Cabin
Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest
Photo gallery for Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest





Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 81100 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Columbus, MT
- Place, Stillwater River4 min drive
- Place, Itch-Kep-Pe Park9 min drive
- Place, Park Avenue Park10 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Futon
Entertainment Den
1 Double Futon
Little Loft
2 Twin Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest
There is no better way to make your Montana vacation complete than by lodging in and enjoying a secluded, authentic hand made log cabin.
This cabin has been a 44 year labor of love by a carpenter who designed it, cut and stripped over 180 lodgepole pine trees, and set in excess of 390 separate logs to create this beautiful unique log structure, unlike any others that you may have seen before. From the hand built cabinetry, the masonry work, the hardwood and quarry tile floors, the handrailings, to the one-of-a-kind log spiral staircase, the craftsmanship is apparent and admirable.
The cabin has been decorated and tastefully outfitted with carefully selected authentic antique furniture and real hand-knotted Persian rugs to create a truly "turn of the century" ambiance, but still has a modern kitchen and bathroom for your comfort.
The kitchen offers a whole array of authentic Griswold frying pans and skillets, and the kitchen "gadgets" have been gleaned from antique stores all across the west; most were in use from the 1920's to the 1950's. No plastic utensils allowed!
The Hermitage is situated on the edge a Ponderosa pine forest, full of deer and wild turkeys and other assorted animals; it is honestly a joy to hike through the forest and explore.
The Hermitage is licensed and inspected by the state to insure your safety and comfort. In this time of Covid-19, the cleaning crew has concentrated on disinfecting the hard surfaces, and we provide a hand sanitizer for your use, as well.
Privacy and seclusion is assured, as no other structure can be seen from The Hermitage as it is at the end of a new, all weather 300 yard private driveway.
Picture yourself sitting on the back balcony with a drink in hand, reflecting on your long day of either exploring, fishing or floating one of the several nearby blue-ribbon rivers, grilling steaks (or your fresh catch) as the sun goes down and observe the deer head back into the woods and watch the wild turkeys roost in nearby trees. Just before dusk the nighthawks swoop down for your amusement. After dinner on the back deck the stars glow brightly in the crystal clear air and the constellations dance across the sky.
This is the way to really relax and experience a memorable evening, Montana Style.
Keywords: Cabin
This cabin has been a 44 year labor of love by a carpenter who designed it, cut and stripped over 180 lodgepole pine trees, and set in excess of 390 separate logs to create this beautiful unique log structure, unlike any others that you may have seen before. From the hand built cabinetry, the masonry work, the hardwood and quarry tile floors, the handrailings, to the one-of-a-kind log spiral staircase, the craftsmanship is apparent and admirable.
The cabin has been decorated and tastefully outfitted with carefully selected authentic antique furniture and real hand-knotted Persian rugs to create a truly "turn of the century" ambiance, but still has a modern kitchen and bathroom for your comfort.
The kitchen offers a whole array of authentic Griswold frying pans and skillets, and the kitchen "gadgets" have been gleaned from antique stores all across the west; most were in use from the 1920's to the 1950's. No plastic utensils allowed!
The Hermitage is situated on the edge a Ponderosa pine forest, full of deer and wild turkeys and other assorted animals; it is honestly a joy to hike through the forest and explore.
The Hermitage is licensed and inspected by the state to insure your safety and comfort. In this time of Covid-19, the cleaning crew has concentrated on disinfecting the hard surfaces, and we provide a hand sanitizer for your use, as well.
Privacy and seclusion is assured, as no other structure can be seen from The Hermitage as it is at the end of a new, all weather 300 yard private driveway.
Picture yourself sitting on the back balcony with a drink in hand, reflecting on your long day of either exploring, fishing or floating one of the several nearby blue-ribbon rivers, grilling steaks (or your fresh catch) as the sun goes down and observe the deer head back into the woods and watch the wild turkeys roost in nearby trees. Just before dusk the nighthawks swoop down for your amusement. After dinner on the back deck the stars glow brightly in the crystal clear air and the constellations dance across the sky.
This is the way to really relax and experience a memorable evening, Montana Style.
Keywords: Cabin
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet friendly
Outdoor Space
Barbecue grill
Mountain view
Fireplace
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- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet friendly
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (6 reviews)
House Rules
Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
Children
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Columbus
Located in Columbus, this cabin is in the mountains. Tippet Rise Art Center is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cooney State Park and Stillwater River. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Columbus, MT
What's nearby
- Stillwater River - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
- Itch-Kep-Pe Park - 9 min drive - 14.8 km
- Park Avenue Park - 10 min drive - 15.5 km
- Stillwater County Library - 10 min drive - 15.5 km
- Museum of the Beartooths - 11 min drive - 16.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- 5 spot bar - 10 min drive
- Dew Drop Inn - 9 min drive
- Chrome Bar - 10 min drive
- Peking Garden - 10 min drive
- Touch of Country - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window8.8/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.8/10
Check-in
9.6/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
Oct 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cherilyn B.
Sep 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cherilyn B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
rich f.
Jul 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
rich f.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ron R.
Sep 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ron R.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mikal
Jun 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Mikal
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nancy D.
Aug 2, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay
Nancy D.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jenny G.
Aug 21, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house in a peaceful location.
Jenny G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tyler K.
Jul 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Gem
Tyler K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ron R.
Sep 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun cabin with lots of interesting history
Ron R.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany C.
Aug 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cabin
Tiffany C.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dawn S.
Jun 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Getaway
Dawn S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shantel F.
