Custom Homes.

A forward-thinking family enlisted a skilled design team to turn their enduring dream of a rustic mountain lodge into reality. The couple, accompanied by their four adult children, fulfilled their dream by acquiring the last available mountain lot in Cowboy Heaven at the Moonlit Basin resort community in Big Sky, Montana. Having envisioned a quintessential ski lodge with a strong connection to the picturesque landscape, the family actively participated in the design process, collaborating closely with architect Jamie Daugaard, interior designer Michele Wheeler, and builder Chris Lohss.
Crafted exclusively from reclaimed timbers and locally sourced stone, the rustic abode features a double-gable entry that opens to a naturally lit great room with breathtaking views. Collaborating with project manager Ben Emanuel, Daugaard describes the result as "exhilarating." The space boasts soaring wood-beamed ceilings with metal banding, creating a dramatic backdrop for back-to-back sofas facing stone fireplaces known as the "twin sisters." A quartet of contemporary barrel-back swivel chairs near the windows provides a convivial spot to enjoy the majestic vistas.
Wheeler explains the incorporation of modern furnishings with lighter colors and soft textures to balance the rustic architecture, bringing a sense of repose and brightness. The husband's workspace features a leather-tufted banquette and a well-appointed bar alongside one of the fireplaces. The open dining area, adorned with the same stone as the "twin sisters," encloses a refrigerated wine bar with metal-and-glass doors.
The lodge-like home, constructed with reclaimed, hand-tooled wood from Midwest barns and stone harvested in Montana, achieves a timeless result through a well-balanced material palette. Metal-clad windows, custom leather and hide headboards in the bedrooms, tailored upholstered furnishings, crisp cabinetry, and original art pieces contribute to the aesthetic balance.
Lohss emphasizes the challenges of working with salvaged timbers, requiring meticulous sorting and grading. Despite the labor-intensive process, the resulting house feels timeless and appeals to multiple generations. Lohss' crew spent months building a stairway tower connecting all three levels, leading to guest suites with bunk beds.
The family expresses gratitude to the collaborative efforts of the design team, highlighting the "phenomenal partnership" that brought their vision to life. The completed project not only fulfills their dream of a cozy mountain retreat but also serves as a gathering place for family and guests, offering various activities throughout the seasons. The architectural design was led by Centre Sky Architecture, interior design by Design Collective West, and construction by Lohss Construction.
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