With our rich legacy, rugged mountain vineyards, and patchwork of historic estates, there is always something to discover at Spring Mountain Vineyard. Often visitors think of our iconic Miravalle Mansion and the sweeping hilltop views, but we find that there are constantly more layers to uncover in our century-old story. As we blow off the dust from some of these historic buildings, they tell the tales of the vibrant characters who built them - the grandiose dreams and determined grit of our founders who were not only farmers but also revolutionaries, idealists, and well-loved community members.

Our Carriage House is one of these buildings that gives us a window into our past. Tucked off to the side of our main property, between Miravalle and the terraced mountain vineyards, this historic barn-like structure feels like stepping back in time. The two-story, asymmetrical wood barn was built in 1885 and combines both Queen Anne and Shingle styles of architecture with a sloping roofline, decorative gables, and variety of windows and doors that add character and style. Inside, it has traditional plank floors, wooden wall cladding and an exposed beam ceiling. The stable area has several stalls, with wood partition walls, heavy turned posts, and decorative iron grilles. A wide, sliding barn door opens on the rear facade. 

The “Owl House”‍

Tiburcio Parrott, the founder of Miravalle and one who built the Carriage House, was a popular character in Saint Helena in the late nineteenth century. A jovial bachelor for much of his life, he had a knack for giving nicknames to many of his favorite things. His nearby neighbors and friends, Jacob and Frederick Beringer, he affectionately referred to as “Los Hermanos.” For his Miravalle home, he called it the “The Parrot House” (presumably after himself) and he added a stained glass depiction of a parrot in the eaves above the door. Likewise, the Carriage House was fondly called “The Owl House” and if you step back and look at the exterior, you can see the vague resemblance of an owl’s face.

Parrott was also known for his frequent trips to town in his horse-drawn carriage, which had a horn on the back to alert the brothel (the Stone Bridge Salon on Pope Street) of his impending arrival. Several of his carriages are still on display in our Carriage House today, showcasing the artisan craftsmanship and elegant design of this pre-industrial age. 

Looking Forward

Unlike many of Spring Mountain’s buildings, the Carriage House managed to survive the Glass Fire of 2020 pretty unscathed. But time has taken its toll, leaving it gently worn. Just recently, we were able to give it an update with a fresh paint job on the exterior and repairs.