Frank Lloyd Wright came to the forefront of modernist design in the first half of the last century, thanks to his seamless blending of nature and architecture. His appeal continues to this day, even drawing a celebrity following: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt feted the actor’s 43rd birthday at Fallingwater, the architect’s most celebrated house. But you need not be a Hollywood star to gain exclusive access to Wright’s portfolio. This year, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is organizing two private tours of the architect’s designs in New England and Pennsylvania, allowing devotees a chance to experience his homes on behind-the-scenes trips led by expert guides.

A three-night trip entitled Wright Way New England: Newport to New Hampshire takes place in June. The tour, which is guided by staff from Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, begins in the historic Back Bay neighborhood then continues with an up-close look at Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and a final day in New Hampshire visiting the Currier Museum and Wright-designed Zimmerman house.

Those who haven’t had a chance to see the famed Fallingwater in Western Pennsylvania should also consider the Trust’s October excursion Wright Way Pennsylvania: Fallingwater and More. Travelers will receive an exclusive tour of Wright’s pièce-de-resistance followed by a private wine and cheese reception on Fallingwater’s bridge plus a visit to two of the architect’s Usonian homes, Kentuck Knob and Duncan House. Curators will accompany the group to offer insight about the construction and design, and interior photography, which is rarely allowed, will be permitted.

For those who want truly special access, only an overnight stay in a Wright house will do. A few of the privately-owned Usonians now allow visitors to live and breathe F.L.W. during a two-night minimum stay. Availability at the six homes, all located in the Midwest, is extremely hard to come by and should be well-booked in advance. The homes include: Duncan House, in Pennsylvania; Louis Penfield House, in Ohio; Haynes House, in Indiana; Seth Peterson Cottage and Bernard Schwartz House, in Wisconsin; and the Muirhead Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, in Illinois.

DETAILS

Wright Way New England: The trip runs June 18-21, 2008 and costs $1,695 per person, which includes three nights’ accommodation in the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, three meals (including dinner at the Museum of Fine Arts) and transportation to and from the sites.

Wright Way Pennsylvania: The trip runs from October 11-14, 2008. The cost is $1,795, which covers airfare from O’Hare Airport, three nights at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, four meals and transportation.

Private Wright: There is no centralized reservation service for the privately-owned Usonians, so you have to contact each home. Duncan House (877-833-7829, www.polymathpark.com), Louis Penfield House (www.penfieldhouse.com), Haynes House (203-644-2729, www.hayneshousellc.com), Seth Peterson Cottage (608-254-6551, www.sethpeterson.org), Bernard Schwartz House (651-231-5303, www.theschwartzhouse.com), Muirhead Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast (847- 464-5224, www.muirheadfarmhouse.com).