Cleary Residence

CLEARY RESIDENCE

Located along the banks of the Blue Ribbon Big Hole River in southwest Montana, this home was designed for a couple who love to trout fish, bird hunt, and have a little quiet time for themselves. Set among willows and cottonwoods in a wide riverbottom dotted with working ranches, the only way to get to the residence is through cow pastures and several gates. At the same time, the views of the surrounding sage-covered hills, and the distant Pioneer Mountains, are spectacular. For that reason, we chose to utilize a subdued color palette and rustic materials, including warm buckskin plaster, reclaimed hewn beams, barn wood and fieldstone. Partly inspired by the owners’ avid interest in reading and painting, we developed a floor plan that takes full advantage of natural, ambient light. The main house has only one bedroom, with the two guest houses offering privacy for friends and family. Whether fishing, reading, painting, swimming, kayaking, or relaxing, the Cleary Residence is fit to the owners’ needs.