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March 2023 by Lisa B.
What a memorable tour. The artist handled the tour himself, and he is warm, charismatic and funny. The art is amazing - from sculpture to painting to decorative arts, it's all here and gorgeous. Also be sure to go to the store in downtown, they have some really cool work. Be careful on GPS - it takes you to the back lot so follow their directions in the email.
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June 2021 by Allison R
This is a must do in Calistoga. It is a great change to wine and food and hot springs. Only open 1 day a week because it's his home, so book early.
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July 2020 by Ernesto Cocco
(Translated by Google) I lived for months in Villa Ca Toga my uncle Charles. Brother of My Mother. It is a dream place.(Original)Ho vissuto per mesi in Villa Ca Toga di mio zio Carlo. Fratello di mia Madre. È un posto da sogno.
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March 2020 by Susan Reynolds
An excellent little detour when travelling this way. Like a surreal dream.
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October 2019 by lawrence kurtzman
Must see!
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July 2019 by elizabeth s
Go! The large wall frescos, the garden sculptures, the Italian vibe. You want to visit and indulge in traditional Italian art. The hosts will enchant you along with the art!
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July 2019 by DabblesInFun
This estate is breath taking! Lovingly crafted over a period of 30 years, this estate reflects the creativity of its owner, Carlo Marchiori, artist, sculptor, designer, craftsman, all around amazing guy. His home is pure visual poetry, reflecting his love of Trompe-l'œil, mythology, and original story telling. Every room is painstakingly designed to the last detail, and invites its guests into the worlds Carlo has created. You have to see it. You will not be disappointed.
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July 2019 by Nicolas D.
Carlo offers tours of his Villa on Saturdays at 11 AM Spring through the Fall. What an amazing artist! A true modern day Michelangelo. Thank you for sharing your home.
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July 2019 by Larissa Travers
Tour was awesome.
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June 2018 by Chrysanthemum A.
Angelique Kidjo- "Once in a Lifetime"- "Letting the days go by, water flowing under- you may ask yourself- what is that beautiful house?" What is that beautiful house? It's Villa Ca'Toga, the home/artwork of Carlo Marchiori, who was once a muralist in Vegas&Atlantic City. Marchiori resides in his spectacular trompe l'oeil estate with his partner Tony Banthutham, who manages the gallery in downtown Calistoga. Ca'Toga is open to the public for tours on Saturdays at 11 am. It's been open to the public at varying times- for a time, it was open monthly- at others, people took shuttle buses from the Sharpsteen Museum lot. There is a small dirt parking lot, hinting only to the spectacle to come. A giant rhino sculpture greets you. Ca'Toga is in the shadow of natural marvels- Mt. St. Helena, and the neighboring Old Faithful Geyser. The main house has themed rooms- from the cow pastures of Italy, to a birdcage with a giant cat, an amazing library packed with art books, Greco-Roman ruins, Pompeii (Vesuvius erupted on August 24, same day as the South Napa quake), and a cave-themed Native American room. In the gardens, there are fake ruins with Thai stupas, a shrine to Diana/Artemis, sphinxes, Narcissus gazing into a pool, and hot water fountains that come from capped geysers. Marchiori is a personable, friendly host, ready to answer questions, with plenty of hospitality. The same can be said for Banthutham, who gives all the FAQs about visiting the estate. It's a 2 hour tour worth the $30. Marchiori is still very much a working artist- one can peer into his studio with all its sketches, paints, plans. When Marchiori first purchased his estate, it was a burnt out house used by the Calistoga Fire Department to do practice. He transformed it into a work of art. Coldplay- "Adventure of a Lifetime"- "Turn your magic on" And since he has many astrological/astronomical themes (the Diana temple has the lunar phases) "A Sky Full of Stars" Awe-inspiring.
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September 2017 by Matthew Reid
Stunningly imaginative. Absolutely full of delights.
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September 2017 by Tim Semons
Absolutely incredible