Aug 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nostalgic Cabin
Shantel F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Javin A.
Jun 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
Javin A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Laura S.
Sep 23, 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin tucked away
Laura S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Steve J.
Sep 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Repeat Visit
Steve J.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kayla k.
May 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful!
kayla k.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Greg P.
Jul 31, 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Shooting Stars**
Greg P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Linda A.
Aug 15, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene and beautiful
Linda A.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Verified
8/10 Good
Michael O.
Aug 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What you imagine your stay in Montana would be like
Michael O.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carol K.
May 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cool place
Carol K.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Gail H.
Jun 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sister trip
Gail H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Heather D.
Jul 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
MT vacation
Heather D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Keely H.
Jul 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Third time staying
Keely H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Heather S.
Jun 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin
Heather S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rachel H.
May 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Property, Great Memories!
Rachel H.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
About the host
Hosted by Michael Janovsky, Owner
I am a retired Construction Superintendent, starting out as an apprentice carpenter in 1971 after 4.5 years at Indiana University. In 1976 I bought 10 acres outside of Columbus with the anticipation that I would be able to have a "finished" cabin in about 5 years. That was over 44 years ago, and I am still working on the place. I now figure that it will be "completed" the day after I die. I moved away from Montana in 1990 as a result of the poor economy, first to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I stopped by to find a wife, and in 1992, again moved even further away to the Big Island of Hawaii where we still live.
I began The Hermitage as a retirement home for myself, but now that I live in Hawaii, I can't decide where to end up, so while I still can, I enjoy them both.
The last several years I have been hitting dozens of antique stores, outfitting The Hermitage in ever nicer antiques. In 2014 I secured several pieces that really belong in The Hermitage. As space is limited, I find myself "trading up" as far as antiques are concerned. Also in 2014, I bought two Fredrick Remington statues, one busting a bronco, and the other entitled "The Mountain Man." I have since added a great buffet, a magnificent European hall tree, and a beautiful fancy secretary.
Here in Hawaii i spend my retirement beating back the jungle, tending to my fruit trees, and forever remodeling and building. Here too, the project will be complete either when I sell the place or, as is the case with The Hermitage, the day after I die.
I began The Hermitage as a retirement home for myself, but now that I live in Hawaii, I can't decide where to end up, so while I still can, I enjoy them both.
The last several years I have been hitting dozens of antique stores, outfitting The Hermitage in ever nicer antiques. In 2014 I secured several pieces that really belong in The Hermitage. As space is limited, I find myself "trading up" as far as antiques are concerned. Also in 2014, I bought two Fredrick Remington statues, one busting a bronco, and the other entitled "The Mountain Man." I have since added a great buffet, a magnificent European hall tree, and a beautiful fancy secretary.
Here in Hawaii i spend my retirement beating back the jungle, tending to my fruit trees, and forever remodeling and building. Here too, the project will be complete either when I sell the place or, as is the case with The Hermitage, the day after I die.
Why they chose this property
Ever since I moved to Montana, everyone always spoke highly about the beautiful Stillwater Valley, the Absarokee region in particular. When an old friend of mine bought a place up on the undeveloped Upper Hawk Valley Road, I fell in love with the forest, the seclusion, and the wildlife, so I had to buy a piece for myself. I was 27 at the time..
There are several Montana Fishing Access Sites within a few miles along the blue-ribbon trout stream that is the Stillwater River. Also, as I was really into white water rafting and kayaking, and the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers are just great.
There are several Montana Fishing Access Sites within a few miles along the blue-ribbon trout stream that is the Stillwater River. Also, as I was really into white water rafting and kayaking, and the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers are just great.
What makes this property unique
I took great pains to design and build The Hermitage with a goal in mind that it would be "time zone transitional," that it would take one out of the 21st century and gently transport you back to a simpler, slower time. When I'm up there, I make an effort to sit and relax in various areas, since each room has its own ambiance.
The living and dining room is furnished with "Old West/Settler, late 1800's" in mind, while the den is more "Trapper/Indian Style." Both rooms are decorated with many fur pelts; mink, otter, beaver, coyote, martin, muskrat, racoon, fox, nutria, wolf and bear. The basement, with its sofa/hide-a-bed, is done in old barn boards, with an old barbed-wire display and a rusty gold pan that has a great wood burning stove. It also has two large windows, as well as a separate exterior door.
There is a guest book at The Hermitage and I go through it each season, and it seems to be a consensus that meals and relaxing with a cup of coffee on the back deck is a favorite pastime. Numerous honeymoon couples have chosen to begin their lives together visiting The Hermitage, and other guests spend their time reading and recharging. The change in scenery, actually, the relocation back to another century has its own therapeutic effects.
The living and dining room is furnished with "Old West/Settler, late 1800's" in mind, while the den is more "Trapper/Indian Style." Both rooms are decorated with many fur pelts; mink, otter, beaver, coyote, martin, muskrat, racoon, fox, nutria, wolf and bear. The basement, with its sofa/hide-a-bed, is done in old barn boards, with an old barbed-wire display and a rusty gold pan that has a great wood burning stove. It also has two large windows, as well as a separate exterior door.
There is a guest book at The Hermitage and I go through it each season, and it seems to be a consensus that meals and relaxing with a cup of coffee on the back deck is a favorite pastime. Numerous honeymoon couples have chosen to begin their lives together visiting The Hermitage, and other guests spend their time reading and recharging. The change in scenery, actually, the relocation back to another century has its own therapeutic effects.
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