A Ranch Exquisitely Reimagined

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Stanly Ranch makes for an idyllic and indulgent Wine Country getaway

Guests can enjoy board games and conversation inside one of the main spaces. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

Set on 712 acres in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, Stanly Ranch was intended to evoke a true sense of place. “If we’re doing our job right, what we’re building here cannot be built anywhere else, for anyone else,” says Overland Partners senior principal Robert Shemwell of his San Antonio-based architecture firm’s approach to the project.

Inside the Palomino Suite main room. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.
Palomino Primary Suite. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.
The Palomino Suite backs up to the vineyards. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

Amid rolling vineyards and eucalyptus trees, the design of the Auberge property, comprising 135 cottages and guest rooms, nods to the locale’s agrarian heritage. Just before arriving at the resort, keep an eye out for a flock of sheep on the hillside. Shemwell worked alongside Overland architects Michael Monceaux and Dyami Luster to achieve what the firm describes as “honest luxury.” Accoya wood, rough-cut stone (aptly called Vineyard Trail) and corrugated metal panels clad the exteriors, while expanses of glass and clerestory windows let in an abundance of natural light.

The Hale House pool. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.
The expansive sauna offers views of the property. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

The stunning Glasshouse Barn event space features a trio of approximately 14-by-14-foot glass doors that lift for indoor-outdoor harmony. The on-site Halehouse Spa, situated next to one of the resort’s pools, is a destination in and of itself. Atlanta’s Clausen-Collaborative Interior Design was responsible for carrying the rustic yet refined sensibility inside (think: white oak, black metal and leather). The guest quarters embody serenity, from bathrooms with radiant-heated floors to private patios anchored by firepits.

The spa locker room. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

Stanly Ranch was envisioned with an emphasis on community—connecting people to the land and each other. The courtyard near the entrance offers ample alfresco seating and activities, including a ping-pong table and firepits that come in handy for making s’mores. Village, as this area is dubbed, is also home to Bear restaurant, designed by AvroKO.

Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch

 The nearby Gavel cafe doubles as a retail shop, where you can pick up a flaky lavender morning bun—lavender is prominent on the grounds—and locally handcrafted Caymus Andrew pottery, as well as the beautiful glassware and ceramics found in the rooms. (The Gavel moniker is a tribute to Judge Edward Stanly, who established the one-time working ranch in 1856.)

Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch

In raised beds at the Grange, ingredients are grown for use by chefs at Bear. In the morning, partake in a tour of the garden, with tastings along the way of carrots, mints and more. Guests can even pluck collard greens for the chicken-feeding experience, which happens midday.  

A cocktail course is just one of the many activities provided on-site. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

On the sustainability front, a number of initiatives are in place. For example, the landscaping relies on recycled water, the resort’s vineyards are organic and a partnership with farm animal sanctuary Charlie’s Acres yields compost. According to Monceaux, Overland’s design allows for solar harvesting in the future.

The villas are available for purchase. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.
The villa bathroom finishes are modern and chic. Photos courtesy of Stanly Ranch.

Should you find it difficult to leave Stanly Ranch, good news: Private residences are available for purchase. The Villas and the Vineyard Homes also boast meticulous design and access to resort amenities—but no looming check-out time to disrupt from the relaxing vibe.