reat yourself to Victorian elegance in the midst of the Napa Valley's world famous wine growing region. Among the vineyards and neighbors to some of the finest wineries and restaurants, a stay at the Ink House is a nostalgic return to an era long past with all the conveniences of modern comfort.

Built in 1884, by Theron H. Ink, this grand and historic landmark home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here at his "Helios Ranch", Ink, a true pioneer, lived with his wife and children and presided over many Napa Valley ventures. This Italianate Victorian style home offers two first floor parlors, with concert grand piano, fireplace, circa 1870 pump organ, crystal chandeliers and original stained glass.

ur guest bedrooms are situated on the second floor, each room offering a distinctive view of the vineyards, Victorian gardens and trees that were here long before the house was even built. A small parlor is also located on this floor. Each room has a queen sized bed, and bath, and are decorated in period French, English, American, Georgian, Eastlake and Italian antiques and family heirlooms. Rooms are centrally air conditioned and heated for your comfort. The rooms differ in size and amenities which are reflected in their rates. Throughout the house, you will find a collection of distinctive original art. The house is full of wonderful antiques, collectibles and heirloom pieces that the Innkeepers hope all will enjoy. This is a home to be lived in, so each guest is encouraged to be comfortable and enjoy all the house has to offer.

At the top of the house, high above the tree tops, you may relax and make yourself comfortable in the most distinctive architectural feature of the Inn, which is a glass enclosed observatory perched 50 feet above the valley floor. Guests are able to enjoy a 360 degree sweeping panoramic vista of the surrounding vineyards and hillsides. Scottish stained glass windows enhance the 12 x 20 foot observatory where you may read, sip wine, nap, watch the sunset or the hot air balloons float by in the early morning.

our stay includes a full gourmet's breakfast which may include everything from baked pears with cream to our Chef Innkeeper's signature dish "Bella Torta". Unique hot entrees are always included and a variety of beverages, fresh baked breads, cinnamon buns, and muffins accompany each breakfast. In the late afternoon, wine and appetizers are served. Many afternoons the Ink House is host to visiting wine makers who will pour for you and share their wine making secrets. Brandy and ports are available for guests to enjoy, as well.

The Ink House also offers a full wrap-around verandah, pool table (surrounded by the stone walls of our basement), bicycles, video library, picnic table and garden swing.

There is a limited number of one night rooms. Our check-in time is from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with arrangements made for late arrivals. We ask for check-out at 11:00 AM, although you are welcome to stay on the property to picnic or relax in the garden.

Smoking is not permitted inside the house, and we are unable to accommodate pets.

or Elvis Presley's third film after his discharge from the army, producer Jerry Wald and director Philip Dunne chose what would be the only northern California location for an Elvis film.

The title for this 1961 Twentieth Century-Fox feature was WILD IN THE COUNTRY. However, the "country" chosen was the Napa County wine country, probably the least "wild" and most urbane nonurban area in the Golden State. Many exteriors were shot in Napa County, including the streets of the village of Calistoga, but the principal location was the INK HOUSE in St.Helena.

Now a popular bed-and-breakfast establishment, the Ink House was built in 1884 by pioneer businessman Theron H.Ink, at the center of his Helios Ranch. Today it still has two first-floor parlors, with a concert grand piano, a fireplace, a circa-1870 pump organ, crystal chandeliers, and original stained glass, all of which Elvis saw when he was here and which can be seen in "Wild in the Country". He probably even tickled the ivories of the piano. At the top of the house, high above the treetops, is a glass-enclosed observatory perched fifty feet above the valley floor.

Filming in Napa County began on November 11,1960, with Elvis cast as Glenn Tyler opposite Hope Lange as Irene Sperry and Tuesday Weld as Noreen. Location shooting wrapped before Christmas, and the crew moved back to Los Angeles for interiors that would be accomplished on the Twentieth Century-Fox home lot in January 1961."

(Press release from CALIFORNIA BEYOND LOS ANGELES COUNTY)

The Ink House has a copy of 'Wild in the Country' which is available for viewing by guests on request.

~ Elvis as a young boy with his parents ~