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Napa, CA
707-252-7810
Logo for "The Cottages of Napa Valley" featuring colorful house icons.
Logo for "The Cottages of Napa Valley" featuring colorful house icons.
A smiling man rides a bicycle in a sunny garden setting.

History of The Cottages Of Napa Valley

A sepia-toned photo of a man and woman posed together in 1890s clothing.

1890s

The Darms family relocated from Switzerland via Wisconsin to Napa in 1883 and, the next year, purchased 63 acres of land. There, they grew cherries, apricots, apples, plums, and French prunes, which were sold at Darms Station in San Francisco. This land was located on what is now Darms Lane—the present-day home of The Cottages of Napa Valley.

Group of people posing outside a wooden structure in the early 1900s.

1900s

Italian immigrants purchased the land to work in the surrounding produce fields and built the first cottage (#8). In the years that followed, the remaining seven cottages were constructed to house additional immigrant workers.
Sign for "Tall Timber Chalets" at a tree-lined road intersection with a speed limit sign.

1992

Mary Sandman purchased 1012 Darms Lane and transformed the eight cottages into a tall-timber chalet retreat. After obtaining the bed and breakfast certificate, she operated the business successfully for the next 16 years.
A person wearing a white hard hat stands in front of a small white house with green trim, surrounded by fog and tall trees.

2004

For fifteen years, Mike Smith searched for the right cottages. At last, his real estate agent told him she had found the perfect property. Mike purchased the property in 2004, site unseen.
Interior of a home under renovation in 2004, featuring exposed framing and a window.

2004

The renovation began as Mike and his team carefully restored the cottages while preserving their most important original features. Through their efforts, the cottages were revived and brought back to life.
A colorful row of small houses with metal roofs surrounded by greenery.

2005

After a year of renovations and interior design, the cottages were complete. Cozy, timeless, and authentic, they had become something truly special.
A group of people gathers outdoors to celebrate a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of newly built houses in 2005.

2005

In May 2025, Mike Smith hosted the grand opening celebration, and Napa Valley turned out in full support. More than 600 guests gathered to celebrate Mike Smith and the newly restored cottages.
A smiling man in a hat rides a bicycle in a sunny, green yard.

Today

Today, Mike is known as one of the finest hosts around. He is dedicated to welcoming every guest who visits the cottages and creating an experience far beyond what a typical hotel can offer. For Mike, it has become the perfect retirement.