The historic restoration and modernization of the Brannan Cottage Inn took place from February – August 2014. Here are just some of the elements of this major undertaking, green/luxury upgrade and labor of love.

• Energy efficiency was built into both buildings through floor, wall and ceiling insulation retrofitted to modern building codes including 2010 California State Historic Building codes, Cal Green standards & Title 24 compliance
• Guest rooms use all-LED lights for maximum energy efficiency; room with all lights on use only 120 watts of electricity
• Both buildings were modernized with soundproofing, hardwired and wireless internet, and electronic room controls for lighting, heating & cooling
• Over 30 builders, carpenters, electricians, painters, craftspeople and gardeners, in addition to interior designer, owner/proprietor, general manager and construction foremen worked on the renovation over 6 months

1860 Original Brannan Cottage Inn Italianate Victorian building

• Original redwood siding was repainted and preserved; damaged siding was rebuilt by hand
• 7  foot high, 154 year old double hung windows at front of building were restored and repainted; due to their delicacy, they are inoperable
• For historical accuracy, windows could not be replaced with more efficient insulated glass
• Vinyl casings on side windows from previous renovation were replaced by handmade wood double hung single pane windows as close as possible to original design
• 300 year old 65’ tall Siberian Elm tree built into the porch and roof needed TLC from local arborist to restore her to her present glory; tree responded immediately after first “beauty treatment” injection
• Tree’s roots were damaging the building’s foundation, which was re-engineered to protect the tree’s health
• Bathrooms’ new marble and tile work was done by hand; new exposed plumbing fixtures follow Victorian style
• California State Historical Office, Napa County Landmarks and City of Calistoga Planning & Building Department, plus Calistoga’s Sharpsteen Museum, were all instrumental in the renovation process

Brannan House

• Building added to property in 1950s has been completely rebuilt with double glazed windows with acoustic rated glass for sound mitigation using latest soundproofing  technology
• Walls were taken down to enlarge guest rooms; Dutch doors were added; private deck was built on to Deluxe King room
• Original foundation, which was above grade, completely rebuilt to current seismic codes
• Original knob and tube wiring has been rewired to modern standards to reduce fire risk
• Bathrooms’ new marble and tile work was done by hand; both rooms’ decor are more contemporary in style than Historic rooms

Grounds & Garden

• Brick pathways in garden & patio areas were widened to reduce lawn area for water conservation
• Drought-tolerant landscaping was planted for minimal water use
• All-LED lights are used for maximum energy efficiency for property and garden lighting