Inside a Refined Riverfront Retreat in Bigfork, Montana
Featuring: Timberline Construction & Elle Kole Interiors
Location: Bigfork, MT
Set along the river in Bigfork, Montana, this custom home was designed to embrace the landscape at every turn, bringing together expansive views, natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a warm, timeless approach to mountain living.
In this episode of Homes of BUILD, Ted Bainbridge tours the home with Tyler of Timberline Construction and Ellie of Elle Kole Interiors to explore the vision, construction, and interior design behind the project.
From hand-hewn Douglas fir beams and locally crafted white oak cabinetry to reclaimed bricks from Chicago, natural stone, and Cambria’s Inverness Everleigh surfaces, the home balances character and craftsmanship with the needs of modern family living. Throughout the design, an emphasis on open sightlines and indoor-outdoor connection keeps the river, mountains, and surrounding Montana landscape at the center of the experience.
The episode also takes a closer look at the materials, products, and craftspeople that helped bring the home together, including flooring by Northern Lights Design, doors and millwork by Premier Doors & Millworks, and landscaping and outdoor spaces by 4 Seasons Landscaping.
Tour this exceptional Bigfork residence and discover how a collaborative approach to building and design created a home deeply connected to its surroundings.
Crafted by Timberline Construction
Timberline Construction’s work throughout the home included framing the residence; completing the interior and exterior timber work; building the expansive wraparound deck; installing the windows, doors, siding, and flooring; and completing the walnut trim, doors, and built-ins.
Among the home’s most distinctive details is a barn wood feature wall in the gym, installed by Timberline using wood reclaimed from a 100-year-old homestead barn that was disassembled on the property. Additional features include walnut doors and trim, reclaimed Chicago brick flooring in the laundry room and on the living room hearth, and a custom timber-frame pocket door into the primary suite designed by Timberline Construction.
Interior by Elle | Kole Interiors
Elle | Kole Interiors shaped the home’s interior around a vision that feels collected, comfortable, and distinctly personal. Cottage and Old World influences are expressed through a thoughtful mix of finishes, furnishings, lighting, and subtle vintage-inspired details, giving the home a sense of character without feeling overly formal.
Throughout the residence, Elle balanced multiple wood species, softer burnished gold finishes, and carefully considered material selections to create a cohesive flow from room to room. The primary suite was approached as a peaceful retreat, while the home’s gathering spaces were designed to feel equally welcoming for everyday living and entertaining.
Northern Lights Design procured the Trucor Prime XL 9 Chantilly Oak flooring and tile used throughout the home, as well as the Cambria quartz slabs featured across many of the home’s spaces. The material selections were specified by Elle | Kole Interiors, bringing a cohesive palette of texture, warmth, and timeless character throughout the residence.
Designed as a natural extension of the home, the outdoor living spaces by 4 Seasons Landscaping seamlessly blend architectural elegance with Montana’s rugged beauty. Expansive Unilock paver terraces create refined gathering spaces, while hand-selected natural stone steps and terraces gracefully navigate the property’s elevation changes.
A custom fire feature serves as the heart of the landscape, creating an inviting setting for connection and conversation beneath the open sky. Thoughtfully layered plantings, integrated lighting, and carefully crafted stonework bring texture, warmth, and year-round interest to a timeless outdoor retreat designed for both entertaining and everyday living.
The doors and millwork by Premier Doors & Millworks contribute to the home’s warm, refined character, complementing the natural materials and craftsmanship found throughout the residence. Thoughtfully integrated into the overall design, these elements help carry the home’s timeless aesthetic from space to space while reinforcing the attention to detail that defines the project.
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