M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 3 21 waves of orange and peach dipping behind the foreground of a dark silhouetted forest. Nurit works with small wineries, searching for those with unique profiles and products to bring to market. The philosophy of viticulture is something Nurit feels closely connected with. The foundation of a place, its soil, the contemplation and nourishment that go into creating a good wine, are the values of someone who deeply understands the land. She explains that struggle makes wine better, which is why mountain fruit, like that grown above her on Howell Mountain, produces some of the best tasting grapes for wine. Nurit, much like a vintner who chooses a location carefully, has selected this cabin perched on the ridge as the perfect place to call home. In another part of the valley, a low rock wall built from fieldstone marks the entrance to Anna Pope’s cabin. The fireplace hearth inside is also constructed from this hardy, lichen-covered stone. On the hearth sits a piece of local history, an old wooden box marked “Napa Soda.” Napa Soda was produced just down the hill at the Jackson resort. In the 1940s this expansive resort burnt to the ground, and twenty years later the bottling plant was destroyed by arsonists. Now all that remains is a stone archway marking the entrance to what was once an extravagant playland with “healing waters.” From every direction there are sweeping views. As soon I walk onto the property at Anna’s place, I feel myself slow down. Her cabin is a sanctuary, a place where she feels “nurtured by nature.” On a good day, Anna tells me, it takes only about ten minutes to get into town, but surrounded by nothing but land with only one neighbor nearby, it seems like a retreat. The views are not typical of Napa, as there is not a vineyard in sight—just rolling hills thick with oak trees. The cabin was once an artist’s studio, and the floors are still marked here and there with specks of paint. A remaining creative energy rubs off on Anna, who feels inspired to write when she is here. The cabin atmosphere is cozy; bookcases flank the front door, two large leather tufted chairs face the fireplace, and nestled in the corner is a wooden bar cart. The kitchen is small but functional, the hearty ceramic sink makes the space feel substantial, and Anna’s collection of Belgian enamel cookware in a lively orange color brings life to the natural pine wood walls. Anna’s kitchen table was originally discovered on a family friend's porch in 1968, covered in vines. Anna’s mother commented on what a lovely table it was, and the friend said, “You can have it—it’s yours!” After that, for the next thirty years, it sat in Anna’s parents’ garage. Then, when Anna got her first apartment, her mother gave it to her. As soon as you open the front door you realize this area is buzzing, literally, with life—just outside, in front of the house, is a tree with a feral (active) honeybee hive. Soda Canyon Mountain is a rural community of wildlife, with coyote, bobcats, deer and all kinds of birds. Anna says, “When I go for walks I take a whistle, letting my wild neighbors know I'm in the vicinity.” While Nurit’s porch faces west, availing itself to sunsets, Anna’s deck faces east, encouraging her to get up early in order to enjoy the magnificent sunrises. But at night these cabins enjoy the same star-filled view, and both Nurit and Anna’s cabins provide a special kind of nourishment for their owners. To see more photos of Nurit’s and Anna’s homes, go to Indra’s design blog: inspireyourlifestyle.com A vintage Soda Canyon water bottle box in Anna Pope’s cabin Anna Pope enjoys the view from her cabin deck
NVLife_MarApr_2013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above