A Montana Mountain Paradise Is Calling You
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John Denver thought Almost Heaven was West Virginia. That’s because he never saw this dramatic Montana mountain paradise. John and Robin LoMonaco knew when they set eyes on the beautiful views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, they’d found a little slice of heaven.
This picture-perfect spot is located four miles from the town of Darby and only 1.4 miles from the Chief Joseph Ranch, known by TV viewers as the Dutton Ranch in the series Yellowstone. So, you just might run into Kevin Costner or Kelly Reilly at the Strawberry Festival or one of the many Darby rodeos.
But the real stars here are the ones you see as the sun goes down, and they fill the mountain sky. When the LoMonacos saw this home, everything was, of course, centered around the views, morning, noon, and night.
Local contractor Dale Bullen was responsible for the construction, selecting 30 of the best Montana artisans for the home. These included a copper artisan for the downspouts and two wood carvers for the center tree, which is over 270 years old. It spans three floors and is topped with a carving of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe.
The enormous logs spanning the length of the room are from British Columbia and sit on top of each other so securely that Robin assured me you could not even pass a business card between them!
The banisters are made with individually placed wooden limbs to seem more like something you’d find in nature. The slate tile work is cut and set to pay homage to Native American motifs.
Among the home’s striking features stands the breathtaking spiral staircase. Each floating step is cantilevered from the majestic central tree, with Chief Joseph’s headdress cascading down its trunk. Every step represents a mark of distinction in his headdress and is adorned with a custom-carved grizzly bear track.
“The quality of the workmanship is something you no longer see,” Robin said. “Log homes are not made like this anymore. Especially using logs of this size. It’s such a warm and inviting home. Everywhere you look, there is a special detail to appreciate.”
The 5,471 square foot home has four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. In addition, there is a guest house complex, so there’s plenty of room for visiting family and friends. The house is so spectacular that it was featured on the Parade of Homes of the Bitterroot Valley.
A family favorite is the kitchen, which is at the heart of the entry floor and has everything a cook could ever want or need.
“It’s near the great room, so the person cooking can be part of the conversation,” Robin said.
Robin enjoys mornings in the principal bedroom. “I can gaze out at snow-covered mountains from the bed and see no sign of another human being,” she said. “There are only trees and mountains.”
This Montana mountain paradise offers an idyllic haven for those with a passion for nature, outdoor adventures, trout fishing, and hunting. The timbered expanses of Almost Heaven provide sanctuary for deer, turkey, elk, moose, and an abundance of woodland wildlife. It is also only 30 miles north of the Idaho border and The Lost Trail Ski Resort at 7,000 feet.
On a historic note, Robin told us that Lewis and Clark passed over this mountain pass with their entourage!
“I will miss the stillness of our mountain paradise, the animals that visit our pond, and the beautiful views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains,” Robin said. “I will also miss the cute and friendly town of Darby and, of course, my dear friends.”
