Some homes are renovated to solve a problem. Others are reworked with a longer view in mind. On Stonecrest Drive in Napa, a 1960s Mid-Century Modern house was transformed with a guiding principle: the idea of legacy.

The homeowners, Malcolm and Ann Plant, approached Hanes Construction and Amato Architecture with a deeply personal goal: to reimagine Malcolm’s childhood home as a retreat where three generations could gather comfortably—from weekend escapes with grandchildren to lively evenings with friends.

For Dave Hanes, whose family construction firm Hanes Construction has served Napa Valley for two generations, the project aligned naturally with his team’s ethos. “When you’re working on a home that holds this much family history, the responsibility goes beyond construction,” says Dave. “Our goal was to respect what made the house meaningful while building something strong, thoughtful, and durable enough to serve the family for generations.”

That attention shows in the home’s craftsmanship—from custom cabinetry to the seamless transitions between interior and outdoor living spaces.

Architect Rebecca Amato, founder and principal of Amato Architecture, brought a complementary sensibility. With a background that spans international commercial and hospitality work, Amato has long gravitated toward residential design for its intimacy and accountability. “I’m personally invested in every project,” she says. “Being at the job sites during construction allows me to collaborate with the contractor to make sure every design detail is thoughtfully completed.”

That hands-on collaboration was critical in reconceiving what had been Stonecrest Drive’s compartmentalized cluster of rooms into a single, luminous Great Room. Ceilings were reframed four feet higher, skylights introduced, and floor-to-ceiling windows added to draw in light and views of the patio, pool, hillside, and mature trees beyond. The space now functions as the social heart of the home—large enough to host extended family gatherings without losing its sense of ease.

The remodel also prepares the house for the future in practical ways. Fire- and seismic-hardening measures include non-combustible siding, aluminum windows, concrete retaining walls, and a fire-safe perimeter that exceeds current code. Inside, everything has been updated—from an all-electric, induction kitchen to expanded bedroom and bath layouts designed for long stays and evolving family needs.

Set among legacy oaks and refreshed landscaping, the home feels grounded and renewed. It’s a project that illustrates what’s possible when architect and builder share not just a vision, but a working style rooted in trust, craft, and close collaboration.

“The home ended up significantly nicer than we ever imagined,” says homeowner Malcolm. “We are supremely happy.”

For Napa Valley homeowners considering a remodel—or a rethinking of how a house can serve generations to come—the partnership between Amato Architecture and Hanes Construction offers a compelling model: thoughtful design and execution, and a respect for the stories that homes are built to hold.

For more information: www.hanes-construction.com // www.amatoarchitecture.com