Cabin

Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest

Photo gallery for Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest

Front of The Hermitage, October, 2019
Betsy Ross American Flag, 2019
New Sign, October 2019
Living Room Area w/ old Secretary that is now Upstairs
Recent (2019) Sitting Area Photo

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Columbus, MT
  • Stillwater River
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Stillwater Golf Course
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Granite Peak Park
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Futon

Entertainment Den

1 Double Futon

Little Loft

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest

There is no better way to make your Montana vacation complete than by lodging in and enjoying a secluded, authentic hand made log cabin.

This cabin has been a 44 year labor of love by a carpenter who designed it, cut and stripped over 180 lodgepole pine trees, and set in excess of 390 separate logs to create this beautiful unique log structure, unlike any others that you may have seen before. From the hand built cabinetry, the masonry work, the hardwood and quarry tile floors, the handrailings, to the one-of-a-kind log spiral staircase, the craftsmanship is apparent and admirable.

The cabin has been decorated and tastefully outfitted with carefully selected authentic antique furniture and real hand-knotted Persian rugs to create a truly "turn of the century" ambiance, but still has a modern kitchen and bathroom for your comfort.

The kitchen offers a whole array of authentic Griswold frying pans and skillets, and the kitchen "gadgets" have been gleaned from antique stores all across the west; most were in use from the 1920's to the 1950's. No plastic utensils allowed!

The Hermitage is situated on the edge a Ponderosa pine forest, full of deer and wild turkeys and other assorted animals; it is honestly a joy to hike through the forest and explore.

The Hermitage is licensed and inspected by the state to insure your safety and comfort. In this time of Covid-19, the cleaning crew has concentrated on disinfecting the hard surfaces, and we provide a hand sanitizer for your use, as well.

Privacy and seclusion is assured, as no other structure can be seen from The Hermitage as it is at the end of a new, all weather 300 yard private driveway.

Picture yourself sitting on the back balcony with a drink in hand, reflecting on your long day of either exploring, fishing or floating one of the several nearby blue-ribbon rivers, grilling steaks (or your fresh catch) as the sun goes down and observe the deer head back into the woods and watch the wild turkeys roost in nearby trees. Just before dusk the nighthawks swoop down for your amusement. After dinner on the back deck the stars glow brightly in the crystal clear air and the constellations dance across the sky.

This is the way to really relax and experience a memorable evening, Montana Style.

Keywords: Cabin

Property manager

Michael Janovsky, Owner
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Mountain view
Fireplace

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 21
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Columbus

Located in Columbus, this cabin is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cooney State Park and Stillwater River, while Museum of the Beartooths and Tippet Rise Art Center are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Columbus, MT

What's nearby

  • Stillwater River - 6 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Stillwater Golf Course - 13 min drive - 14.8 km
  • Museum of the Beartooths - 13 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Granite Peak Park - 29 min drive - 42.9 km
  • Red Lodge Mountain - 61 min drive - 75.0 km

Getting around

  • Billings, MT (BIL-Logan Intl.) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chrome Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Five Spot Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rosebud Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ginger's Coffee Corral - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Peking Garden - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest located?

Situated in the mountains, this cabin is 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Stillwater River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Itch-Kep-Pe Park and Park Avenue Park. Yellowstone River and Stillwater County Library are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 90 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 90 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 90 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 90 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 90 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

