Jay Manuel is putting his striking Connecticut home on the market.
The creative director and makeup artist, best known for his years on America’s Next Top Model, has listed his modern retreat in Wilton for $4.695 million.
Set on 2.6 landscaped acres at 300 Sturges Ridge Road, the five-bedroom home spans nearly 8,000 square feet and backs onto protected open space, giving the property considerably more privacy than its proximity to New York City might suggest.
Jennifer Leahy of Compass holds the listing.
Built in 2008, the house takes a distinctly contemporary approach to country living.
Walls of glass and soaring ceilings bring natural light deep into the interiors, while large windows keep the surrounding greenery visible throughout much of the home.
The architecture also incorporates passive solar principles, using the property’s orientation and glazing as part of its overall design.
At the center of the main living spaces is a Poliform kitchen, with the Italian brand’s cabinetry giving the room a polished, modern feel without making it overly formal.
The house was clearly designed for entertaining, but some of its most interesting spaces are tucked away from the principal rooms.
One is a dramatic glass mosaic wine cellar, turning bottle storage into a visual feature rather than hiding it behind a conventional cellar door.
Another is the expansive gym, where a large skylight brings natural light into a space that can often feel like an afterthought in luxury homes.
The primary suite opens onto its own private balcony overlooking the grounds, creating a quieter space removed from the more social areas of the house.
Outside, the property takes on more of a resort feel.
A heated saltwater swimming pool and spa sit amid mature landscaping, with multiple terraces creating separate areas for lounging and entertaining.
There’s also an outdoor kitchen, fire pit and Zen garden, giving the grounds several distinct places to spend time depending on the season or occasion.
The fact that the property adjoins protected open space adds another layer of privacy, with the surrounding landscape helping the 2.6 acres feel more expansive.
According to Leahy, that combination is a major part of the home’s appeal.
“There is an effortless sense of luxury at 300 Sturges Ridge Road — a rare combination of striking architecture, natural beauty, and privacy,” she said, pointing to the property’s protected surroundings, resort-style amenities and accessibility to New York.
Behind the scenes, the house is equipped for full-time modern living rather than functioning solely as a weekend retreat.
Advanced HVAC systems, a generator and whole-property connectivity support the residence, while a three-car garage provides additional practical space.
For Manuel, the listing comes as renewed attention has returned to his years on America’s Next Top Model, a period of his career he has recently revisited publicly.
But his Connecticut home tells a somewhat quieter story.
Rather than chasing old-school formality or sprawling manor-house architecture, the property is built around light, landscape and privacy — with enough amenities to make staying home feel rather appealing.
At $4.695 million, 300 Sturges Ridge Road offers nearly 8,000 square feet, 2.6 acres, a saltwater pool, wine cellar and one very serious home gym, all within reach of Manhattan.
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