Eliza Theiss 
Once a wild and rowdy gold rush territory, the Montana of nowadays offers comfortable, luxurious real estate in some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the country. Enviable wooded acreages and breathtaking waterfront views offer the peace and privacy so many covet. At the top end of the market, Montana’s natural beauty is brought into luxurious homes, framed with glass walls and oversized windows. Mirrored with the use of exposed beams, precious reclaimed timbers, slate, stone, leather and had-wrought iron, the state’s pristine landscapes are at the center of Montana’s luxury real estate.
With breathtaking locations around every corner, the rise of Montana’s real estate market is not surprising. Montana housing prices have risen at the third fastest rate in the country in 2016, and the hot real estate market shows no sign of slowing down – so much so, that more than half of the state’s residents see it as unaffordable.
On the other end of the price spectrum, sales activity has been slow to rebound. In fact, the luxury market is still underperforming compared to pre-recession levels, even in Flathead County, home to pricey waterfront estates on Lake Flathead and 2 of Montana’s priciest homes for sale right now.
Ranging in price from $14 million to $29 million, Montana’s most expensive homes for sale right now comprise rolling country acreages, waterfront estates on pristine lakes, old-growth forests and spectacular wildlife. From high-country ranches to decadent island estates, Montana’s most expensive homes offer the usual swanky amenities of luxury homes – wine cellars, docks, home theaters and even golf courses. With a Montana twist of course – a plethora of oversized fireplaces, pool hall-like entertainment rooms and countless hunting trophies.
As for Montana’s most expensive home for sale right now, the 22-acre island estate was built by a real estate tycoon in the middle of one the purest lakes in the world. Boasting a boathouse the size of the average American home and a main residence with 45-foot ceilings, scroll down to check out what other pricey amenities it offers.
10
68 Upper Cedarview Drive, Big Sky
Asking price: $14,000,0000
With over 15,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space, this masterful stone and wood home is the epitome of luxurious Montana living. Located in the exclusive Yellowstone Club, this 2.88-acre property mixes the best of Montana living with modern-day amenities. The ski-in/ski-out property showcases a 7-bed home with over 1,500 square feet of decks and patios, a Warren Miller-themed ski room, wine room, home theater, outdoor spa and private guest suite. An artificial “jumping stream” circles the home, spilling into a picturesque pond complete with light-up fountain – the source of the home’s name: River Runs Through It. Gearheads will appreciate the home’s 2 garages, totaling 1,691 square feet.
9
Bearmouth Legacy Ranch, Drummond
Asking price: $15,900,000
Bearmouth Legacy Ranch occupies 8,200 acres of pristine Montana landscape – as a result, game here is abundant, from small critters to large predators. The 8,500-square-foot main residence celebrates the outdoor Montana lifestyle, blending materials like hand-forged iron, leather, copper and reclaimed timber. Other than the 7-bed main residence –complete with 15 fireplaces – the ranch also includes 2 guest chalets and 2 hunting cabins. True to its 100% Montana style, Bearmouth’s luxurious amenities include 5,000 square feet of outdoor living space complete with outdoor fireplace, indoor and outdoor shooting range, a private bar with pool hall and arcade games and a 6,000-square-foot heated shop, with walk-in game cooler. Less typical for Montana mountain living is the property’s 18-hole Frisbee golf course.
8
Asking price: $16,000,000
Situated on 26+ gated acres, this 8-bed waterfront estate showcases grand views throughout. The 15,000-square-foot home is flooded with light thanks to a bevy of skylights and windows. Swanky amenities include an in-home theater, wine cellar, gym, library, walk-in closet, office, and a “pool hall” room. The Flathead Lake estate also includes a caretaker’s/guest home and a lakeside terrace. With 500 feet of navigable waterfront right at your doorstep, the boathouse is an added perk.
7
Asking price: $18,750,000
Comprising 2,636 acres, Mill Creek Ranch is the largest parcel available in the Moonlight Basin. The 3-bed custom log home offers 2,989 square feet of high-end Montana mountain living. Exposed beams and logs, stone, iron and hunting trophies alternate with oversized windows and glass walls to create a luxurious mountain lodge feel. Abutting the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and accessible via a private gated road, Mill Creek Ranch offers extreme privacy. But privacy does not mean utter seclusion – the ranch is located less than 14 miles from the town of Ennis and the ski and golf communities of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin.
