary, turn-of-the-century post
Victorian–style homes and Greek revival mansions. Most are hidden in the
hills.
Tim McDonald (Centric Building, St. Helena, 707.968.2900)
bucks the Italian trend. "We do a lot of modern homes, but we have a healthy
cross section," says McDonald, who has been in Napa for 30 years.
Frank Bleuss (Frank Bleuss and Company, 775.786.9022,
www.frankbleuss.com) isn’t based in Napa, but he might as well be. Bleuss not
only constructs high-end homes there, but even sets up his own cabinet shops on
site. "I’m old school," he says. "I don’t sub out anything I don’t have to."
Bleuss is now building a 12,000-square-foot home that the owner requested be as
authentic as possible: "He took us to Italy for two weeks to study the
construction, so we could get it right," he explains. The home is built with
beams and stone, with tile ceilings just like those found in Tuscany.
David Easton (Rammed Earth Works, Napa, 707.224.2532, www.rammedearthworks.com), constructs rammed-earth houses, a type of building
being adopted for its environmental advantages, such as energy savings due to
efficient natural heating and cooling.
Gary Jenanyan (Gary Jenanyan and Company Culinary
Consulting and Design, St. Helena, 707.963.0707) is a local chef and caterer who
assists homeowners with kitchen design and equipment.
Napa Valley Wine Hardware (St. Helena, 707.967.5503,
www.winehardware.com) designs custom high-end cellars.
LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS/CRAFTSPEOPLE
Jack Chandler and his
daughter, Jennifer (Chandler and
Chandler, Landscape Architects, Napa,
707.253.8266, www.jackchandler.com)
are well-known for their high-end residential landscapes, always
matching
gardens with the style of the house. "I try to stay away from
trends and create
timeless designs," Jack says. "But if someone has a
Tuscan house, we can give
them a European garden. However, lately
everyone seems to be embracing green
concepts with native plants and
less water." Jennifer adds that they are "seeing
a number of historical
restoration projects at old homes, too."
Jonathan Plant (Jonathan Plant and Associates, St. Helena,
707.963.8313, www.jonathanplant.com). His signature projects have a subtle
interface with the surrounding environment. "It’s clear that the use of water
has to be rethought," Plant says. "I try to minimize lawns." He has also been
known to incorporate edible plants—in the form of vegetable gardens and fruit
trees. "I think a garden should be bountiful," he adds.
Gordon Huether (Napa, 707.255.5954. www.gordonhuether.com) is known
for his architectural art glass, which is featured in many dramatic
installations and estates.
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