Napa & Sonoma: Where to Stay: Family Friendly: Meadowood

Meadowood

This privately-owned property reminds me of a New England summer enclave. Its white clapboard cottages are sprinkled over a 250-acre private estate with hiking trails winding past tennis courts, croquet lawns and a nine-hole golf course. Founded originally as a private club in the 1960s, the property maintains a genteel, all-American atmosphere, and it does still operate as a club for local members. The eighty-five guest rooms range from cozy studios to family lodges (with two, three or four bedrooms), which have large living rooms, decks and lawns. Each feels like a unique country guesthouse, with homey touches like cushioned window seats, stone fireplaces, wicker porch furniture and well-chosen coffee-table books and novels. There’s a large spa and incredible sports facilities, including a summer kids’ camp. Meadowood traditions: wine tours (escorted and self-guided) and fabulous picnics. Rooms from $475.