Horst Rechelbacher: Founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients
Home: Estate and farm in Osceola, Wisconsin
The Draw: It has a waterfront locale on one of America's cleanest rivers.
Enter Horst Rechelbacher’s compound and your senses are immediately engaged, from the inviting sweep of rich, verdant farmland to the onslaught of 14 dogs and the unmistakable aroma of essential oils. His 600 acres of land include greenhouses, guesthouses, a retreat and spa, walking paths, an herbal distillery, an apothecary, and a main house, all surrounded by trees and the sounds of the St. Croix River. Rechelbacher has also developed a solar- and wind-powered organic farm, and he uses electric cars to travel to it.
“I used to go to India often and practiced yoga and meditation every morning and evening by the Ganges,” says Rechelbacher. “I fell in love with the water and knew I wanted to live on the river.”
On his many trips to India and other exotic locales, Rechelbacher shipped home countless containers of art and antiques, which fill every room. “I don’t like to buy things unless it’s a good modern design,” he says. “I like to recycle and use old things.”
Aside from modern technology—the alarms, the gates, the lighting panels, etc.—everything in the home is worldly and vintage. Dogs lie on old opium beds and drink out of a fountain of sculpted stone bowls filled with rose petals. Guests sit on ancient cushioned chairs, while the grandchildren ride miniature horses.
At 69, Rechelbacher stays busy developing Intelligent Nutrients, traveling to speaking engagements, entertaining constantly, painting, farming, and meditating at least two hours a day.
It’s nice to know that, amid the angels and antiques, the guy still has a flat-screen TV where he kicks back with a beer at the end of the day to watch the Tour de France.