Montrachet Apartments

This is a relatively new apartment complex, built in 2006, and is in a great location, in the northeast corner of Napa. Two miles south and you're in downtown; half the walk can be on the path next to the Napa River. 100 yards to the north, and you leave the city limits and you are in wine country. Walking distance to the start of the beautiful stretch of Silverado Trail that goes by many famous wineries. The nearest main street, Trances, has pretty much everything you'd want, from Whole Foods… to Cost Plus, and Trader Joe, and Kaiser clinics and other health facilities all within about a mile.

The apartment building is three stories, no elevator, and the units are well laid-out. I am in a 1200 sq ft 2 bedroom. After apartment hunting for a few weeks, this was an easy decision. There is a pool, shared BBQ, and even guest apartments for when your in-laws visit.

The on-site management is responsive and pleasant.

Now the downside:
1. Noise: Each unit has a separate air conditioner, and they are placed right outside the first floor bedroom windows. If someone has their AC set to go on overnight, you'll get the sound in your bedroom if you're on the first floor. Traffic noise is also an issue. Old Soscol Way is a busy street; if you keep windows open, traffic noise will be a constant companion.

2. Kitchens: You do get a sense of cheapness when you get to the kitchen. Electric stovetops are not made for cooks. They're awful. The dishwasher can't accommodate wine glasses. The garbage disposal is so noisy, you have to make sure to use it only when neighbors are out. Most importantly, is that there is NO venting. The microwave is on top of the cooktop and has a 'vent' button that makes fan-line noises. It's supposed to gather the cooking smoke and push it up toward the room vent. Two problems with this: First, the fan doesn't work at all. It sucks up nothing. Secondly, the ceiling vent does not have negative pressure. It does not pull air out at all. The net effect is if you cook anything at all on the cooktop, your living room will be filled with cooking smoke. One strip of bacon and your whole place smells of bacon for at least a day, and it gets into the fabric. Cook something interesting, like a stir fry or pan fry steak, and you will have a cloud in your living room and will have to locate your guests with sonar. The kitchen windows don't open and the living room is the only place for cooking smoke to go. This is a big deal. Read More