Reviews for Private Homes Vacation Rental - VRBO 249584 - 5 BR Whitefish House in MT, Large Totally Restored Log Home, 7 Acres, Mountain Views

A Little Taste of Montana Heaven

Guest Margaret H.
Date of stay 07/21/12
Review Submitted 08/01/12

This lovely log home with its great stone fireplace and beautiful floors is tastefully decorated throughout in Western themes that the five of us, including two grandboys aged 7 and 9, enjoyed greatly. I delighted in the horse themes especially with real horse farms so near us. The site is amazing with green pastures, brilliant yellow fields and deep blue mountains in the distance. Every vista is just great. The location was perfect for exploring Big Mountain, Glacier NP, Whitefish and Big Fork. Fred and Kirk made sure that every question and need was answered. All the neighbors were so welcoming - and we even had our own little horse roundup one morning when four local horses escaped their fences. Every aspect was delightful. We really enjoyed Loula's in Whitefish for breakfast and lunch. And Big Fork has some great art, including Thorsen's studio and the Art Museum. We would highly recommend this home and hope to return.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Gorgeous Getaway Home

Guest Robin
Date of stay 07/14/12
Review Submitted 09/04/12

My husband and I spent a week in this cabin as a part of our motorcycle trip. The location was perfect, allowing us easy daily access to Whitefish, Kalispell, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park. After a long day of riding, it was a short drive to return to the serenity of the cabin with longhorn cattle next door and elk across the road. The log home itself is beautifully furnished and decorated, very clean, and is well designed to accommodate large groups or small. A beautiful, spacious, and fully equipped kitchen allows multiple cooks to work together. No photo can due it justice. Fred and Kirk were extremely helpful and friendly. I was very impressed, and would highly recommend this rental property.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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25th Destination Anniversary Family Gather

Guest Destination Anniversary
Date of stay 07/07/12
Review Submitted 09/15/12

After selecting a log home as our intended destination to visit Glacier National Park, my family was delighted with the accomodations. There were 7 adult family members sharing the home. It was a delight to see after viewing the internet pictures. Both the owner and caretaker were most helpful in accomodating our vacation needs, including the hot air popper and bird books. Evening walks took in the local cattle and nearby elk farm. Fishermen were successful in the slough behind the house. We also did the WITT (Walk in the Treetops) on the nearby Whitefish Mountain plus enjoyed a sibling lunch at the brewery in Whitefish, walk about the town shops and located some delicious gelato in the chocolate shop. Visits to Glacier National Park were done most days and it was a pleasure to return to the log home for evening meals on the outside deck. The calm, quiet, rural location was very enjoyable.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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Even more beautiful than the pictures!

Guest Angie
Date of stay 07/01/12
Review Submitted 07/13/12

This gorgeous property was perfect for our group of six adults and eight children ranging in age from 1 to 14. There was so much to do that we hardly needed to leave the property! From pool, games and movies inside the house, to volleyball or horseshoes in the yard or grilling out on the gigantic deck, this place has so much room to spread out, play and relax! We especially enjoyed sitting around the fire pit one evening listening to the long horn cattle lowing, the elk bugling and the coyotes yipping. When we did venture out, we did the Avalanche Lake hike in Glacier which was 100% worth the 2-mile climb to get there - stunning beauty! We also enjoyed bumming around Bigfork, MT (and not just because we are from Bigfork, MN!) and swimming at Tally Lake campground beach (about 15 miles away). The Shak in Whitefish has the best BBQ we've ever eaten! Fred was so helpful in making our stay possible and I also have to say what a wonderfully honest person his housekeeper is. One member of our group lost a diamond stud earring during our stay and the extremely thorough housekeeper found it snagged in one of the rugs and mailed it back to us within the week! Glad to know there are still people of that integrity in the world. Thank you Fred, Jodi and Kirk for a wonderful vacation1

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect for a Family Get Together

Guest Dea
Date of stay 11/23/11
Review Submitted 12/09/11

We live in Montana, and have never rented a vacation home before. In planning a family wedding in the area with extended family coming in from out of state, we found this property on the internet. When we drove up to the front door and entered this home we knew it was perfect for 9 adults and 2 small children. The house was beautifully decorated, completely furnished, kitchen and large area for our Thanksgiving meal. All of our relatives loved it as much as we did. Because we were in the area for a wedding we did not venture out to the closeby Glacier National Park, or the ski area. We have spent lots of time hiking in Glacier, Rafting the Flathead River and winter skiing and know the area well, this house is in a great location for exploring and very quiet. Thw owner was very honest in his description of the home, and made sure all of our needs were met, would highly recommend this to families visiting the area, and hope to stay there in the near future. We positively loved it, a 5* Rating. Dea & Brad