6
423 Whiskey Jug Road, West Yellowstone
Asking price: $19,500,000
The 753-acre Yellowstone Ranch Preserve is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own some of the most breathtaking and pristine land in the country. Located just 2 miles from Yellowstone National Park, over 750 acres of the property is held in a conservation easement by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. Yellowstone Ranch Preserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, including calving bison. Breathtaking natural landscapes combine with modern day living in the 2,702-square-foot waterfront lodge dubbed Whiskey Jug Cabin. The 3-bed property also boasts a newly built marina and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Yellowstone Ranch Preserve also offers the possibility to develop further amenities or additional homes/guest quarters.
5
Asking price: $20,000,000
Known as Swift Eagle Ranch, this 35-acre property boasts more than 500 feet of Whitefish Lake frontage, complete with pebbled beach. The equestrian estate is dotted with further live water features, including spring-fed mountain ponds and the Swift Creek headwater, which meets the lake on the ranch border. The property comes with 4,868 square feet of indoor living in a 3-bed Swedish cope log main home and separate guest lodgings. Amenities worthy of any posh mountain getaway include a dock, equestrian facilities and gardens.
4
Asking price: $21,500,000
Lakeview Ranch is a luxurious 640-acre estate overlooking Canyon Ferry Lake. On the market fully furnished and in close proximity to Helena Regional Airport, the 10-bed property is an ideal weekend getaway or main residence. The 10-bed Tuscan Mountain-style post and beam home comes with pricey amenities like the climate-controlled, 1,250+ bottle wine cellar with seating for 12, a home theater, in-home gym, statement stone fireplace, elevated Jacuzzi tub and full bar. If the 17,533-square-foot residence proves too tight, Lakeview Ranch also comes with a caretaker’s/guest home and generous outdoor entertaining area. The energy-efficient property uses a mix of solar and geothermal energy and radiant floor heating. A 4-car garage, barn and old-growth apple orchards are also included.
3
000 Meeteetse Trail, Red Lodge
Asking price: $22,500,000
Located on a former army road turned settler route, this 1,013-acre property can be enjoyed as is or developed with additional amenities or homes. Currently the property holds a 5,400-square-foot home built in 1988. The 6-bed residence sits beside a picturesque pond — further water features on the property include creeks and even a waterfall. The secluded property offers plenty of privacy, endless Montana views and a plethora of wildlife.
2
Asking price: $26,700,000
Another posh Whitefish Lake estate, this 21-acre property comes with a pricey 11,498-square-foot main residence. The 4-bed home is designed for entertainment with its wine room, home theater, billiards room with wet bar, gourmet kitchen and 3 fireplaces. Decks, covered porches and a waterfront day cabin create plentiful outdoor entertaining space. The pricey property boasts close to 250-feet of navigable lake frontage, as well as a pond and a creek near the 3 guest cabins. The property also boasts a dock, hot tub and a walking/jogging path.
1
Montana’s Shelter Island Estate, Rollins
Asking price: $29,000,000
A once-in-a-lifetime prize, Montana’s Shelter Island Estate occupies 22 island acres in the middle of pristine Flathead Lake. The 22,000-square-foot mansion was built by real estate tycoon Donald Abbey in 2011 with the most luxurious materials and finishes, such as Carrara marble and mahogany. The 5-bed main residence wows from the start with its 45-foot ceilinged grand room and light-filled copper conservatory. The 3-level home boasts an indoor shooting range, a wine cellar complete with full-service dining area, a commercial grade elevator, a commercial grade gourmet kitchen, a heated boat stall and a 5-car garage. A 2,600-square-foot boathouse pampers guests with two luxurious bedrooms and a steam room. With over 4,800 feet of private lake frontage, the estate boasts multiple docks.
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Methodology
In order to determine which were the most expensive homes for sale in Montana, we looked at all residential properties listed for sale, taking into account condo, co-op, single- and two-family homes. All package deals were excluded. All properties with commercial components were excluded.
