The Vibe
Tucked into the rolling hills of Acme, Pennsylvania — just an hour southeast of Pittsburgh — lies Wright at Polymath Park, a serene 130-acre escape where architecture, nature and tranquility intertwine. This quiet forest enclave hosts four extraordinary homes: two original Frank Lloyd Wright designs and two creations by his apprentice, Peter Berndtson. Together, they form a living museum of organic design, offering visitors a rare chance not only to tour architectural masterpieces but to stay in them.
How I Felt
Awed. Staying at Polymath Park feels like living inside art. The magic of Polymath Park is that your experience goes well beyond sightseeing. Guests can spend the night in Wright’s meticulously designed Duncan House or Mäntylä, stepping directly into his philosophy of harmonious living. These Usonian-style homes embody Wright’s vision: warm woods, thoughtful built-ins and light-filled rooms that erase the boundary between indoors and out. I woke up to soft sun filtering through clerestory windows and sipped my morning coffee surrounded by the colors and textures of the forest. Here, architecture becomes a living, breathing companion — one that encourages stillness, presence and connection to nature.
The Digs
The two architectural marvels are Duncan House and Mäntylä. Originally built in Illinois in 1957, the Duncan House is one of the few Wright homes available for overnight stays. It was carefully relocated to Polymath Park in 2007, where guests can now experience its classic Usonian lines, low-slung roof and rich wood interior in a beautifully preserved environment. Meaning “under the pines,” Mäntylä was constructed in 1952 in Minnesota for the R.W. Lindholm family and moved to the park in 2018. Its serene setting among tall trees perfectly complements Wright’s organic design, creating a retreat that feels suspended between forest and sky.
The Agenda
Visiting Polymath is an experience like no other — an incredible blend of Mother Nature’s beauty and human mastermind. From March through November, visitors can choose from several guided tours that showcase the park’s architectural treasures with The Wright Collection Tour highlighting Duncan House and Mäntylä and The Complete Collection Tour exploring two other homes, Blum House and Balter House, both designed by Peter Berndtson, one of Wright's apprentices, offering insight into both Wright’s genius and Berndtson’s thoughtful interpretations.
Just a short drive away sits Fallingwater — essentially a home with a waterfall — another masterpiece of organic architecture. Designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings, using local stone and integrating the sounds, sights and feelings of nature, it is Wright’s most iconic work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pairing a Fallingwater visit with a stay in Polymath Park creates a rich, immersive architectural itinerary unlike any other in the country.
The Eats
A visit isn’t complete without a meal at TreeTops Restaurant, located in what was once the original owner’s home. Guests can enjoy contemporary cuisine either in the cozy indoor dining room or in private treehouse-style pods nestled among the branches. It’s an elevated experience — literally and figuratively — that mirrors the environment’s quiet magic.
Why I Would Go Back
Polymath Park is unique because offers a rare, deeply personal encounter with architectural history. It’s not just a place to observe great design — it’s a place to live it. Surrounded by forest, wrapped in Wright’s harmony and Berndtson’s creativity, visitors find themselves stepping back in time while remaining grounded in the natural world. It’s a destination that lingers long after you leave — one part architectural pilgrimage, one part nature retreat and entirely unforgettable. There’s truly no other place like it, so I would come back to experience it again.
Dennis Cieri
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