The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront'
Special thanks to Northwest Travel Magazine for naming us 'One of the Northwest's Best Waterfront Vacation Rentals'. And to Tesla for featuring our house in their campaign and providing us with an electric car charger for guests who would like one. Our home resides on Finley Point facing Skidoo Bay with views of the beautiful Mission Mountains. Just a few steps beyond the stone steps of the house is the lake shore, you’ll see the sun rise each morning over the mountains.
Our home is a newly constructed craftsman style home with architectural inspiration from Greene and Greene. Rock and stone prevail inside and out.
In the winter, radiant heat throughout the house keeps the wood and stone floors warm to the touch. The great room features a 20’ rock fireplace and there is an outdoor courtyard with a fireplace for year round use. NEW 2025 - Air conditioning. (Mini-splits)
Autumn, described lovingly by the locals, brings incredible beauty and solitude. Picture yourself sitting on the Adirondack chair with a steaming cup of coffee watching the loons skim the lake. Or take your kayak out for a scenic view on the calm lake.
Winter on the lake is surprisingly mild yet offers two ski areas to choose from. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the snow recreation options or to just get a fire going, curl up on the leather sofa in the library and read one of the 1,000+ books offered in the house. Or enjoy a fire in the outdoor fireplace, bring your hot chocolate outside and watch the stars.
The house is configured for privacy with the master wing separated from the guest wing by the kitchen, dining, great room, and library. The master suite has a queen size bed. French doors swing open to the outdoor courtyard and fireplace. The master suite bathroom amenities include a double walk-in shower, Japanese soaker tub, double sinks, and a washer and dryer. The guest wing has three bedrooms and a laundry room. A large bedroom faces the lake with a queen bed. There are two additional bedrooms, one with 4 bunks and one with two bunks and a double bed. These guest bedrooms share a large bathroom with a double shower stall and two vanities. The bathrooms are both nicely appointed with travertine stone floor and granite vanity.
There is an additional half bath off the dining room with a pine cone sink pedestal, pine cone light sconces and rock trim behind the vanity.
The kitchen is well equipped for the gourmet chef with a five burner cooktop and double ovens. You’ll find every small appliance and utensil imaginable in the kitchen. There is a large walk-in pantry fully stocked with a wide array of spices and has plenty of room for your groceries. With a slab granite island, and richly stained alder cabinets, you’ll find the kitchen an inviting place to gather. The beauty of the kitchen is heightened by the 20’ceilings, trusses that are an extension of the great room and sweeping views of both the lake and cherry orchard behind the house.
You may dine in the large dining room (table with extensions seats 12) overlooking the outdoor fireplace courtyard and lake, or make yourself comfortable outside under the covered patio overlooking the lake. The covered patio boasts an oversized Weber gas grill with a side burner for full meal preparation al fresco!
We also offer a spacious loft above the garage as a separate rental unit or as an addition to your house rental. The loft has a queen bed, bathroom and sweeping views of the lake. (Not available in winter.)
You’ll find everything you desire in a vacation here: rest, relaxation, outdoor activity and great family time. Please contact us soon and book your vacation week.
NEW: Our neighbors on Skidoo Bay recently posted a really wonderful video depicting fun on the lake. Ask us about it.
FALL: Fall brings a brilliant blue sky and quiet to the lake. The weather has been particularly nice in September over the past several years. It's a big, northern state, so there are no guarantees, but lately it seems like we've had longer summers up there. October can often be sunny and crisp and beautiful, even if you lose your warm lake water for swimming. More often than not, I've enjoyed nice Indian Summers into October, with those blue skies in the day, wood smoke and the smell of the orchards at night, and sometimes snow across the bay on the top of the Mission Mountains. Glacier Park is usually open well into the fall. At Apgar campground, far south in Glacier Park, you can walk out onto a bridge in the fall and watch a dozen or more bald eagles gather to feed on salmon. I'm biased, and it's probably because I rarely get there in the fall anymore, but it's one of my favorite times to be at Flathead Lake. Winter brings skiing through the snow-covered trees of Whitefish Mountain, and the good camaraderie of (other!) Canadian bargain-hunters. And spring brings the blossoming of cherry trees above our house and throughout the Flathead valley.
WINTER: Because we have deep roots there, and because it’s where we built a house near water that laps upon the shore like words of Yeats, we spend our winter holidays in Montana. In the easy seasons it is a reliable heaven on earth. In the winter it is either snow-covered peaks against bright skies - or grey isolation.
This Christmas, the strain of travel weighed a little heaver on eye and muscle when the first morning hours arrived, enveloped by low clouds and the dark of the longest night of the year. The world was in harmony only with the lure of another hour in a feather bed. One querulous goose flapped and honked over a hundred of its kind, all floating on the cold lake with a caking of snow on their heads and backs. They ignored him, and we all claimed a little more sleep.
