Restaurants and wineries may change names and owners over the years, but the Beazley House in downtown Napa has stood the test of time. Established as a bed and breakfast in Napa’s West End in 1910, the historic Beazley House in downtown Napa serves as a unique and friendly inn. What makes the mansion unique is that it was Napa’s first bed & breakfast inn. What makes it uniquely friendly? Carol and Jim Beazley, and their son Scott, offer 35 plus years of innkeeper experience. Their knowledge of Napa Valley history and culture runs as deep as the roots in some of the surrounding vineyards.
Beazley House in downtown Napa
Their loyal staff, like a fine wine, is smooth and opens up with a unique blend of flavor profiles. Michelle turned on the concierge service before I had even set foot on the property. My mother had recently passed away and I was looking for a relaxing place to heal and recharge for a night or two. Michelle arranged for my spa service after breakfast the next morning and handed me a VIP card for dinner that evening at nearby Tarla Mediteranean Grill, an easy walk from the Northern California inn to historic downtown Napa.
“We host a wine and cheese tasting nightly from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. said innkeeper Michelle. “If you leave now, you’ll have time for a leisurely dinner and be back in time for a glass of wine and our homemade chocolate chip cookies. Then you can turn on the fireplace and relax in the spa tub in your room.” Her comforting words were music to my ears.
Visit to downtown Napa
As the sun set in the distance, the white lights bordering the garden paths between the mansion and the carriage house came to life. The English garden with it’s soft, gurgling fountain and swinging bench was just the place to meditate and reflect on this beauty surrounding me in the tranquil Napa Valley. I say tranquil because I was visiting Beazley House in downtown Napa mid-week in the shoulder season. The Napa Valley is special anytime of year, but I much prefer traveling in wine country after the crush – that means after grape harvest time or after the summer crush of tourists leave the valley.
If you want to do Napa like a local, you’ll be able to walk downtown to the many restaurants and tasting rooms or you can drive to Oxbow Public Market, meander along the Silverado Trail or head “up valley” to Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.
Carriage House in downtown Napa
I stayed in the Carriage House, behind the Beazley House, as I preferred the privacy that Blossom View offered. If you prefer private, hideaway rooms, you’ll want to stay in one of five Carriage house suites. I did take advantage of the spa tub and lovely bath salts in my king bedroom, as well as the gas fireplace. I also had the option of taking my morning breakfast in the garden, but I joined the other guests in the main house to learn where others were traveling from.
There were several friendly couples visiting from Texas, but the multi-generation grandmother, son and granddaughter captured my attention. The trio each had their own private (king bed) room on the second story of the 1902 mansion and everyone was thoroughly enjoying their visit. We discussed the days planned activities over peach bread pudding, homemade granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, as well as scrambled eggs and applewood smoked bacon. As I had recently written about top 12 best granola finds, I was quite pleased to learn that Carol Beazley would happily share her granola recipe with me.
Need to know:
All rooms offer private baths and Comphy micro-fiber sheets – you can purchase these 52,000 thread count, quick drying sheets at the inn if you like. Most rooms are pet-friendly with a nightly fee of $40. As always, check the website for current pricing and package deals.
During my stay, Blossom View rented for $325. Free WiFi and use of house computer & printer. Chocolate chip cookies are in a bottomless cookie jar and this recipe is available, too.
Breakfast is served between 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Complimentary tea & bottled water is available in a mini fridge in the mansion. Beazley House is a member of Historic Inns of Napa, California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (Cabbi) and members of the Professional Association of Innkeepers.
Check-in time: 3:30- 6:00 p.m.
Check-out time: 11:30 a.m. – noon
Downtown Napa Insider Tip:
Spa services are available in room. If, like me, you are traveling solo, I recommend visiting Blue Water Day Spa in downtown Napa. I had the most relaxing Swedish massage from lead therapist Katherine. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Instagram and Twitter @nancydbrown and follow The Beazley House on Instagram.
If You Go:
Beazley House (707) 257-1649
1910 First Street
Napa, California 94559
Beazley House downtown Napa bed & breakfast review, all photography and YouTube video by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Beazley House Bed & Breakfast, however all opinions are my own.