Notre Jardin: The Stanford Estate and Gardens

Wind along the drive, up through the vineyard toward the main house of Notre Jardin and it’s clear that much more than a house has been created. Here is a rich organic tapestry of foliage, undulating stone walls, flowers, tiled roofs, languid pathways and dramatic vistas. It is woven in such perfect proportion and draped so graciously on this lush knoll that its elegance is almost overshadowed by the sense of comfort it evokes. Well before they chose an architect, the sellers engaged Jonathan Plant, renowned landscape architect and diplomate of the Royal Botanical Gardens, to design the property and, most significantly, situate its buildings.

He chose five of the fifty-four acres and wove his magic. With foliage and stone and flowing water, he terraced what he called rooms out of the landscape. Each, a distinct treat of sight, sound and fragrance, they flow seamlessly one to another and, anchoring them, the beautiful structures of Notre Jardin. With steep tile roofs, thick, stone and stucco walls, large rooms and open beamed ceilings, the five buildings of Notre Jardin show clear lineage to the country manoirs of France. Their authenticity and craftsmanship due in no small part to the meticulous cataloging of architecture and artifacts brought over from France. All main rooms of Notre Jardin have French doors and are oriented to the sweeping views of the Napa Valley. It’s easy to feel a world away at Notre Jardin. But the world, if you’d like it, is surprisingly close. Renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry and Bistro Jeanty are just a few minutes drive; San Francisco, less than 90 minutes. Notre Jardin: Our Garden. Truly a unique and special place.

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