They say there’s no place like home for the holidays—but if it’s your turn to host and house all your family and friends, then you may wish to be anywhere but. Thankfully, there are properties like the following Montana homes which offer stellar guest accommodations sure to keep visitors’ spirits merry and bright.
A quartet of turn-key cabins highlight the guest accommodations at this Columbia Falls ranch, which overlooks FLathead River. (National Parks Realty)
Location: Columbia Falls, Montana
Price: $4,999,999
With three turn-key cabins, each with three bedrooms, this five-bedroom, six-bath Montana-style ranch home has enough space to house the largest of families and maybe even a few friends. Sitting atop a bluff overlooking the Flathead River, the property covers 17.6 acres of secluded countryside that includes 551 feet of river frontage and exclusive access to state-owned land and a 100-acre island. In addition to ample living and roaming space, the property also houses a renovated barn and shop, outfitted with an office and conference room. Cooking for festive feasts will be made much more pleasurable with this remodeled rustic kitchen with massive walk-in pantry, wide bay windows and updated appliances. Guests can warm themselves by the stunning two-way stone fireplace.
Set on 295 feet of Flathead Lake frontage, this log-style home is accompanied by a second house, guest cottage and boat house. (National Parks Realty)
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Price: $8,985,000
Buyer beware: If you purchase this extraordinary Flathead Lake manor, expect to be the host for all holidays and major events because guests are going to want to keep coming back. Situated right on the shores of Flathead Lake, this nine-bedroom, 12-bathroom mansion is a Parade of Homes winner, and for good reason. With 12,725 square feet of interior space, this mighty abode is perfect for entertaining, featuring such amenities as a sauna, game room and bar, as well as an abundance of lodgings including a three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage. Contained on the almost 7-acre plot of land are multiple heated garages, a private waterfront pavilion and to top it all off, a cherry orchard.
A main lodge, creekside bungalows and two yurts are among living quarters at this Columbia Falls retreat. (National Parks Realty)
Location: Columbia Falls, Montana
Price: $3,200,000
A cabin along the babbling Garnier Creek, a separate creekside bungalow, a magical two-story yurt, an additional charming, tucked-away yurt featuring a woodburning stove, and a Lotus Belle seasonal tent make this 20-acre property a one-of-a-kind retreat for owners and guests alike. Designed and equipped like a Scandinavian-style spa retreat, the grounds also include a professionally styled bathhouse with a sauna and spa, an outdoor kitchen and bar and an airy event space. The spacious 3,791-square-foot main lodge houses 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms in contemporary cabin styling.
Bunk rooms are a great way to host families with small children. This modern chalet in Bigfork features log-style bunks for a rustic touch. (National Parks Realty)
Location: Bigfork, Montana
Price: $2,748,800
Located in the private community of Saddlehorn, this luxury home features cabin architecture at its finest—superior craftsmanship can be seen in the mortise and tenon construction, vaulted tongue and groove ceilings and wrought iron accents. For families with lots of little ones visiting, a quaint bunk room provides plenty of space for playtime and nap time. Touches like a stand-alone tub, french doors and covered balconies make for an elegant atmosphere, while amenities like stone fireplaces, large windows with panoramic mountain views and an outdoor fire pit with uninterrupted views of Flathead Lake add rustic coziness.
This Whitefish retreat carves out additional guest space with a two-bedroom guesthouse and an oversized machine shop.
Location: Whitefish, Montana
Price: $3,900,000
Rustic meets sophistication in this four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in the heart of Whitefish Hills. In harmony with the more traditional cabin stylings like bold wood beams and stone accents are a sleek open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows and a main level master suite. The gourmet kitchen with a sprawling island countertop and butler’s pantry make hosting a cinch and ample space for overnight guests is made readily available in the nearby three-bedroom, two-bathroom barn/shop located on the 20-acre property. With downtown Whitefish just a short drive away, this scenic property gives owners and their guests easy access to some of the country’s best skiing, fishing and golfing while still maintaining privacy and natural beauty.
