Darby Estate for Rent: Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Historical Ranch - Property 136299

Alpine Meadows Ranch provides a secluded, unique ranch experience on an organic property designed and developed by America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. There is 255 beautiful acres with both meadow and forest, which backs onto the 1.2 million acre Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness area. In addition, there is abundant deer and wild turkeys roam the property. Occasionally, moose and elk are seen in the pastures and in the forest. Angus cattle and quarter horses graze in the pastures. Seasonal streams runs through the property. The new Cider House was just completed in 2003 and was mostly built from 100 year old barn wood found on the property. It was built in the Wright style with a hip roof, overhanging eaves, and abundant windows, emphasizing Wright's design concept, 'of the land, not on the land.'. The building offers spectacular mountain vistas and is a great place for family activities and adult functions. The building is set up to handle business meetings as well.

The Cider House: The Cider House had a full kitchen and bathroom with shower. Two penny nails were used to secure the rough cut lumber floor which were sanded and sealed. The floor was built to resemble an old barn floor. Structural ceiling beams were salvaged from burnt areas of the forest and the burnt bark was left in place on the beams providing a very rustic look. Depending on the time of year, ranch activities include horseback riding on private ranch trails leading to the forest service, ranch hiking, seasonal stream inner tubing, indoor/outdoor sports, wildlife observation and photography. Fly fishing on the Bitterroot river is just a few minutes away and white water river rafting on the North Fork of the Salmon river is one hour away. Lake Como is 10 minutes away and provides a sandy swimming beach.

Ski: During winter, Downhill Skiing is available at Lost Trails Powder Mountain just 30 minutes south of the ranch and is famous for family skiing at reasonable prices with excellent snow conditions. Instructors are available for reasonable rates at Lost Trails. Cross Country Skiing trails are available on the ranch and the best cross country groomed trails in the state of Montana are found at Chief Joseph Cross Country ski area a few minutes from Powder Mountain. Snowshoeing is also available on the ranch.

Golf: There are two golf courses nearby. Hamilton golf course is public and is an 18 hole course, carts are available. The Stock farm is a private Club in Hamilton and not open to the public.

Other Activities: ATV guided tours, wildlife viewing, hay rides, sapphire panning, jacuzzi, rodeos

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