Sometimes the biggest success stories come from humble beginnings. For John Merchant, it started with a hunt for a swimming pool.

John and his wife, Pat, had moved to Napa Valley in the summer of 1987. It was hot, so John went out in search of a swimming pool where they could cool off. What he found instead was what he referred to as “the most beautiful, soulful piece of property” he had ever seen. He came back and told his wife about the discovery and said he wanted to buy it if it was ever on the market.

Just a year later, the opportunity arose, and the Merchants toured the property together. Originally established in 1860 by Gold Rush entrepreneur Sam Brannan, the parcel of geothermal-rich land had a renowned history as one of California’s oldest resorts. However, several years of neglect had left it in poor condition. Despite this, John saw its potential to become something truly special, and he and Pat purchased the property.

Out of respect for the indigenous people who inhabited the land 8,000 years before, the Merchants renamed the property Indian Springs Calistoga. The family restored the historic mineral pools, renovated buildings, and planted palm trees throughout the property. In 2004, they acquired the adjoining spa and hotel, known as Nance’s, and incorporated it into Indian Springs. For 37 years, John and Pat Merchant molded Indian Springs into a unique expression of their interests and life experiences, making it a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of Napa Valley.

“We are proud to be stewards of a place that has welcomed travelers in search of rest and renewal for over 150 years,” said Pat Merchant in a statement. “Indian Springs remains a retreat rooted in time, nature, and a strong sense of place.”

When the Merchant Family made the decision to expand their property, Poppy Bank was happy to meet with them and see how we could support. Our team understood that this was more than a business move—it was an important part of the Merchant family’s story to build upon the late John Merchant’s vision and the family’s legacy. Our lending team collaborated with the Merchants and tailored a financing plan that aligned with Indian Springs’ unique needs and goals.

On Friday, October 17th, Indian Springs commemorated the start of building with a groundbreaking ceremony.

“We believe the best way to conceive hospitality is to build spaces and experiences that you would enjoy yourself and want to share with your family and friends. That’s exactly what our parents did,” said son and co-proprietor Danny Merchant. “We are deeply intertwined with Indian Springs, and now we have the great privilege of starting our next chapter.”

The next generation of the Merchant family is excited to work with Pat to bring this new chapter to life. With a team of passionate business partners including Wright Construction (construction), Signum Architecture (architect), AvroKO (interior design), Blasen Landscape Architecture (landscape), and Poppy Bank (financing), the project will develop into a beautiful extension of the hospitality and serenity that exude from a visit to Indian Springs, allowing visitors to indulge in rest and relaxation for years to come.

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