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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From California

Guest Diane
Date of stay 08/28/11
Review Submitted 09/15/11

What a great place to stay! We rode our Motorcycles out from California to see the beautiful sites around the Whitfish area. We wanted a place that was comfortable with a lot of room for the 9 of us after we did our day rides seeing all the sites! This place was it! With the views from the back deck, the BBQ and all the room on the deck to sit, this was the favorite place to hang out and relax! Some of them did some fishing in the Creek in back of the cabin and they cought some big Pike! The picture's don't do this place justce! Great detail to the decor inside makes it warm and welcoming! Not much more can I add that all the previous comments haven't already said, I agree with them all! It's a short Drive to Canada, Glacier park (start from the east side) Whitefish, Kalispell, Flat Head Lake, Kootni Falls (awsome) and the swinging bridge, there is so much to see and do. Fred was great to deal with before we went. He was in town while we were there and he was right there if we needed anything! We will definitely recommend this place!!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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The Wedding

Guest Laurel
Date of stay 07/23/11
Review Submitted 08/21/11

I was looking for a place large enough to accommodate our families who were meeting for the first time, and who, unbeknownst to them, were coming to our wedding. River Meadow Ranch seemed to fit that criteria and didn't appear to be overpriced like some of the places I looked at. The house is in the middle of farm land with an elk ranch, dill field, and long-horned cattle on the same road - all this rural living with no smell to boot. And better yet, no neighbors too close to feel as if they are on top of you. I thought the house was a lot nicer than the on-line pics showed as well. The ad says this house sleeps 11, but with the assistance of Fred, the owner, we were able to sleep 13. He was more then willing to work with us and was always responsive when I contacted him, whether it be via email or phone. The local couple who takes care of the house maintenance and cleaning were also very nice and responsive to all of our needs. The house was large enough to accommodate approximately 50 people at our wedding, but was small and cozy enough that our family was able to have a wonderful time. And I guess I should mention that Glacier National Park was not too far (maybe 30 - 45 min.) from the house and was pretty easy to get to. River Meadow Ranch was a wonderful house to stay at and we will definitely be back. Thanks Fred, you have a great house.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Loved It

Guest Keith J.
Date of stay 07/16/11
Review Submitted 07/25/11

We just returned from a 2011 summer trip and are ready to go back. Fred's house was large, roomy, clean, and very well-appointed. The details of the renovation are impressive, all the way down to the use of heavy gauge rope instead of toe molding at the base of the log walls. There is plenty of yard space for families, and a 10 minute drive put us in Whitefish with all the restaurants we could need. LouLa's in Whitefish for breakfast is the best you will find. Norm's News in Kalispell for burgers.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

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Great Vacation!

Guest The "C" Family
Date of stay 07/09/11
Review Submitted 07/19/11

We (3 adult couples) stayed for a week in July '11 & thoroughly enjoyed this cabin. It was in the relatively-level terrain of Flathead Valley, surrounded by farmland. The whole-log construction of the cabin gave it a rustic warmth and authentic feel, yet it was well appointed with modern amenities all thoroughout -- very spacious and cozy at the same time. There were plenty of linens for all rooms, a well-stocked kitchen upstairs with lots of small appliances, dishes, cutlery, etc. plus a wet bar downstairs, a full-sized washer-dryer and a nice gas grill on the deck. There were also plenty of books to read, games (both inside and out), multiple TV's with satellite, WiFi, pool table -- just about anything you could want! We loved the central location -- close to airport, Kalispell and Whitefish, and very convenient to Glacier Natl Park. Curt, who lives down the road and serves as caretaker, was very helpful with plenty of tips about the area; and Fred, the "back-East" owner, couldn't have been more gracious and helpful by phone. Curt advised of a great family restaurant on Hwy 2 near Kalispell called Cislo's -- food was home-cooked and very tasty, large portions, good variety in the menu, and best of all, inexpensive. Even more amazing was the friendly and efficient wait staff -- our waitress for breakfast one morning took six very different orders, never wrote a thing down, and didn't miss a beat when serving everything, even remembering who had decaf or not on the refills. It was fun to watch them in action! During our stay, we enjoyed fishing, hiking, Glacier NP (of course!), horseback riding, visiting wineries & galleries, the Conrad Mansion in Kalispell, the Bison Range an hour or so south of the cabin, and mostly just hanging out at the end of the day at our home-away-from-home. Thank you, Fred, for making it all available -- we'd definitely recommend your beautiful cabin to one and all. Couldn't write this without saying how amazingly friendly the people of Montana were, too. Without fail, airport staff, car rental staff, shop owners, restaurant staff -- even complete strangers -- were warm and welcoming. It was a great vacation in every respect!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect Home Base to Glacier National Park and Area

