Old West Greets New At One-Of-A-Kind Chinked Log Home In Bigfork, Montana

Here’s a tip of the 10-gallon hat to the American past.

This retreat in Bigfork, Montana, draws on the heritage of the Old West with its rugged chinked-log construction. But beyond the exposed beams and reclaimed wood, the log cabin home is all new West – and a modernized model for western living today.

contemporary chinked log cabin in the saddlehorn community of bigfork montana

The house, which incorporates reclaimed wood, forged steel and galvanized metal into its design, is in the family friendly, private community of Saddlehorn. (National Parks Realty)

Set on a mountainside among pines, the house is in the family friendly, private community of Saddlehorn, which overlooks Flathead Lake.

Walls of stacked boulders line the driveway. The first level and portions of the second are clad in stone. Planed beams complete the exterior.

chinked log cabin with galvanized steel overhang in bigfork montana near flathead lake

Galvanized metal is used to create an overhang that shades the front porch. (National Parks Realty)

The rustic ambiance continues indoors with forged steel hardware, hewn stonework, galvanized metal and concrete floors. The chinked log walls, vintage fixtures and push-button lights add to the vibe.

The open-concept living room, dining area and kitchen have a lodge-like feel. A stone fireplace occupies one side of the room, while a bank of windows brings in light on the other. Heavy ceiling beams emphasize the horizontal lines of the log walls.

rustic entry with mud room inside a bigfork montana cabin near flathead lake

There are plenty of places to hang your hat including the entry, which incorporates storage and a mud room. (National Parks Realty)

The great room opens to a landscaped patio with an outdoor fireplace. Stone steps along the side of the house also lead to terraced space, which is sheltered by boulder walls.

An exterior stairway leads to the 1,644-square-foot home’s flat roof, which is designed as a viewing deck and stone garden. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

farmhouse sink and rustic cabinetry inside a contemporary cabin in bigfork, montana

A farmhouse-style sink and massive range highlight the galley-style kitchen. (National Parks Realty)

A separate guest house has been designed for the half-acre property by Seattle-based architects Olson Kundig. The foundation has already been plumbed and wired.

Denise Lang of National Parks Realty is the listing agent for 155 Buckaroo Trail, Bigfork, Montana, which is priced at US $1.75 million.

landscaped patio with a fireplace at 155 Buckaroo Trail Bigfork, MT, USA

The great room opens to a landscaped patio with an outdoor fireplace. (National Parks Realty)

Saddlehorn residents have the use of a waterfront member’s lounge, a separate boat house, a three-season pavilion overlooking the lake, a clubhouse, a swimming pool and more than five miles of walking trails.

The community is close to the village of Bigfork, Flathead and Whitefish lakes and Glacier National Park. Bigfork offers fine dining, art galleries and a vibrant theater and performing arts scene.

rooftop deck on top of a contemporary cabin in bigfork montana

The rooftop deck takes in 360-degree views of the surrounding area. (National Parks Realty)

Flathead Lake, surrounded by millions of acres of wilderness, is the largest freshwater body of water west of the Mississippi.

Hunting, fly fishing, boating and golfing are among things to do in the area. Winter pursuits include skiing and dog sledding.

Glacier Park International Airport is about 37 miles from the property.

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Author

During four decades of covering luxury and celebrity housing, I’ve looked into people’s homes, lives and property records through many lenses. I was the Los Angeles Times Real Estate section editor for eight years, the Hot Property columnist for six and did stints as a newspaper reporter, copy editor and page designer. My work for The Times Business, Home and Real Estate sections has garnered in-house and national awards for blogging, editing and feature writing.

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