A private tour of Manitoga

Why it is on the list

Russel Wright, the industrial designer, built Dragon Rock with the architect David Leavitt from 1958 on the rock ledge of an abandoned quarry. Glass walls face a 30-foot waterfall and the quarry pool, a cedar trunk carries the main structure, the roof is planted, and pine needles are set into the plaster walls.¹ The house, studio and 75-acre woodland garden form a National Historic Landmark, an Affiliate Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a World Monuments Watch Site.¹ The Department of the Interior designated it in 2006, the only National Historic Landmark in Putnam County.² The interiors, the studio and the Russel & Mary Wright Design Gallery are open only on a guided tour, and every tour takes in the landscape on the way.³

It is the wrong day for anyone who cannot manage uneven ground and a 40-step stone stair, for children under 10, or outside the season from mid-May to mid-November.³ For a modern house without the hike, take the private tour of the Glass House.

How to get it

Write to Sarah Pansy, the Visitor Services Manager, at spansy@visitmanitoga.org or call 845-228-8381, at least four weeks ahead, and ask for a private tour. Tours last about 90 minutes, two hours for special programmes, and run in any weather. On the day, the Guide House answers on 845-422-2380.³ June, October and November fill first.³

Manitoga is 50 miles north of Manhattan; the entrance is at 584 Route 9D, 2.5 miles north of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Use that address, not Old Manitou Road or Cloudbank Road, which lead to private houses.⁴ A car is the surest way there: local taxis are scarce, and the Cold Spring trolley from the Metro-North station runs only on weekends and some holidays.⁴ Vehicles over 20 feet need notice, and no one may be dropped on Route 9D at the foot of the drive.⁴ Arrive 20 minutes early to check in at the Guide House; a late arrival loses the tour.³ Wear walking shoes and bring water; nothing to eat or drink is sold on site.³

Discretion

Tours are capped at 12, and the house, studio and inner quarry are closed to anyone not on a tour.³ Backpacks, large bags, tripods, long lenses and selfie sticks stay in the car or at the Guide House, and bags may be inspected.³