Tucked within the tranquil woods of Maryville, The Carriage House spa at RT Lodge offers guests and locals alike a peaceful retreat for rest and renewal. What was once a humble carriage house, its main floor used for storage and its upper level as a small office, has been thoughtfully reimagined into a restorative destination that complements the Lodge’s natural charm and heritage. Working closely with RT Lodge, Johnson Architecture designed a spa that feels both intimate and elevated, carefully balancing new function with the historic character of the original structure. The design preserves the carriage house’s scale and spirit, adding only what was needed to enhance the guest experience without overpowering the wooded site. Inside, guests are welcomed into a light-filled reception and retail area that opens to seven serene treatment rooms, a comfortable lounge, sauna, and supporting spaces. Outside, the new addition mirrors the Lodge’s established material palette while introducing a striking glass entry element and open terraces on both levels, creating a seamless connection to the surrounding forest. The result is a retreat that feels like a natural extension of the Great Smoky Mountains, just beyond its doorstep. <strong>A Place with Deep Roots</strong> Originally built in 1932 as Morningside, the home of Susan Wiley Cooper Walker, the property became part of Maryville College and later evolved into a beloved inn and event venue. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. partnered with the College to transform it into RT Lodge, a retreat for dining, hospitality, and celebration. Johnson Architecture has been part of that story since 1998 – designing the Lodge’s early renovations and guest houses, restaurant expansion and now, The Carriage House spa, a natural next chapter in its legacy of welcoming spaces.