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By Allyn CaltonPhotography by Karl Neumann

ummer is fleeting in montana. By late august, fresh snow dusts the peaks of the Bridger Mountains and the aspen groves are tinged with gold — telltale signs of autumn’s rapid approach. In the valley below, a herd of resident elk fatten

themselves, gorging on grass and leaves. This is rutting season, when males brawl and bugle in the quest for a mate, their calls carrying across the foothills.

“Incredible,” whispers Russ Richard listening to the animal sounds. Standing on a large deck overlooking Bridger Canyon, Russ and his wife, Cathy, take in the sweeping view. Fewer than 100 yards from the couple’s home a large number of elk mill about, oblivious to their human audience, while the distinct trumpeting of migrating sandhill cranes sounds overhead.

“It feels as though we’re completely removed from civilization, yet a wonderful community is just minutes away,” Russ adds. Located north of Bozeman, Montana, Bridger Canyon is a hidden gem. Named after mountain man Jim Bridger, the area is a prolific habitat for deer, elk, fox, mountain lions, and black bear. From every vantage point, the setting delivers spectacular views of forested peaks. But unlike other well-known mountain communities, Bridger Canyon enjoys relative anonymity; it was only by happenstance that Russ and Cathy Richard discovered their future home.

“Cathy and I met in Park City, Utah. We fell in love, got married, and decided to build our life together somewhere new,” recounts Russ. The couple toured Jackson, Wyoming; Sun Valley, Idaho; and Big Sky, Montana, before impulsively deciding to stop in Bozeman. “Coming down out of the Gallatin Valley into Bozeman, my heart filled with joy,” recalls Cathy. “I cried out, ‘That’s the Big Sky!’ It was beautiful; it was Bozeman.” Despite

T h e s p i r i T o f T h e o l d W e s T a n d a n T i q u i T y o f T h e fa r e a s T b l e n d b e au T i f u l ly

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Montana Zen

h o m e i n t e r i o r s

A stunning water feature wraps around two sides of the home before tumbling over a large waterfall into a placid pond below.

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being relatively small, Bozeman offered everything Russ and Cathy were looking for. “The fact that it has a large university with an intel-lectual community was a bonus,” says Russ.

Having settled on a location, the couple began looking in earnest for property. They were ecstatic to find exactly what they wanted along the east side of the valley. “It’s a beautiful 40-acre parcel with rolling hills, grassland, forested pockets, and a premier home site high above the valley floor,” says Russ. To design their mountain dwelling, Russ and Cathy worked with Locati Architects, a Bozeman-based firm experienced in designing discriminating lodge-style homes.

“We wanted to blend the Western lodge look with our love of Eastern architecture, creating a sort of ‘mountain Zen’ experi-ence,” explains Russ. The couple had accumulated an extensive collection of Eastern artifacts: antique columns from the Goa region of India, intricately carved doorways from ancient palaces, plus numerous screens, chests, and decorative accents — all ethi-cally acquired. Integrating these pieces into the overall design was a high priority.

Equally important was creating a harmonious flow between the interior space and natural surroundings. To accomplish this, Russ and Cathy modified the original plans by adding multiple private and public outdoor living areas linked together by dis-creet curving walkways. The natural tranquility was enhanced by installing a sophisticated water feature, which wraps around two sides of the home before tumbling over a large waterfall into a

OppOsite: the theater room artfully mimics a mine shaft. the anteroom serves as the concession area and a real ore car on rails transports goodies to movie-going guests. tOp: in warmer weather, a wall of windows in the formal dining room opens fully to the outdoors. ABOVe: tucked behind a heavy wood door is the wine grotto, where old-style travertine floors and an arched rock wall create a sense of intimacy and intrigue.

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placid pond. Throughout the home, entire walls of floor-to-ceiling windows open like accordion panels, fully connecting the interior to the exterior. “It truly is as though there is no break between spaces,” says Russ.

Traditionally formal spaces, like the main dining room, were purposely designed to put guests at ease. Details like curved ends on the trestle-style table, which eliminate having a head of the table, and bench seating, which encourages couples to sit together, help create a subtlety relaxed atmosphere. In warmer weather, the room’s wall of windows opens entirely, enabling guests to truly take in the sights and sounds of the natural surroundings.

The couple’s creative spirit is fully showcased in the home theater room. Located in the lower level, the room was artfully designed to mimic a mineshaft. The anteroom serves as the concession area, with a popcorn machine, soft drink dispenser, and candy display. Adding to the whimsy, an authentic ore car on rails transports goodies from the concession area to the theater. “The mine cart and rails were custom-made to work in this space by a mining supply company,” shares Russ with a grin.

In the master bedroom, aqua blue, lime green, and pale yellow linens contrast softly against the natural rock wall and dark wood floors. The couple repurposed a very old, ornate doorway from a home in Pakistan into a large and elegant headboard. The head-board’s center panel is actually a tightly woven screen, creating a subtle connection to the master bath. Windowed walls on two sides of the bedroom open completely to a private deck, hot tub, and outdoor shower. “When both walls in the room are open, there is

tOp: in the master suite, the couple repurposed an ornate door-way from pakistan into an elegant headboard. ABOVe: the mas-ter bath’s brushed stainless steel tub opens fully onto a private deck. OppOsite tOp: the spacious covered patio, anchored by a large stone fireplace, is comfortable even in cold weather.

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almost a pagoda effect — we really are part of nature,” says Cathy. Like the bedroom, the master bath was inspired by and connects

to the outdoors. In the center, a two-person, brushed stainless steel tub reflects the sky, rocks, and waterfall. Paneled windows open wide to a private deck overlooking the cascading water feature.

A discreet walkway connects the couple’s private deck to the main outdoor living space. The expansive covered patio can accommodate large gatherings even in cold weather thanks to a giant wood-burning fireplace. Details like a wrought iron chandelier and area rugs enhance the intimate feel.

Holding hands, standing on the large deck overlooking the val-ley, Russ and Cathy exchange contented glances. “We call this ‘the golden light,’” says Russ softly, watching as the last rays of sun sink behind tall peaks. “The end of another perfect day.”

Resourceslocati architectsBozeman, Montana406.587.1139, www.locatiarchitects.com

sBC schlauch Bottcher Construction inc. Bozeman, Montana406.585.0735, www.sbconstruction.com

lisa laswell, Wise DesignsPark City, Utah435.901.9533

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