8495 FRANZ VALLEY SCHOOL ROAD

Set just minutes from the spas, geothermal hot springs and Michelin‑starred restaurants of downtown Calistoga, this contemporary estate at 8495 Franz Valley School Road pairs architectural artistry with the tranquility of 22± acres (approx. 21.9 acres). Designed by Signum Architecture and completed in 2020, the residence offers 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and ~5,223 sq ft of living space, with one full suite on the main floor and the remaining bedrooms upstairs.

Architecture & Construction

- Modern design with durability: The exterior blends concrete, stained cedar, metal and Japanese shou sugi ban siding (insect‑ and fire‑resistant) unified beneath a sleek parapet roof

- Palette of wood‑on‑wood: Architects describe a “strong sense of horizontality” and a warm wood‑on‑wood palette punctuated with metal

- Expanses of glass: Floor‑to‑ceiling windows and disappearing glass walls dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors

- Open‑air carport: A carport replaces a traditional garage to maintain an unobtrusive profile and connection to the land

Interior Highlights

- Tall ceilings and single‑light windows frame sweeping views of rolling hills and the adjacent Pepperwood Preserve.

- Sophisticated finishes complement the modern aesthetic; shou sugi ban wood continues inside, lending sculptural warmth to dining and living spaces.

- The main‑level suite offers convenience for guests or multi‑generational living; all bedrooms are designed to capture landscape vistas.

Outdoor Living

- Heated pool & spa: Walls of glass open to a resort‑style pool and spa terrace with panoramic valley views

- Outdoor kitchen: An alfresco kitchen anchors the entertaining area, ideal for dining under Napa Valley’s stars

- Private tennis court: A full‑size tennis court provides another resort amenity

- Expansive grounds: The 22‑acre parcel includes open lawns, native landscaping and potential areas for vineyards or gardens; there are no additional structures, but the acreage offers space for future development if desired.

Location & Lifestyle

- Wine country at your doorstep: The property lies close to Calistoga’s spa resorts, world‑renowned wineries and warm‑climate vineyards.

- Nature preserve adjacency: To the north, the 3,200‑acre Pepperwood Preserve — home to over 900 plant and animal species — provides protected wilderness and headwaters of creeks feeding the Russian River

- Easy access to the region: Minutes to Calistoga, a short drive to St. Helena and the Silverado Trail, and a scenic commute to Santa Rosa or San Francisco.

Rental Opportunity

Located within a short‑term‑rental‑eligible area, the property currently generates significant vacation‑rental income (2024 revenue ~$425k with ~$189k profit, per seller). New owners could apply for a permit to continue legal rentals, making this both a luxurious retreat and an attractive investment.

Why This Property Stands Out

This estate is a fusion of modern luxury and natural beauty. The durable materials, minimalist design and seamless indoor‑outdoor flow create a contemporary sanctuary; yet the setting, amidst Napa Valley hills and adjacent to a vast nature preserve, anchors the home in tranquility. Featured in Dwell and At Home in the Wine Country, it appeals to buyers seeking architectural significance, privacy, and the Napa lifestyle.