Road Trip: Russel Wright’s Manitoga

Welcome to the next stop in our new Road Trip series, where we explore homes and spaces that inspire us across the country. Next up: Manitoga, the former home and studio of renowned mid-century modern designer Russel Wright. Manitoga, which translates to “place of great spirit,” was his most ambitious project: a 75-acre property transformed into a seamless blend of art, design, and nature.

While Janel was doing her residency at Peter’s Valley School of Craft in New Jersey, she spent a perfect autumn day soaking in each magical element of this once-in-a-lifetime home. She says, “Manitoga had been on my wish list for years, and it ended up being my favorite home tour to date.” Filled with seemingly doable but nevertheless ingenious DIY projects, the home has an achievable element, one that makes you feel like this kind of space is within reach.

But Wright didn’t just build a house—he created an environment. Before construction began, he spent 10 years restoring the land, planting ferns for their aroma, and placing moss along pathways to create a natural yet curated landscape. Janel notes, “Walking around the property feels all-natural, but it was all intentional. It reminded me of Japanese gardens, where even the feeling of moisture after a rain can be staged.” The showstopper is a waterfall Wright designed himself, which looks like a natural feature of the land but was carefully constructed to complete the illusion.

Manitoga is not just a home; it’s a living reflection of Russel Wright’s design philosophy—a place where the boundaries between nature and creativity blur. Visiting the property is a chance to step into a world where every detail, from the redwood-encased bathtub to the aluminum foil ceiling, tells a story of innovation and intention. Manitoga remains a testament to the power of design to shape not only our spaces but also our connection to the world around us.