And then, when the world was right, the inevitable call of one bird to some willing other began again, and the day could unfold toward coffee and breakfast. It’s in that moment that the vacation begins, and you are no longer tempted to begrudge the forsaken comforts of Christmas enchiladas and the twinkling lights of the village we leave behind here.
Nowhere in the city do you get that call and response, and such a reliable ordering of things.
Keywords: Flathead Lake House Lakehouse Montana East Shore near Glacier flathead rental waterfront Rockies western Montana Mission Mountains Greene & Greene craftsman lakeshore on the lake Finley Point ski Polson Bigfork lodge family families friendly eagle trout fishing water ski snow ski last best place
a title='The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake Spring Summer Fall #96053 on VRBO
NOTE: Availability and rates are not necessarily set into the next year until we know our own schedule. When we have not filled in future dates, at times this service will default to an average or lower rate that will not apply. Always feel free to contact us as to what our expectation is as to bookings into the following year.
Montana STATE PERMIT #2018-BLDG-000226. Montana Public License 312912. Lake County Zoning Conformance Permit #FP-08. We are probably one of the first properties to attain all requisite permits. It was a thorough, arduous and expensive process.
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Beautiful timber frame Finley Point home, lake frontage. High speed internet.
Polson
Beautiful timber frame Finley Point home, lake frontage. High speed internet.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
It is very helpful to keep up with washing and drying of large towels as used during your stay, since drying time for a large group can overwhelm the cleanup crew on their day..
In return, we provide probably three or four times the number of large towels as most houses For house and lake use. Thanks.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Polson
Located in Polson, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Flathead Lake and Finley Point State Park, while Miracle of America Museum and Polson Flathead Historical Museum are cultural highlights. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and ice skating.
Kalispell, MT (FCA-Glacier Park Intl.) - 66 min drive
Restaurants
Glacier Brewing Company - 24 min drive
Sweet Bliss - 21 min drive
McDonald's - 21 min drive
Starbucks - 22 min drive
Taco Bell - 21 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront' pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront'?
As of 12 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront' on 15 Apr, 2026 start from S$1,056, 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.
How much is parking at The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront'?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront'?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront'?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Most Beautiful House on Flathead Lake - NW Travel Magazine 'Best Waterfront' located?
This family-friendly Polson holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Finley Point State Park and Flathead Lake. Turtle Lake and Boettcher Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our extended family of eight, ranging in ages from 1 to 79, enjoyed staying in this beautiful lakefront home. The sheltered Skidoo Bay location on Flathead Lake allowed us to relax and enjoy lake life by swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The proximity to area sites also allowed us to take day trips to Glacier and participate in horseback trail riding in Kalispell. Grocery delivery from Safeway on our arrival day helped us settle in quickly. The house was clean and very well stocked. The owner was a quick and kind responder. Would 10/10 recommend!
Our family of 8 adults and 2 infants traveled here from 3 different states and it was a perfect week. The house has everything that you would need and we prepared all of our dinners there. We enjoyed having our morning coffee outside watching the sunrise over Skidoo Bay and our evening family chats by the fire in the lovely great room. We hope to return someday.
Jeff S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun, 2024
Great guests, respectful of the unique treasures of the house and setting in every possible way. We actually love having families like Jeff’s be at the lake house when we can’t be.
The location of the property allowed us to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the abundance of wildlife.
The kitchen is well-equipped with everything you might need.
The host, Dennis, was communicative and helpful.
Lisa C.
Stayed 28 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov, 2022
The perfect guests wouldn’t be a sufficient description. Lisa and Chip in the end are a gracious, patient and responsible couple whose month on Finley Point made the lake house and Montana a better place.
Rented this beautiful house for a long weekend to celebrate my Husbands 50th! We had a few family members join us and we all agree this house was AMAZING! We will be back!!
Tanya F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov, 2020
Thanks, and so glad that the lake and the lake house worked their way to make it a great birthday. Here's to many more.
What breathtaking views this home has. The master bedroom is truly magical! We would recommend this home to anyone. Dennis was great communicating and offered lots of information. We relaxed the entire time and the slight wave break sounds were just perfect.
Jackie J.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct, 2021
Thanks. The perfect guests, generous with helpful insights and feedback.
This was our first visit to Montana, and we will definitely be coming back! The house was amazing - excellent location, great views, plenty of space and amenities. We cooked nearly every meal at the house, and it was well stocked. Lots of exposure to wildlife in the area, and pretty easy docking for our rented boat despite the low lake levels this year. Ran into a few minor issues while we were there, but the owner was extremely communicative and acted quickly to resolve them. Very happy with our decision to stay here!