Guest Karen & Jason
Date of stay 06/27/11
Review Submitted 07/20/11

We just returned home from what our family is calling an "epic" trip to Montana. Staying in this spacious, absolutely beautiful log home really made the vacation. Our boys (11 and 16) loved playing pool in the lower level as well as fishing for northern pike behind the house. The large deck with BBQ grill was a perfect way to relax after a day of sight-seeing. We found the house to be immaculate with all the amenities one could ask for. The rustic,lodge-look furniture was new and the beds were very comfortable. We would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, pet owners, sightseeing.

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A Beautiful Home Away from Home

Guest Irv
Date of stay 06/20/11
Review Submitted 07/17/11

Our family and two good friends, eight in all, spent a week in late June 2011 at the cabin. We loved every minute of it. It is a beautiful, warm home, amazingly spacious with a big yard more than ample for volleyball, frisbee and other games, in a beautiful setting. It is very well equipped, reflecting the genuine care the owners have for their guests, just as if we were close friends and they wanted us to feel most welcome. We made the trip primarily to wander around Glacier National Park, but also had wonderful experiences on Flathead Lake, and in the towns of Big Fork and Poulson on the edges of Flathead Lake. This is an ideal place for a vacation away, for anyone who wishes to enjoy the beauty of Montana and the parks and areas around Whitefish and the surrounding areas. The cabin also is very convenient to the airport. If the rating system is five stars, we give this cabin six stars.

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

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Christmas in the Flathead

Guest Michael & Allison
Date of stay 12/22/10
Review Submitted 01/11/11

We stayed in this lovely home over Christmas, with our teenage children and another family ... 10 of us plus a baby, with plenty of room for everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed just relaxing in such a comfortable, spacious house; but found time to shop Kalispell, ski Whitefish, and walk in the neighbourhood. We've always loved the Flathead Valley, but finding a home like this to stay in adds a whole new lovely dimension ... it is easy and quick to get to, yet feels so isolated and quiet. The owner was great to coordinate with, and the neighbours were even very friendly! Highly recommended!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.

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Awesome Place

Guest Fuzzy
Date of stay 09/22/10
Review Submitted 11/10/10

This is a great vacation spot!!Close to everything you want to do and the fishing is great!!We had a great time in Montana and would like to thank Fred for letting us stay in his great home.We plan on going back next Sept!!Thanks,Fred

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Loved it

Guest Nearly Normal Mike
Date of stay 08/31/10
Review Submitted 09/07/10

We spent 4 nights here and really loved it. I sincerely wish it had been longer. The house is very nice and very cozy, especially for a 5 bedroom. It is easy to get to. It is not totally secluded, but does feel quite private and there is very little traffic on the dirt road. It is conveniently located about half way between Whitefish and Kalispell. The airport is not far away and of course Glacier Park is near. We very much enjoyed Glacier I have spoken with the owner several times and he is as nice and friendly as anyone can be. We would love to go back some day and I would not hesitate to recommend it to friends. Mike in Georgia

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Great place to stay multi-days for 2 families!! For all ages!

