Earlier in the year I visited Ca’Toga Gallery in Calistoga, California and knew immediately I needed to meet the artist and see his amazing Ca’Toga Villa. So as soon as we had the time we went for a tour which did not disappoint. The artist Carlos Marchiori hand built every piece of this house and prepared the blank property right down to planting every beautiful tree. (His proudest accomplishment by the way which I found interesting.) Between the watercolor murals, sculpture, ceramics, tile work, and his overall whimsical vision it was surreal and genuinely impressive. Carlos peppered genuine old world antiques like wood from a Portuguese monastery and real antique sculpture work from old dilapidated European buildings he brought over in a container in the 80’s. Everything else is hand made. Everything! Originally created as a life size way to display his work to perspective clients it’s clearly taken thirty years to realize a life love and obsession. If the mural look familiar you may have seen his work in multiple locations around the world most notably Las Vegas casinos and other casinos around the world.  I feel very much honored to have seen Ca’Toga Villa, walked the grounds, and met the eclectic and entertaining master.  Add this to any Napa visit for a special and interesting thing to do in the valley.

Atist’s studio

Bird Cage from the Bir’s perspective

Hippo skull anyone?

I love these gates

Interesting use of local materials

I love these gates

Troy anyone?

Image of the front gate

WHy not mosaic your own pool?

Working fountain with hot spring water

This seems like a good idea until I stood up and everything stuck to my dress

Protector of the house

The artist in his element