Real Estate

$8.4 Million Lakeside Cottage Brings East Coast Charm To Rustic Montana

Typically, luxury homes in Whitefish, Montana, are designed to fit into the spectacularly rugged landscape. Dominant styles are traditional mountain and glass-filled mountain modern, which rely on using natural materials with wood and stone accents.

But there are exceptions.

The contemporary lakefront home for sale at 2802 Rest Haven Drive is one example. It takes its cues from coastal Carolina cottages thousands of miles away. Wraparound porches facing Whitefish Lake, airy rooms spread over individual wings and sugar maple floors throughout create a light and genteel vibe.

“They’ve taken East Coast charm and put it into rustic Montana,” says listing agent Mike Anderson of National Parks Realty.

The location of the house is its most outstanding feature. It comes with 99 feet of deep lake frontage — ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking or kicking back — and is 10 minutes from downtown Whitefish. Filled with several species of trout and whitefish, the lake is a mile wide and 7 miles long, covering 3,300 acres.

The custom house was built in 2010 and has three stories, all with lake-facing windows and views of the surrounding mountains. Vaulted ceilings, built-in shelves and bespoke accents, such as tiled fireplaces, create a comfortable setting inside. There’s even a secret passage that leads downstairs to a boat storage area.

Four bedrooms are located on upper levels in separate wings. The open-plan main living room and dining room lead to the kitchen on the primary level. There’s also a large family room, office, and a room below the house that could be used as a fifth bedroom. A screened-in outdoor area can be used for entertaining and al fresco dining. It’s a short walk down the back stairs to the dock and the water.

Whitehorse is surrounded by protected lands, such as Kootenai and Flathead national forests, about a half hour’s drive from Glacier National Park, and close to the border of British Columbia, Canada. The small town has become a sought-after destination, particularly for people who crave an adventurous connection with the outdoors.

Who might a potential buyer be? “The person looking to buy this is going to want a secondary home, a vacation home,” Anderson says.

The home is listed for $8.4 million. Mike Anderson is the listing agent.

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