Iron Horse Ranch, 6439 Tepee Ridge Road, Bozeman, Montana

Northeast of Bozeman, near the Bridger Bowl ski area, is a perfect little ranch that will capture your heart and soul. In a private equestrian community on 40 acres, architect Jonathan Foote created an original masterpiece. Those who are fortunate enough to sit awhile and enjoy this peaceful hideaway will want to stay forever. Although built in 1996, you get the sense that the residence has truly stood the test of time. The salvaged homestead logs, stacked stone and stout timbers belie the modern amenities of this unique property which is bordered by Bridger Creek, has a private pond and lush, open pastures. Improvements include a guest apartment, large garage shop, hay barn and a 75’ x 88’ heated indoor riding arena with six adjoining stalls.

This mountain ranch is for the horse lover who appreciates spectacular scenery, one-of-a-kind rustic elegance, and exemplary design and expert craftsmanship. Iron Horse Ranch was featured in the June 1999 issue of Architectural Digest. In the article, “Rethinking Ranch Style in Montana,” Foote explains that the house “is nestled down so it doesn’t invade the land.” Jonathan Foote pioneered current trends of historic renovation and regional design, and is noted for the innovative reuse of indigenous hand-hewn timbers, stone, and for situating buildings in their natural environment.

“One goes from a very dramatic landscape to an intimate shelter,” explains Foote. The naturally warm interior invites you in through an entry foyer. Off of the foyer is the unique eat-in kitchen, glassed on both sides to accentuate the views of the Bridger Mountains to the northwest and the private pond and gardens in the backyard. The kitchen is equipped with top notch appliances, cherry stained cabinets and maple counter-tops. Warm summer evenings invite diners to relax on the covered deck off the kitchen. Larger dinner parties can be accommodated in the great room which features adjoining dining and living areas. Here a stacked stone fireplace and media center provide entertainment, a bronze chandelier with mica inserts brings down the scale to create intimacy, and a cozy loft creates an escape for the young and young at heart. Beyond the main living area is the guest wing with private bath and adjoining bedroom.

Also off the foyer is a sitting room that leads to the master wing, which includes a private office and adjoining powder room. On the opposite side of the wing is the master bedroom with stone fireplace, walk-in closet and master bath with antique tub and separate stone shower. Throughout the residence heat is provided by a radiant in-floor system. The square-cut timbers were salvaged from a two-story structure found in Belgrade, Montana, which became the core of the house. Some of the walls of the interior are plaster. The ranch has the scale and character of a small homestead, with its various sheds and the shelter of the trees. “All of the facilities are within walking distance of the house,” Foote says of the gracefully scaled outbuildings. “One person could run the whole place.”

The ranch compound features a sand-filled 110-foot outdoor round pen, dry lot with three-sided stalls, implement storage, hay barn and three-car oversized garage with storage and attached covered carport. The heated indoor arena is steel frame with wood siding. A large two-story apartment with kitchen, laundry, bath and bedroom is attached. On the opposite end of the arena are six stalls with removable panels, hay storage, heat and automatic waterers. Day runs for horses and cattle pens are well thought-out and functional.

Offered at $2.75 million