6.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Laura S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin tucked away
Beautiful location with lots of cool antique items in the cabin. Quiet peaceful neighbor. Beds and towels need upgrading but overall cute place.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Bill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Nice Cabin, But With Some Limitations
The cabin is nice and has a large selection of cast iron cookware. The cabin was very clean when we arrived. Our first night was a bit cool because 2 windows had been left open prior to our arrival. The cabin is heated exclusively by the fireplace and the wood burning stove. (There is a small electric baseboard heater in the bathroom, but it is powerful enough only to heat the bathroom.) During cooler weather, this may not be a good place for people who plan to be away all day. Also, I didn't see any instructions about how to use the fireplace and wood burning stove. I know how to use these items, but many people do not. It isn't obvious how to make sure the smoke goes up the chimney and not into the cabin. The cabin has fans to circulate air, but I don't think it has A/C, so it may be too warm during portions of the summer. The spiral staircase requires careful footwork to use safely. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with impaired mobility or for children under 8 years old. There is no internet or WiFi, but there is a TV, DVD player and about 40 (?) DVD movies. There is a caution sign on the driveway about snakes. I asked one of the residents on the road and she said she had seen only 1 rattlesnake all summer. Summary: it's a very nice (but rustic) place for people who want to hunker down in the cabin. It may not be so good during cooler weather for people who aren't going to be around enough to keep the wood burning stove going.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun cabin with lots of interesting history
It was a great place to rest and relax after a long day playing in the Stillwater Valley.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Michael O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What you imagine your stay in Montana would be like
We were in town for a few days of fly fishing on the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers. Great location for access to both rivers. Drive up to the cabin is adventure within itself. With the climb up the road you will hit a couple of switch backs with great views of the valley. The cabin is
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house in a peaceful location.
Such an unusual house, we had a really lovely stay here in a quiet peaceful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Javin A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
A great location for a weekend getaway that has great views and everything needed! The house has amazing design and hand-crafted woodworking.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Property, Great Memories!
We loved staying at the Hermitage. The cabin is charming and so unique! The owner Michael was wonderful to work with. He provided recommendations for local things to do and see. The only reason I gave 4 stars for cleanliness was because the lawn was really long, making the flagstone path kind of hard to see. When asking my family what their favorite part of our MT vacation was, my son and husband both said the cabin was the best part. This is truly and oasis to get away from it all, disconnect from distractions and reconnect as a family. We enjoyed game nights and perfecting our fire making skills. I've already recommended this location to our friends!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Elkridge, Maryland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Repeat Visit
We stayed at The Hermitage last year and it was another great stay this year. The hand-built cabin is remarkable, and if one is looking for peace and quiet but still within 10 minutes of Absarokee in one direction and Columbus in the other, this is it. Great star-gazing from the back balcony!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cabin
Enjoyed staying in the hand crafted cabin filled with character and artifacts bursting with history.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shantel F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nostalgic Cabin
Had a wonderful stay! Enjoyed all of the amenities and fun artifacts. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Greg P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Shooting Stars**
Nice quiet location to enjoy the mountains and the night skies are amazing from the deck.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
MT vacation
This beautiful cabin has a great story with lots of fun details inside, even though we spent most of our time outside exploring and enjoying the wildlife. We were lucky enough to make contact with someone from the property who let us know that the nearby town was having their annual “Absarokee Days” with a parade and vendor fair and street dance… so much fun!! Thanks for opening up your home to us and allowing us to experience a tiny piece of Montana:)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keely H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Third time staying
This is our third time at the Hermitage. We came to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. It was lovely. Sitting on the deck, listening to the birds. It was time away from "real life" that we both needed. Thanks again, Michael! Aloha!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn S., Bern

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Getaway
Perfect location for a quiet stay yet close to hiking and white water rafting. We loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Gail H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sister trip
3 of us sister’s drive up from Iowa and met my sister, niece and nephew from California. The property was beautiful, once we drove the road a few times we got comfortable with it. Was a little narrow and scary the first time. Was a nice location and we enjoyed the privacy and scenery saw many deer and a turkey with her little ones. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin
The cabin is absolutely beautiful. The owner did an amazing job building it. It is obvious that there was a lot of thought and love put into it. I suggest to try to arrive during the day, because night is a bit more difficult. It is in the forest, so the road up the mountain is narrow and has a few twists. The property is gorgeous, and perfect for anyone that loves nature. I will definitely be staying there again the next time I come through
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

kayla k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful!
Wonderful weekend in the wilderness. My kids loved exploring inside and outside and it was the perfect location to go out and explore the other little towns in the area
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brianna W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home & Amazing Location
We booked this place for my in-laws to stay at while visiting us from out of state. The home and property were absolutely beautiful and has such an amazing story behind it! We loved walking around the property and seeing the wildlife around it. The house was very clean and kept up with and had everything we needed. The location is between Columbus and Absarokee which was perfect when driving around to show them Montana.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margherita G., Bozeman