Tyler O.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct, 2023
Thanks, Tyler, and thanks for the gracious note by hand left at the house. Glad it was a memorable time.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Eric F.
27 Aug, 2018
The house, the owner, dock, and everything were absolute perfect. Could not of enjoyed my stay more.
Dennis has opened his home up to so many people… And the home is well cared for and is one of the finest homes in Flathead Lake. My family and I had an amazing time, relaxed in every way shape and form both internally and externally in and around the property. The dock worked out fantastic, we water skied, wakeboarded, lounged on floaties, bbq nightly and are on the patio and had the boat in a shore lift which made sleeping wonderful and was the very best for me with the rough lake one day early on. We had the privilege of meeting all the neighbors, of which are now all new friends. Wonderful people and very accommodating in all areas. Thanks to Dennis and his family, my family had a “fabulous” and very memorable vacation, and one that we hope to repeat again next year. Thank you Burns family!
Eric F.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
It's our pleasure to have the house so well appreciated, taken care of, and used as intended by a fine family and their friends from Eastern Montana. So glad that it created a new realm of memories for your family. Thanks for being such good sports when the weather and smoke clouded some of the visit with less that perfect conditions. You are most welcome back any time, on behalf of ourselves (and our local friendly tax authorities).
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kim J.
15 Sept, 2016
We had a great time! Thank you so much Dennis!
The house was spacious, comfortable and beautiful. We spent our mornings enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck while deer wondered through the property. Evenings, we would relax by the fire and enjoy each others company.
The lake was gorgeous, and the surrounding neighborhood was so nice to take morning walks through.
At night the sky lit up with stars, we even saw the aura borealis to the north over glacier national park, spectacular.
We enjoyed the towns of Whitefish and Bigfork, and of course Glacier.
The two restaurants at the end of the road were so fun, with delicious food.
Dennis was so helpful suggesting ideas for things to do, and so attentive to our needs. His cleaning lady and handyman were also great, they stood by ready to help us with anything we needed.
I can't rave enough about how wonderful our stay at flathead lake was, it was memorable and special, we will remember our girls 60th birthday get together for ever.
Thank you so much Dennis.
Kim J.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
It really was a genuine pleasure to have Kim and her friends (and husbands) enjoy the house in the spirit it was put into place. Really wonderful guests.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Robyn A.
15 Jan, 2014
A getaway like no other!
My family and I stayed here over Thanksgiving and it is a trip we will not soon forget! Dennis was incredibly helpful and generous from the moment we booked our reservation with him. We stayed during a very cold time of year and Dennis made certain everything was taken care of from the inviting temperature of the home upon our arrival to sending out the housekeeper to help us work the master bedroom fireplace. The home is lovely and feels comfortable to be in. It felt as though I was staying in the home of a good friend. The comfortable, lived-in quality of the home did not leave me with the sterile sensation of other vacation rentals I have stayed in. The quality of the amenities are first rate. The craftsmanship used to build this home is seen in every detail including the solid wood doors, beautiful hardwood floors, and most of all the incredible view of the lake and mountains. My family has already decided that this is a place we must come back to in the summer. You will not be disappointed by this home!
Robyn A.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dennis B.
13 Mar, 2010
Let me start to answer so...
Let me start to answer some of your questions now
so that you can make reservations of check on-line
reviews if you want. I don't think this time of the
year that you'd need to pre-book anything.
If you want a fishing guide, I'd recommend Eric
Bjorge ("be-york-ee") at Two River Gear in Bigfork.
For boat rentals in Polson, KwaTukNuk ("Quah-
Tuck-Nuck") will have the most choice. Rentals are
expensive - you might try negotiating. You could
also ask around town to see if anyone else is
renting now. There's a small sporting goods store
in Polson on Main Street (Mission Mountain Water
Sports?), and those girls would probably know.
Right across the street from KwaTukNuk is Papa
Don's restaurant, which I think is the best food in
Polson. His tri-tip sandwich is a favorite, and
salmon and ribs in the evening are good. Tell Don
that you're staying at our place, and he may have
some tips on fishing in the lake. Our neighbors are
great people, and very friendly. You'll find that
generally to be the case. Let people know why
you're there, and they'll adopt you for what you
need. You can also rent boats at Marina Cay in
Bigfork. There's another place in Woods Bay, which
might be a better bargain, and it's a pleasant little
bay to boat from. It may be just called Woods Bay
Marina. You could boat from there up to Bigfork,
where there's a good public dock where you can tie
up and walk up for lunch. You could also cross the
lake and boat around Lakeside and Somers, which is
also pretty. If you boat from Polson the area around
Kings Point is pleasant, as well as Finley Point and
the narrows islands. There are very few places to
gas up on the lake, so you might want to carry a
five-gallon can of gas with you.
For horse-riding, I'd try Flathead Lake Lodge just
south of Bigfork. It's a dude ranch, basically, but
really a lovely place.
Bigfork is full of great restaurants. In order, I'd
recommend Showthyme, La Provence (also nice
panini sandwiches during the day), The Coyote
Roadhouse (out of town a little bit) and the Swan
River Cafe (upstairs). The Bigfork Inn is nice, and a
really great place to go for old time dancing if
you're up there on a Friday or Saturday night.
There's a fun community playhouse that the kids
might enjoy. We saw an abridged version of the
complete works of William Shakespeare there last
summer, and the kids really enjoyed it.
In Glacier Park, the wa
Dennis B.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
These comments were added by the owner in response to frequently asked questions. (But feel free to ask more.)
Everything was exactly as advertised and Dennis was fantastic to work with. He provided lots of information and was very responsive to messages. Very well equipped rental. We had a fabulous time and everyone loved the house, plus the views were amazing!!!
Lindsey K.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept, 2021
Thanks, Lindsey. Great to have this fine group of Minnesota and Wisconsin friends able to enjoy and take care of the lake house when we couldn't be there.
October in Montana was absolutely gorgeous. The location on the lake and proximity to Glacier National Park and surrounding towns was ideal. We loved everything about our stay.
This house is a home. Its grandeur and architecture is to be celebrated for sure - it's beautiful - but it's more that this is the kind of place where you will make memories with your family and friends. You can tell when you walk in that is what the intent of the home is and what has happened here. It's well loved and maintained by the owners and has everything you could ask for. The grace with which they share it with you is clear - they want you to enjoy it and we absolutely did.
Thank you for our memory making week.
The perfect lake home for all! The property is both beautiful inside and out! We enjoyed wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, kayaking everyday followed by home cooked meals in the chef’s kitchen.
Michelle F.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
George L.
21 Sept, 2018
Everything was great thank you
Great stay and we very much appreciate all the advice and hospitality of the owners. Thank you very much
George L.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Our thanks to the Lenz’s and friends. Old school Western respectful, resourceful and pleasant. These are the people you really enjoy sharing your place with.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Leon R.
18 Jun, 2018
A true gem in Montana
Can’t say enough about how beautiful this home is and how wonderful Dennis was in accommodating us from start to finish. One of the most peaceful and serene places. There’s no better home into enjoy the beauty of Montana. Thank you for opening our home to us!
Leon R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Thanks, Leon.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carolyn W.
14 Jun, 2018
Fabulous Property with Majestic Views!
This home is wonderful and the location on Finley Point is relatively calm compared to other locations on Flathead. The view is incredible and we enjoyed drinking our coffee/tea on the deck every morning. We had a terrific time just staying at the home; paddle boarding, fishing from the dock, and playing croquet. You really feel like you are at home while staying here. Great floor plan, well stocked kitchen, and a comfortable place. We had a wonderful time and will have lasting memories of this beautiful home! Dennis is very responsive and welcoming. Thank you Dennis and Andrea for opening your home and sharing such a magical place with complete strangers!
Carolyn W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2020
Thanks to our most gracious guests. Here is hoping that those memories of the lake and Glacier do stay with you all, and especially your folks, for many many years. (and, you’re a great daughter!)
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Mike M.
7 Sept, 2017
Beautiful house and property in an amazing setting
My wife and I visited with our two children and along with my parents. The house is laid out perfectly so everyone can enjoy the space without feeling too crowded. Really an amazing space. We cooked in the wonderfully appointed kitchen for almost every meal, which was great. The best part was the deck that faces the lake and the mountains -- a great place to have coffee in the morning and just enjoy the views at sunrise and sunset. The whole family had an amazing visit here and we would definitely stay again.
Mike M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dennis B.
15 Aug, 2017
We'll, I may be biased. But it's a wonderful place on this lake.
Pure magic, chores notwithstanding.
Dennis B.
Stayed 48 nights in Jun 2017
About the host
Hosted by Dennis Burns (for Finley Point LLC)
The family is comprised of 5th and 6th generation Montanans. The lake house represents a long-time dream of having a place on Flathead Lake.
Why they chose this property
We built this home, with the help of one of Montana's best architects, to fit as perfectly as possible with the beauty of Skidoo Bay and Flathead Lake. We hope that it will bring meaning and happiness to our family and friends and guests for many generations.
What makes this property unique
Rare lake front luxury house on Skidoo Bay. Peace. Tranquility. The joy of being on this great lake in any season.