The development plan for this Project is very simple – to preserve the unique character and pulse which has emerged in Montana over the centuries and to blend the natural setting, peace and privacy of Western country living with the convenience and comfort of today’s active life-style.
The end effect is that of a few families sharing the experience of living in a private, pristine and one-of-a-kind equine community.
Overview:
The ranch is located in Northwestern Montana. With the majority of the western part of the State in National Forest, Wilderness areas and public lands, large tracts of private land are scarce. At more than 10,000 acres, it is one of the few remaining large ranches in western Montana.
The development around Kalispell, Missoula and Flathead Lake has continued to grow in recent years, offering unmatched scenery, incredible recreation and a surprisingly mild climate. The ranch lies just far enough from the regional centers of Missoula and Kalispell to insure the preservation of the natural beauty of the region.
Between the Flathead River, as it runs south from Flathead Lake and the Cabinet Mountains, lies a series of predominantly hay and cattle ranches. The Little Bitterroot River runs through the middle of the valley from north to south and is the source of much of the irrigation water to the area.
Two commercial airports and two small public air strips are available for those interested in flying into the area.
• Climate:
A popular misconception of Montana (and of the Northwestern part in particular) is that there are long, frigid winters with copious amounts of snow bringing commerce to a virtual standstill. Not true! The fact is that this area of the State enjoys temperatures comparable to the Northeast portion of the United States, with the same rate of snowfall, but with considerably less humidity. The area is often referred to as the “Banana Belt” because of the milder year-round temperatures. In winter time, people come especially to work out and trail ride their horses.
• Recreation:
Water. Boating, canoeing and swimming at Flathead Lake, only 30 miles from the ranch. Whitewater rafting on the Flathead River and Clark Fork.
Golf. Ten professional 9, 18 or 36-hole golf courses dot the area, all within a reasonable drive from home.
Skiing. Three major ski resorts, all located within an hour’s drive.
Horseback riding. Montana is very fortunate to have almost five million acres of
National Forest and Wilderness areas in the Northwest corner. This part of the State is noted as having some of the best and most scenic areas for riding and horse camping in the Nation.
Hiking. There are numerous places to explore on foot from Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, Kootenai National Forest and Flathead National Forest, just to name a few.
Hunting and Fishing
The area abounds in animal life including elk, white tail deer, bear and pheasant. Most of the many lakes and streams contain native cutthroat trout, largemouth bass and walleye pike.
• Attractions:
Nearby sightseeing attractions include the National Bison Range at Moiese, visiting the historical St. Ignatius Mission Church, Flathead Lake with its cherry orchards and the “can’t miss” Glacier National Park for its stunning scenic views.
• Ranch living:
Ten clusters of four cabins each are planned for Phase I development. Construction by an award-winning local builder will be completed within the purview of the Ranch Development Plan, i.e., minimum size requirement of 2,000 square feet (excluding basements, garages, and decks).
Roads and utilities (power and telephone) will be provided by the developer and a 10,000 acre working hay and cattle ranch will continue in operation with the addition of a guest ranch and community center. A small wedding chapel will be available for “destination weddings”.
Much of the acreage will be declared either open space or put in a land trust so that residents will always enjoy horse boarding privileges; indoor arena with outdoor practice rings and ample trail riding, both on and off of the premises. Scheduled events in the indoor arena will include team penning, cow sorting, roping, reining, barrel racing, rodeos and equestrian clinics held by noted clinicians. A trainer is on staff.
Future short-term plans also include construction of guest cabins and a central security and fire control station.
A long-term goal is to donate land and support the construction, establishment and implementation of a college of veterinary medicine and teaching hospital.
Especially attractive is the affordable real estate tax base. Montana has no state sales tax.
LET US BUILD YOUR DREAM……..WHILE PRESERVING THE TRUE WESTERN MONTANA LIFE STYLE.
