An expansive residence overlooking the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley, the Sollers residence serves as the family’s gathering place in Montana. This 5,000 square foot retreat includes a three-level main home and detached barn with guest quarters. The architects, Miller-Roodel Architects, in Bozeman did an amazing job capturing views of Emigrant peak and the Yellowstone river from the home, we worked with Matt Miller extensively to bring this home to life.

Designed with a family of avid fishermen in mind, the hillside location allowed for a walkout from the lower level that heads down to the river. While a custom-built locker room offers storage and easy access to fishing gear, waders and rods. One of our priorities during this build was to use materials and techniques to keep maintenance as hands-off as possible during the owner’s visits. A stone veneer surrounds the lower level and foundation, protecting it from the elements and providing a trim that blends well with the siding and the landscape.

A highlight of this project for Riverbend Builders was sourcing and incorporating unique reclaimed materials throughout the home. Using reclaimed Wyoming snow fence for siding, we created a rustic look while finding the perfect combination of grey and brown to compliment the design. Reclaimed materials always tell a story and this home is full of history, with posts, beams, interior trim, and wood ceilings all reclaimed from around Montana, with some pieces even coming from a brothel in Dillon.

Inside, hand crafted cabinets and built in furniture add warmth and personality throughout the home. We built the kitchen cabinets using reclaimed white oak, topped with poured concrete countertops and an incredible slab of walnut for the island. All of these custom items were hand made in our shop. For the vanities and built-in furniture we used reclaimed fir and the front door is constructed from reclaimed barn wood.

The lower level of the home is a cozy space with a television room, game room, and wet bar for gathering and entertainment. To maintain comfort, we incorporated radiant heat in the stained concrete floors. It also includes a bunk room with built-in bunk beds and a roomy bathroom for visiting friends and family. The barn was built with a comfortable living space, including a kitchenette and full bathroom for extended guests.