Sitting on a third of an acre in the pristine countryside of Napa, California is the increasingly popular Arbor Guest House; recently named the No. 2 bed and breakfast in the U.S. by Traveler’s Choice and the only bed and breakfast in California in the U.S. top 10. With the help of daughters Diane ’92 and Danielle ’98, Daniel Cocilova ’71 and wife Candy turned a neglected piece of property into a premier destination for Wine Country travelers.

As native San Franciscans, the Cocilovas dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast in Napa for years. Candy remembers the first time she visited the property, 5 years before they transformed it into the world renowned inn it is today, “I loved it from the very first time I saw it.” The popularity of the inn grew in 2009 when the Cocilovas remodeled the house and updated the property website. Candy shares, “Once the website went live, the phone started ringing off the hook!”

Arbor Guest House 720X4491

What makes the Arbor Guest House so popular today is the family-oriented atmosphere and the Cocilova family’s commitment to truly serving their guests. Daniel lends the warmth of the inn to the support he received as a Sacred Heart student, “I lost my father when I was 16. Having the paternal influences of Coach Bill Henneberry ’48 and Brother Arnold Stewart, FSC helped instill in me the belief that your work should reflect your character. Our family brings an extra sense of hospitality to our work because we care about the people and the community.”

Daughters Diane and Danielle also contribute to the success of the family business, each bringing their passions and talents to serve guests. Diane serves as the innkeeper and exclusive massage therapist. “With only 5 rooms on the property it’s a great perk for the guests to receive a massage in their rooms with the serene backdrop of Napa just outside their window.”

Danielle And Diane

Danielle works as an accountant in San Francisco, and on the weekends she assists with innkeeping and serves as the head chef at the guest house. Her famous breakfast with an Italian inspired eggs benedict is a huge hit among guests. She contributes her passion for cooking to her arts training at SHC, “I really enjoyed taking art classes at SHC, and cooking is definitely an art form.”

Even the family dog is part of the Arbor Guest House experience, “Our dog Gemma greets the guests. People fall in love with her and she helps to give that feeling of a home away from home,” says Candy.

The Cocilova family provides an exquisite breakfast for guests every morning, and they offer wine and hors d’oeuvres every evening. They often arrange wine tastings at local vineyards, and welcome guests to unwind with a round of bocce ball on their court. They even teach innkeeping classes to people interested in starting their own bed and breakfast.

To learn more about the Arbor Guest House, and to arrange for a stay, visit www.arborguesthouse.com.

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