Guest Chris
Date of stay 07/30/10
Review Submitted 08/09/10

My best friend's family and mine vacation out west every 2 years or so. We usually "rough it" for a week in the backcountry hiking and camping then look for a larger house with all the amenties for the "relaxing" part of the vacation. We found Fred Goldsmith's restored Montanta log home on VRBO and it was a huge hit with our group. First, the house is situated so each family can have a floor - each floor has a large room for the parents then there are 3 other bedrooms for the kids. Lots to do - 4 TV's including 2 flat screens with DVD and Dish, pool table and great deck to relax. The home has been painstakingly restored and has many beautiful things orderning it. Kitchen appliances are top notch with plenty of accessories. Plus big gas grill on deck with lots or patio furniture. The property is in the west part of Flathead Valley ranch county and you are surrounding by working farms as well as large vacation homes which is pretty neat. If you fish, hold on, the slew of the Stillwater River is on the property and is full of large Northern Pike. We fished on 3 occasions in the slew and caught 25 pike each time between 2 and 8 lbs. Great fishing for experienced and inexperienced a like. Just remember to use metal leaders with big spinners! Location, while you are definitely in the country, you are close to everything. Both Whitefish and Kalispell are about 5 miles (15 min away) and Glacier is between a 30-45 min dirive (West entrance). Other nearby things to do are Whitefish Resort (about 30 min), rafting the Flathead (30 min), Flathead Lake (30 min) and the Majestic which has rodeos, races and concerts (about 10 min). Shopping is all over. Lastly, the owner Fred Goldsmith, was readily available before and during our trip to answer any questions as well as has a local guy down the road (Kirk) that can help with most anything while you were there. Great place and pretty unique!!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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Perfect week in NW Montana!

Guest Art
Date of stay 07/11/10
Review Submitted 07/19/10

This spacious log home was a perfect fit for four couples who used it as a home base for visiting Glacier National Park as well as other area offerings. We spent a wonderful week exploring, sharing meals on the deck and enjoying the beautiful views!

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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We are going back!

Guest Monique
Date of stay 12/30/09
Review Submitted 07/29/10

We stayed at this beautiful log home last year and loved it. This log home is one of the most beautiful rental properties we have stayed in. The home was very clean and very spacious. We rented the home with 2 other families and everyone had their own space and bathroom. We are returning this winter for another stay and would recommend this home to anyone. Fred is a great person to deal with and very accommodating.

Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

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Spotless, convenient, quiet home in ranch country

Guest TomK777
Date of stay 08/10/09
Review Submitted 05/13/10

The moment we arrived at this thoroughly refinished country home, we knew it would be a great place for a vacation. The home is spotlessly clean, beautifully refinished. And Quiet! Aside from an occasional car passing on the nearby stone road, the sound of cattle lowing is all you hear. Nearly everything in the house is new: kitchen, bathrooms, bedding, etc. Everything works! Pool table in the basement! Some of our time we decided to just stay at the house and enjoy the quiet. Walks on nearby roads revealed a herd of farmed elk; longhorn cattle; and beautiful scenery. There is lots to do. The home is about 30 minutes or so from Glacier National Park - one of the truly outstanding national parks with breathtaking scenery. Glacier alone could occupy an entire vacation, with many opportunities for hiking, boat rides on Park lakes, driving adventures - and incredible views. You will likely see grizzlies and brown bears, at a distance, and rangers are happy to instruct you on safe ways to walk through the Park. Outside the park there are other forms of entertainment: lakes; sports, etc. Overall we could not have been more pleased with this beautiful home and this area of Montana for a vacation. We will be back!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Guest Danielle Cooke
Date of stay 07/27/09
Review Submitted 07/27/09

We loved it here! Everything was perfect. The cabin, itself, was beautifully decorated and had every amenity. The view was like heaven on earth.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Large Totally Restored Log Home, 7 Acres, Mountain Views [#249584] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (19)

A Little Taste of Montana Heaven

A Little Taste of Montana Heaven

Gorgeous Getaway Home

Gorgeous Getaway Home

25th Destination Anniversary Family Gather

25th Destination Anniversary Family Gather

Even more beautiful than the pictures!

Even more beautiful than the pictures!

Perfect for a Family Get Together

Perfect for a Family Get Together

From California

From California

The Wedding

The Wedding

Loved It

Loved It

Great Vacation!

Great Vacation!

Perfect Home Base to Glacier National Park and Area

Perfect Home Base to Glacier National Park and Area

A Beautiful Home Away from Home

A Beautiful Home Away from Home

Christmas in the Flathead

Christmas in the Flathead

Awesome Place

Awesome Place

Loved it

Loved it

Great place to stay multi-days for 2 families!! For all ages!

Great place to stay multi-days for 2 families!! For all ages!

Perfect week in NW Montana!

Perfect week in NW Montana!

We are going back!

We are going back!

Spotless, convenient, quiet home in ranch country

Spotless, convenient, quiet home in ranch country