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Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest

Photo gallery for Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest

Exterior
Property grounds
Interior
Fireplace, DVD player, books, video library
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8102 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Mountain view
    Mountain view

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Parking and transportation

  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in room
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Casino nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 1100 sq ft (102 sq m)

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Policies

Check-in

Minimum check-in age: 21

Special check-in instructions

The front desk hours vary at this property
Guests must contact the property for check-in information
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out time is flexible; to make arrangements, please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Hand Built Log Cabin Ponderosa Forest Columbus
Hand Built Log Cabin Ponderosa Forest
Hand Built Log Ponderosa Forest Columbus
Hand Built Log Ponderosa Forest
Hand Built Log Ponrosa Forest
Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest Cabin
Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest Columbus
Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest Cabin Columbus

About the neighborhood

Map
Columbus, MT

What's nearby

  • Stillwater River - 6 min drive
  • Stillwater Golf Course - 13 min drive
  • Stillwater Billings Clinic - 15 min drive
  • Granite Peak Park - 29 min drive
  • Red Lodge Mountain - 61 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Chrome Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Five Spot Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Rosebud Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Peking Garden - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ginger's Coffee Corral - ‬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 mi (15 km) of Yellowstone River and Stillwater Golf Course. Museum of the Beartooths and Stillwater Billings Clinic are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Hand Built Log Cabin in Ponderosa Forest Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

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

Reviews

8/10 Good

Laura S.

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
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
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

8/10 Good

Michael O.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Javin A.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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
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
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
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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Steve J., Elkridge, Maryland

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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
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
Family vacation
The cabin was great
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol K., Powell WY

Liked: Cleanliness
Cool place
Everything was as advertised. Private and beautiful site with all of the amenities. We enjoyed all of the personal touches and were amazed by the workmanship that went into building this cabin!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marelin P., Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness
Pretty sure my cats want to become cowboys
This is an extremely cozy place. It was a little bit hard for us to find during the night but during the day it was a lot easier. We traveled with my cats and they completely loved the place. They loved running up and down stairs and napping in front of the firestove. They loved trying to escape to porch to watch the birds. They loved smelling my dad cook an American Breakfast on the iron skillet.And of course us humans enjoyed tye beauty of the handmade cabin and escaping the city life for a bit
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022