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Tucked under the Napa sun and framed by whispering trees and vineyard breezes, White House Napa is more than just a place to stay, it’s a piece of history with a heartbeat. A place where every wall holds its own story from the past, and every detail, from the front porch to the flowers in the yard, points to its early origins.

This week, we invite you to journey with us a few centuries back to discover the legacy behind the charm and meet the family who started it all.

The Dreamer Behind the Building
Our story begins in 1842, not in Napa, but in Germany, where Emanuel Manasse was born into the trade of leather tanning. By 1864, with big dreams stitched into his heart, Emanuel crossed the Atlantic in search of a brighter future. Upon arriving in New Jersey, he found more than a new beginning—he also found love. He married Amelia Hellwig, the daughter of a fellow tanner, and together they set their sights on the West.

By 1871, the young couple had made their way to Napa, California, where Emanuel became superintendent at Sawyer Tanning Company. He wasn’t just skilled, he was visionary. Emanuel would go on to create Nap-A-Tan, Patent Leather, and the famous Napa Leather—that buttery-soft material still used for fine gloves and fashion pieces to this day.

As his reputation grew, so did his family. Emanuel and Amelia raised six children in Napa, and in 1886, he decided it was time to build something extraordinary.

A House Built with Heart
At 443 Brown Street, Emanuel built a stunning 12,000-square-foot Victorian mansion designed by the renowned W.H. Corlett. Every beam, every window, every staircase was meant to be a celebration of family, beauty, and permanence. The home was as grand as it was warm, a perfect blend of elegance and soul (and it still is to this day).

When Emanuel passed in 1899, Amelia continued to lovingly adapt the home. She first converted it into a duplex to meet their changing needs, and later, in the 1940s, transformed it into six apartments—always finding ways to keep it filled with life and laughter.

From Private Home to Public Welcome
Fast forward to 1990, when the Morris family stepped in to give the historic home new purpose as a cozy Bed & Breakfast. But the biggest transformation was yet to come.

In 2014, a new vision took shape in order to honor the home’s incredible history while welcoming it into the modern era. With care, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the home’s original charm and integrity, the estate underwent a breathtaking renovation.

By 2016, White House Napa reopened its doors—not just as a hotel, but as a true experience. Think plush, curated guest rooms that feel like your own private Napa retreat. A refreshed pool and lounge area perfect for sun-soaked afternoons. Design details that echo the past while embracing the now.

A Napa Treasure, Reimagined
In 2024, White House Napa received yet another thoughtful refresh, further enhancing guest comfort and style—proof that beauty can evolve without ever losing its soul. Today, we proudly stand as a landmark of wine country luxury, featured in Architectural Digest as one of Napa’s most beautiful places to stay.

From a family estate to a design-forward destination, White House Napa is more than just a place to rest—it’s a story you become part of. A home built on dreams, now reimagined for yours.

Your Chapter in Our Story
We invite you to book your stay and immerse yourself in the wonder, the warmth, and the whispered elegance of White House Napa, raising a glass as you write your own unforgettable chapter in our story.