Essentialist – History and Hospitality at Calistoga’s The Francis House

by FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

Long considered a Calistoga eyesore, The Francis House now reigns as one of Napa Valley’s most heralded and beautiful structures, thanks to the remarkable efforts of owners Rich and Dina Dwyer. The San Francisco based duo—and Napa weekend regulars—swooped-in to purchase the property just weeks before its scheduled demise. Originally built in 1886 and serving as Calistoga’s hospital from 1919 to 1964, the building sat empty and crumbling in its prominent corner location for nearly five decades, yet the Dwyers recognized its potential.