![]() ![]() Rumors abound that hippies squatted on the property during that time, and long time Napa residents tell of breaking into the house to party on weekends. The owners, unable to keep up the property, asked Napa County for tax relief and, at the suggestion of the tax assessor, boarded up the building and turned off the power and water so that the county would charge taxes on the property only and not on the structures. The next two owners let the Manor House decay into an uninhabitable state, particularly the wooden additions made by Frances Grange. Tales of ghosts, mummies, mischievous monkeys, and “shady” dealings at Stags Leap Manor abound.ġ956 - Between Grange and Doumani Eras Following the deaths of Frances and Fred Grange, the property was sold in 1956. With Clarence unable to work, Frances created an upscale destination resort, Stags' Leap Manor, which became known as one of the most prominent resorts in Napa Valley at the time. After Clarence had a severe accident with a horse, most of the responsibilities of running the property fell to Frances. The Granges lived in the Manor House year ‘round and, while they did not intend to make wine, the vineyards remained in production. ![]() The Granges moved in the Manor House with their two children, where they lived until 1956. Clarence, an ex-Chicagoan, was an heir to the Grange Farm Equipment Company fortune and he and Frances wanted to have a country home in Napa so that they could entertain their socialite friends. During the winter, the Chases left Stags’ Leap and spent their winters in San Francisco attending opera, theater, receptions, Cotillion Club dances, and hunt balls at the Palace Hotel.ġ913-1956: The Grange Era In 1913 the property was purchased by Clarence and Frances Grange who were prominent members of San Francisco society. The Chases were known for their lavish hospitality and, in season, hosted the scions of San Francisco society during an era of great wealth stemming from gold and silver mining. Shortly thereafter Horace and his uncle divided their 700 acre tract into two parcels and Horace became sole owner of the northwestern 365 acres. They fell in love and were married in 1888 at the Benicia home of Minnie’s father who had served as California State Senator for two terms in the 1860s and who later became an ambassador to Latin American countries. Harris conveyed his interest in the property to Thompson’s nephew, Horace Blanchard Chase.ġ886-1909: The Chase/Mizner Era In the late 1880s, Horace Chase, an eligible bachelor from Chicago, and Mary Ysabela “Minnie” Mizner, belle of society in the former state capital of Benicia, met at Napa Soda Springs Resort in the hills outside Napa. The Grigsbys planted grapes on the land in 1872 and 13 years later they transferred the land to W.W. 1872 - A Vineyard is Born After decades of being owned by a multitude of owners - via Mexican land grants (Yajome Rancho), homesteading, a bounty award, and patents - the Grigsby family consolidated a 700-acre parcel where the current Stags' Leap estate resides today.
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