When Houston couple Mary Lou and Walt decided to build a retirement home where children and grandchildren could happily gather for years to come, they chose the tiny, historical community of Springhill, Montana. 

A sleepy enclave—with not much more than a church and school—is located just north of Bozeman at the base of Ross Peak and the Bridger Mountains. The Houston couple strongly identified with the ancestry and landscape of Montana’s Gallatin Valley, which included many old apple orchards, remnants of Springhill’s former agrarian history.  And the views were enchanting. The cold and pristine Gallatin River was the breathtaking locale for much of Robert Redford’s award winning 1994 film, A River Runs Through It.

“The couple and their three sons first fell in love with the area when a friend offered them the use of a cabin outside of Bozeman, complete with a pond for fly fishing. The pond turned a shimmering gold as the sun was setting and two moose meandered by. The family was smitten.”

This classic story of two brothers, a family, and the romance of fly-fishing fostered environmental awareness and renewed respect for Montana’s beloved rivers, along with the critical importance of keeping their fisheries viable. The film also parked interest in the area as a place to live. Springhill itself dates back to 1871, nearly two decades before Montana became a state. The Springhill Pavilion, whose original dance hall was built is 1872, was the site of a romantic dance scene in another of Redford’s films, The Horse Whisperer. Cognizant of the area’s rich history, the couple wanted the design of their home to reflect the architectural language of a farmhouse.  The result is a home that not only pays homage to the sensibilities of previous generations, but looks as though parts of it 

Architect:
Greg Dennee
Locati Architects
www.locatiarchitects.com

Builder:
Chad Bottcher
Schlauch Bottcher Construction
www.sbconstruction.com

Interior Design & Home Owners
Amanda Heys, Locati Interior Design
www.locatiarchitects.com/company/the-team/amanda heys &
Jane Osborne
A Feathered Nest

Landscaping:
Mayville Landscaping
www.mayvillelandscaping.com