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing place!
The cabin was beautiful, more than expected! Really comfortable, you can find everything you need. The location is perfect if you are looking for privacy, calm, quiet and relax! To stay on the back deck with a book, a glass of wine and a wonderful sunset is the top!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve J., Elkridge, Maryland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cabin in great location
Visited the area for 50-year high school reunion in nearby Absarokee, and this location was perfect for us. Halfway between Columbus and Absarokee, we could get to Absarokee in just over 10 minutes. The cabin is beautiful, secluded (can’t see any neighbors), and very quiet. Star-gazing from the deck every night was amazing. Communications from the host, who hand-crafted the cabin over a period of 25 years, was outstanding. I look forward to staying again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cortney M., Glendive, Montana, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent and unique cabin
This cabin is wonderful. Close to town but isolated enough to let you forget it. We had plenty of wild visitors while we were there to keep us entertained, deer, turkeys, and birds. Will definitely consider this property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
come to enjoy, not just as a place to sleep
This property is really what the description says. There is one big, comfortable bed upstairs. Two sofa beds (fitting two people each) with medium comfort - one more than the other, and two single air mattresses with everything to fill them up quickly and lots of clean sheets and towels. The cleaning crew obviously takes care to remove insects (lots of winged cricket-like bugs with detailed wings outside - great for bird food, rather loud clicking in the trees) only a few came in while we were there, stopped by the screened windows. Fans, no air conditioning or phone network in the house (half our group appreciated this, others did not). We came for an event and did not give ourselves the opportunity to make full use of all the calming and nature factors of the house and location. Even so, we witnessed two birds carrying a snake (harmless but big), saw some wild turkey, found lots of turkey feathers on a one-hour ravine walk, and read many lovely accounts of past guests (including the builder). So many interesting curiosities, lots of pelts! my daughter was a little scared of these hanging in most every room, but I was very impressed by all the "trappings" of this amazingly loved home. My daughter got used to it. My sons were so impressed, one took a try at chopping wood. There's a really nice bbq on the balcony... the balconies are very appreciated for viewing. Thank you for your work of love and sharing it with us. Next time we will come when we have less to do away!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation
The cabin was great
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michael Janovsky, Owner

Host profile image
I am a retired Construction Superintendent, starting out as an apprentice carpenter in 1971 after 4.5 years at Indiana University. In 1976 I bought 10 acres outside of Columbus with the anticipation that I would be able to have a "finished" cabin in about 5 years. That was over 44 years ago, and I am still working on the place. I now figure that it will be "completed" the day after I die. I moved away from Montana in 1990 as a result of the poor economy, first to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I stopped by to find a wife, and in 1992, again moved even further away to the Big Island of Hawaii where we still live.

I began The Hermitage as a retirement home for myself, but now that I live in Hawaii, I can't decide where to end up, so while I still can, I enjoy them both.

The last several years I have been hitting dozens of antique stores, outfitting The Hermitage in ever nicer antiques. In 2014 I secured several pieces that really belong in The Hermitage. As space is limited, I find myself "trading up" as far as antiques are concerned. Also in 2014, I bought two Fredrick Remington statues, one busting a bronco, and the other entitled "The Mountain Man." I have since added a great buffet, a magnificent European hall tree, and a beautiful fancy secretary.

Here in Hawaii i spend my retirement beating back the jungle, tending to my fruit trees, and forever remodeling and building. Here too, the project will be complete either when I sell the place or, as is the case with The Hermitage, the day after I die.

Why they chose this property

Ever since I moved to Montana, everyone always spoke highly about the beautiful Stillwater Valley, the Absarokee region in particular. When an old friend of mine bought a place up on the undeveloped Upper Hawk Valley Road, I fell in love with the forest, the seclusion, and the wildlife, so I had to buy a piece for myself. I was 27 at the time..

There are several Montana Fishing Access Sites within a few miles along the blue-ribbon trout stream that is the Stillwater River. Also, as I was really into white water rafting and kayaking, and the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers are just great.

What makes this property unique

I took great pains to design and build The Hermitage with a goal in mind that it would be "time zone transitional," that it would take one out of the 21st century and gently transport you back to a simpler, slower time. When I'm up there, I make an effort to sit and relax in various areas, since each room has its own ambiance.

The living and dining room is furnished with "Old West/Settler, late 1800's" in mind, while the den is more "Trapper/Indian Style." Both rooms are decorated with many fur pelts; mink, otter, beaver, coyote, martin, muskrat, racoon, fox, nutria, wolf and bear. The basement, with its sofa/hide-a-bed, is done in old barn boards, with an old barbed-wire display and a rusty gold pan that has a great wood burning stove. It also has two large windows, as well as a separate exterior door.

There is a guest book at The Hermitage and I go through it each season, and it seems to be a consensus that meals and relaxing with a cup of coffee on the back deck is a favorite pastime. Numerous honeymoon couples have chosen to begin their lives together visiting The Hermitage, and other guests spend their time reading and recharging. The change in scenery, actually, the relocation back to another century has its own therapeutic effects.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests