“Inside Rachel Maddow’s Ultra-Private Farmhouse Retreat: How the MSNBC Host and Partner Susan Mikula Found Solace in the Woods”

Rachel Maddow, the MSNBC host known for her sharp commentary and distinctive voice, has long been a public figure navigating the high demands of television and the whirlwind of news cycles. But when it comes to escaping the chaos of her demanding career, Maddow has found her solace in an unexpected place: a sprawling farmhouse tucked away in the serene woods of Cummington, Massachusetts.

Alongside her longtime partner, artist Susan Mikula, Maddow purchased the property in 2013 for over $605,000. The couple’s retreat, built in the 1800s, spans nearly 4,000 square feet, offering six bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a sense of privacy few could imagine. This charming farmhouse, with its cozy fireplaces and rustic wood flooring, stands in stark contrast to the noise of New York City, offering Maddow a peaceful refuge from her often tumultuous public life.

A Remote Sanctuary for Maddow and Mikula

Cummington, located in the Berkshire Hills, provides the perfect backdrop for a couple seeking respite from the public eye. Rachel Maddow and Susan Mikula, who have been romantically linked since 1999, found in this remote property the ultimate sanctuary—one that would allow them to unwind, recharge, and step away from the demands of Maddow’s prominent role in American media.

The expansive land surrounding the farmhouse ensures that the couple can enjoy absolute privacy, something particularly precious for a public figure like Maddow. As the news anchor’s career continues to take her on a whirlwind of political commentary, her home offers her a quiet, serene escape where she can truly be herself—far from the prying eyes of the public.

But the farmhouse isn’t just about seclusion. The pair took great care in maintaining the historic charm of the house while ensuring it met their modern needs. Maddow herself, during an interview with New York Magazine in 2014, explained that the home’s symmetry and historic preservation were crucial elements to them, and they didn’t want to make any drastic alterations to the original architecture. This preservationist mindset led them to a creative solution for their growing need for extra bathrooms.

The Bathhouse: A Unique Architectural Gem

Rather than tack on an addition to the house that might ruin its historic character, Maddow and Mikula opted for an entirely separate structure—a bathhouse. Inspired by the old tobacco-drying barns once common in the region, the bathhouse was designed by architect Nicole Migeon. This wooden, shed-style structure was built using sustainably grown cedar wood, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Inside, the bathhouse is as cozy and inviting as one would expect from a secluded retreat designed for relaxation. A hot tub, sunk into the floor, takes center stage in the open space, inviting the couple to unwind in the quiet privacy of their wooded surroundings. A large, garage-style door opens to the outdoors, allowing Maddow and Mikula to enjoy nature or shield themselves in complete privacy.

But it’s not just the hot tub that makes the bathhouse special—it’s the combination of thoughtful details that make it a place where Maddow can truly unwind. A chandelier hanging over the tub provides a soft, intimate light, while a fireplace on one side adds warmth during chilly nights. A small seating nook completes the space, ensuring that the bathhouse is not just for soaking, but for enjoying a peaceful moment alone or together.

Maddow has admitted to the joy of being able to enjoy something as simple as watching football in the bathhouse, a rare pleasure for her considering that the main farmhouse doesn’t have a television. “We don’t have a TV in the main house,” she shared, “but I can seal myself in the bathhouse and watch football really loudly without bothering anybody. It’s very satisfying.”

Maddow’s Other Properties: A Peek into Her Luxurious New York City Apartment

While Maddow and Mikula’s primary residence is their rustic, tranquil farmhouse in Massachusetts, they have also maintained a home in New York City. In 2015, the couple purchased a charming two-bedroom apartment in the West Village for $1.25 million. The 2,650-square-foot apartment features two bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms and boasts elegant details like a stone fireplace and a marble shower—perfectly in line with Maddow and Mikula’s sophisticated taste.

In 2020, the couple listed the West Village apartment for $2.35 million, eventually selling it in 2022 for $2.2 million. Although the apartment has since changed hands, the sale didn’t mark the end of their connection to the Big Apple—Maddow continues to split her time between the bustling city and the peaceful retreat in Cummington.

A Place of Peace Amidst the Chaos

For Rachel Maddow, her remote farmhouse offers much more than just a getaway. It’s a place where she can find peace and retreat from the demands of her high-profile career. It’s where she and Susan Mikula can breathe easy, away from the pressure of the television world. The bathhouse, in particular, reflects Maddow’s desire for a space that allows her to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind in solitude—a rare commodity for someone in her position.

In a career that places her in the public eye day after day, it’s no wonder that Maddow has chosen such a secluded spot to call home. Whether she’s indulging in a hot soak in her bathhouse or catching up on a football game, Maddow’s home in Cummington offers her a much-needed escape and a chance to recharge.