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.
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Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 106130vb
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
On-site 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 that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
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. Kayaking and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and mountain climbing nearby.
Is Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest?
As of 15 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest on 24 Jul, 2026 start from S$327, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Where is Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest located?
Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Stillwater River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Itch-Kep-Pe Park and Park Avenue Park. Yellowstone River and Stillwater County Library are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Unfortunately, the guests I rented this space for refused to stay in it after checking in. The main reason was mouse poop on the couch and futon (where they were supposed to sleep). They also discovered it had no heat and absolutely no cell service (or WiFi, but the description does not say there’s WiFi so I can forgive that. I think they could have lived without the cell service but the mouse droppings and lack of heat were a deal breaker. I have asked for a refund and not gotten a reply.
Nikki M.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2026
The woman who wrote this negative review has never been at The Hermitage, indicated by she didn't realize that the guests would sleep in the queen bed, located on the second floor. Apparently she is simply repeating what her clients claimed.
As soon as I received this review, I called my housekeeper and she told me that she, herself vacuumed both the couch and the futon the day before their arrival date. I trust her word explicitly over some anonymous guest that I have never had any contact with.
My house cleaner has been with me for several years now, and ever since she took over, the place has been always ready for guests, I urge you to check out the dozens of previous reviews, most with an Excellent review that mentions "cleanliness" as a highlight.
I feel that these guests simply didn't want to light a fire in the 100 year old parlor stove with mica windows, but most people who rent log cabins seem to love to light fires. There are actually two wood stoves and one fireplace, as well as a baseboard heater in the bathroom, so I don't know how the "no heat" accusation stands up.
The cell service is occasionally spotty, but it always seems to work well in the evening. I can also access the internet in the evening with my iPhone, particularly on the second floor. I call my wife in Hawaii every evening when I am staying up at The Hermitage, but apparently the same people who don't like to light a fire simply cannot live without the internet. I feel sorry for them.
We had a fantastic time staying here and did not want to leave. If I could transport us to Montana to be there right now, I would. Thank you for building such a magical home and for sharing it with us!
Cherilyn B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept, 2025
I am glad that you enjoyed your time at my cabin; come back next year!
I really like the place. There are some many interesting artifacts, books, decorations, etc to look at in the cabin. We enjoyed grilling on the deck over looking the property. We had deer and turkeys. It’s only 10 minutes to 4 coffee shops in Absarokee. I recommend!
This is what I would build if I had the time and money. Every nook and cranny has some sort of history to find. I knew it was right up my alley as we were pulling in to the property on that winding skinny road. Wildlife was abundant, used my new binoculars to watch elk grazing across the valley. 11/10
We stayed at The Hermitage last year and it was another great stay this year. The hand-built cabin is remarkable, and if one is looking for peace and quiet but still within 10 minutes of Absarokee in one direction and Columbus in the other, this is it. Great star-gazing from the back balcony!
Wonderful weekend in the wilderness. My kids loved exploring inside and outside and it was the perfect location to go out and explore the other little towns in the area
Loved the isolation, no close neighbors. Fun home.
Linda A.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2021
Aloha Linda,
Thank you for the 5-star review; this has been a "bumpy" season, but with my new professional cleaning service, I am confident that things are improving.
Aloha,
Michael
Everything was as advertised. Private and beautiful site with all of the amenities. We enjoyed all of the personal touches and were amazed by the workmanship that went into building this cabin!
What you imagine your stay in Montana would be like
We were in town for a few days of fly fishing on the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers. Great location for access to both rivers. Drive up to the cabin is adventure within itself. With the climb up the road you will hit a couple of switch backs with great views of the valley. The cabin is
3 of us sister’s drive up from Iowa and met my sister, niece and nephew from California. The property was beautiful, once we drove the road a few times we got comfortable with it. Was a little narrow and scary the first time. Was a nice location and we enjoyed the privacy and scenery saw many deer and a turkey with her little ones. Would love to stay again.
This beautiful cabin has a great story with lots of fun details inside, even though we spent most of our time outside exploring and enjoying the wildlife. We were lucky enough to make contact with someone from the property who let us know that the nearby town was having their annual “Absarokee Days” with a parade and vendor fair and street dance… so much fun!! Thanks for opening up your home to us and allowing us to experience a tiny piece of Montana:)
This is our third time at the Hermitage. We came to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. It was lovely. Sitting on the deck, listening to the birds. It was time away from "real life" that we both needed. Thanks again, Michael! Aloha!
The cabin is absolutely beautiful. The owner did an amazing job building it. It is obvious that there was a lot of thought and love put into it. I suggest to try to arrive during the day, because night is a bit more difficult. It is in the forest, so the road up the mountain is narrow and has a few twists. The property is gorgeous, and perfect for anyone that loves nature. I will definitely be staying there again the next time I come through
Heather S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
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.
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.
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.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests