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Bozeman - #141695

$2,850,000

Location

Southwest Montana, in particular the Gallatin Valley, is considered to be one of the most scenic, progressive and desirable regions in the state of Montana. The area is considerably diverse, offering substantial recreational and cultural opportunities, a rich and colorful history, a dynamic multi-faceted economy, and a high quality lifestyle with a distinctive western flair.

Lying at the northern fringe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Gallatin Valley is framed by spectacular mountain formations including the Bridger, Gallatin, Madison, Tobacco Root and Elkhorn Ranges, with summits of some peaks exceeding 10,000 feet in elevation. The farms and ranches of the valley floor are bisected by numerous cottonwood-lined rivers, freestone streams, and springs creeks, the majority of which originate from the forested slopes of the surrounding mountains.

Gallatin Valley residents enjoy a unique combination of an urban flair and the surrounding wilderness. Abundant populations of elk, deer and moose are frequently seen in the foothills and the hayfields along the perimeter of the Gallatin Valley, and grizzly bears can still be found in notable numbers, roaming the forests and peaks of the Gallatin and Madison Ranges.

Acreage

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park offers 11 +/- acres with approximately 1/8 of a mile of West Gallatin River frontage. This beautiful river runs through the western perimeter of the property, commanding both banks of a large channel of the river , which forms a private island. Additionally, the property offers a couple hundred yards a private spring-fed creek loaded with trout. The architecturally designed and highly efficient home sits on the banks of the private stream, offering a private, unparalleled setting.

Recreational Opportunities

Southwest Montana is truly blessed with more recreational opportunities than a person could possibly explore in a lifetime. The vast mountain ranges and one million acres of valley floor are the reason Gallatin County is a renowned recreational destination. Pursuits include golf, equestrian sports, hiking, mountain biking, rock and ice climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surrounding snow-capped mountain views.

Fishing:

The Riverwood Ranch offers a stretch of the West Gallatin River that is known by only a handful of serious, area fisherman. The large channel of the Gallatin running through the property offers a true long glide, riffle and run section. Both banks along this channel are within the boundaries of the property for a near 1/8th of a mile, plus or minus.

The property boasts a private, unnamed tributary that is an agriculturally improved channel of the Gallatin River. This 400 feet of channel is fed by numerous fresh water springs and flows year-round. The habitat within its banks offers a sanctuary for the hundreds of trout that find shelter in its waters. This private stream has only been fished by a handful of family and friends over the past 80 years of historical ownership. This stream allows no public access. With a much higher count of hatches than the main river, there are an incredible density of Rainbows, Brook Trout, Cutthroat and Browns up to and over 20 inches.

Montana's trout streams are legendary, and the state arguably contains more premier fishing water than any other region in the continental Untied States. Within a short drive from the property are four of Montana's seven "Blue Ribbon" designated trout streams; the West Gallatin, Yellowstone, Madison and Missouri Rivers. Another hour's drive will put the angler on the fabled streams such as the Stillwater, Boulder, Shields, Ruby, Big Hole, Beaverhead and the enormous diversity of the Yellowstone National Park waters. The internationally acclaimed spring creeks of the Paradise Valley, not to mention the fabulous spring creeks found in the Gallatin Valley are also nearby. There are also fantastic Stillwater opportunities in the region. For the angler, there are a seemingly limitless array of possibilities to explore.

Hunting:

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park hosts several species of big game, smaller woodland creatures and birds. Numerous Whitetail deer, an occasional black bear, porcupine, otter, beaver and red fox can frequently be seen within the property boundaries. The private river bottom forest and lush meadows offer abundant forage and protection to the wildlife. Bald eagles, hawks, owls, wild turkey, geese, ducks, Blue Heron, Kingfisher and hundreds of song birds call the scenic woodland home.

Some of Montana's best big game, waterfowl and upland bird hunting are found in Gallatin County, just minutes from your front door. The mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley are home to all the recognized big game species in Montana, including the elusive Big Horn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat. Waterfowl and upland birding is nothing short of superb as well, with several species of ducks available, greater and lesser Canada and Snow geese, three species of grouse, Hungarian partridge and pheasant.

Forest Service Access:

Access to the lush Gallatin National Forest Service access is 10 miles south of the property. Hundreds of miles of trail systems wind their way through the Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges, leading into the boundaries and trail systems of Yellowstone National Park. The National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities including horse back riding, hiking, rock climbing, back country ATV trails, camping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Several trailheads lead to clear mountain lakes in the summer and offer spectacular views of the many peaks and valleys throughout the area.

Access

Tucked away at the end of a private lane (a deeded accesseasement) named in honor of the family's beloved mother, Josie, is the Riverwood home and ranch. Josie's Lane is accessed off a short stretch of a county road leading from US Highway 191. Also known as Gallatin Road, Highway 191 is the main route from the Gallatin Valley to West Yellowstone, the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park. On the way to West Yellowstone, travelers enjoy a beautiful drive through the majestic Gallatin Canyon. The road also provides access to the famed ski resorts and recreational areas of Big Sky.

Driving distance to surrounding communities:

• Four Corners: 2 +/- miles
• Bozeman: 10 +/- miles
• Gallatin Gateway: 5 +/- miles
• Big Sky: 30 +/- miles
• Bridger Bowl: 30 +/- miles
• Belgrade/Airport: 13 +/- miles
• West Yellowstone: 80 +/- miles

Community

Bozeman, the largest community in the area with a population of some 31,000 is located approximately 10 miles west of the property and is regarded as the central hub of the Gallatin Valley. Bozeman serves as the county seat of Gallatin County and is home to Montana State University with over 12,000 students enrolled. MSU offers baccalaureate degrees in 51 fields, master's degrees in 40 fields and doctoral degrees in 17 fields. Bozeman provides major shopping and service related opportunities as well as a great many small specialty shops and fine dining establishments. In addition it is also the location of the nationally acclaimed Museum of the Rockies with its Taylor Planetarium and renowned dinosaur exhibits. The Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is one of the finest medical facilities in Montana.

The small town of Gallatin Gateway, the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, is located approximately 6 miles to the South of the property. Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort is quick 30 minute drive from the property. The budding community known as Four Corners, is located just two +/- miles north of the property, and offers several shopping and service related business including hardware, grocery, fuel and even medical care. Within walking distance is a full-service health club, spa and natural hot spring, the historic Bozeman Hot Springs. Educational opportunities in the Four Corners area include a K - 8 public school and a K - 12 Montessori school. Bozeman offers public high school, as well as several private educational opportunities.

Gallatin Field, located near Belgrade, provides jet service to the area with numerous arrivals and departures daily, facilitated by four major air carriers. Two outstanding, private air service terminals are also available.

Description of the land

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park offers an 11 +/- acre river bottom woodland with approximately 1/8 of a mile of West Gallatin River frontage. The Gallatin River runs through the western perimeter of the property, commanding both banks of a large river channel forming a private island. Additionally, the property offers a couple hundred yards of a private spring-fed creek loaded with trout. The park-like setting is a literal forest of a variety of trees, including mature Cottonwoods and a large grove of Quaking Aspen. A quaint, maintained trail meanders through the meadows and forest allowing clear access to riverside picnic spots and fishing holes.

Literally removed from nearby residences, the acreage offers not only superior fishing access, but an instant sense of "getting away from it all." Several picnic areas, easily reached within a couple minutes' walking time provide access to the river and isolation. Solar lights mark a path to the river for easy evening and nighttime navigation. The peaceful landscape is ideal for bird watching, fishing, observing the local "residents," or simply taking time to walk over a piece of history.

Prior to settlement of the Pioneers from the East in the 1860's, the Native Americans called, "the Valley of the Flowers", home. A historical Bannack Indian trail was used through this property. Its historic stone marker can be found along the River Road, just west of the subject property, where the trail forged the River. Indian tepee rings can still be found in the forested river bottom of the adjacent lands. Native American artifacts have been found as well, and include Indian arrowheads.

Topography:

The home site sits on approximately one acre of level terrace above the river bottom meadows. The creek side meadow and river bottom are relatively level to the Gallatin River Channel, crossing the channel to a river island. The meadows have some low swales, which are probably old overflow channels off the River. Due to high ground water in the area, there is potential to dig ponds, which would naturally fill with ground water.

Livestock Consideration:

The acreage encompassing the Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park has been historically used as sheep pasture. Currently, there is no perimeter fencing. Once fenced for livestock, the lush vegetation is very suitable for horses or a small herd of hobby animals. However, one would need to take into to consideration the value of the local wildlife and the competition that one would create with the introduction of additional animals.

Elevation, Precipitation, and Climate

The average Elevation at the Riverwood Ranch is approximately 4,500 feet above sea level.

Natural Water Resources

The potential for further wildlife habitat enhancement is excellent, including ponding, wetlands, and upland bird cover development, food plots and fisheries development. There are several local and national conservation easement organizations that currently protect the lands along the Gallatin River. The property has substantial Conservation Easement potential.

Improvements

Following the private drive, past mature trees, visitors reach the highlight of the Riverwood Ranch Fly Fisherman's Park: the architecturally designed masterpiece that is the main home and historic log guest cottage. The home set along the riverbanks, overlooking the lush meadow and forested river bottom. Several trees and fencing provide instant privacy. No detail was overlooked in the restoration, design and environmental incorporation of the structures.

Main Residence:

Completed in Spring of 2007, the architecturally designed home is truly the highlight of the Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park. Every detail of this exquisite home was carefully designed to enjoy the riparian and wildlife amenities of the setting. The home is designed to ensure appreciation of the landscape from every room. Details such as stone work flowing in from the exterior patio through the living area bring the outside in. The home fully integrates the environmental features of the landscape to the inside with a seamless flow and sense of space. The home and guest cabin are being sold turn-key, fully furnished and decorated.

The original two story log home is artistically incorporated into the new, modern structure. The flow of the floor plan offers extensive gallery lighting and space to show off prized artwork, artifacts and antiques. Custom built windows offer views to the outside so you can watch the wildlife and the fish rise in the 400 feet of private, meandering stream. Several modern, technical features throughout the home include a stereo speaker system, custom lighting fixtures and lighting zones, sun shade filters, and a custom hot water, radiant heat system.

The home offers 3,300 +/- square feet of living space on three levels.
• Main Level: 2,580 +/- sf
• Upper Level: 400 +/- sf
• Lower Level: 350 +/- sf
• Garage: 810 +/- sf

The main floor provides the kitchen with top end Kitchenaide appliances, a pantry, dining room with seating for eight, powder room, office, TV room with 61" HD TV and Denon sound system. The TV room looks out to the landscaped court yard. The exquisite sunken living room with rock fire place and commanding views of the meadow and trout rising to feed just below the huge windows.

The upper level provides a large master bedroom with a 3/4 bath, laundry facility, vanity sink and walk-out roof top deck area, overlooking river and meadows.

The lower level provides an additional bedroom with a high tech full bath. The shower/tub, flown in from Japan, provides a spa style air and water jet system, steam sauna, stereo system and telephone built in. The bedroom looks out to the lush vegetation and creek bank as it meanders through the property.

The expansive, double garage is large enough to fit two full-size pick ups or SUVs, in addition to having a work area and storage shelving.

The exterior of the home is fully restored log and chinking, transitioning into the flowing lines of corrigated steel siding and trim. Log accents throughout the structure remind one that this home is located in the center of the West and makes a great home in Montana.

Fencing

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park boasts a beautiful, cedar privacy fence surrounding the headquarters. Once within its boundaries, the sense of any surrounding neighbors or structures disappears and truly feels like a private park.

Wells

Domestic water is provided by a private well.

Water Enhancements

There are several enhancements to the private stream flowing through the property. Improvements have been made to the banks and stream bed to provide for superb trout habitat. Other improvements include a fishing hole near the house, a nice bridge suitable for an ATV to cross and a "Fish CAM" wired into the 61" HD TV in the intimate theater room to view the large trout hiding out in any of the five holes located directly below the massive living room windows.

Roads

Upon leaving the paved Gallatin Road (Highway 191 South), the County Road (Upper Rainbow Road) and private land are graveled.

Outbuildings

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park offers two equipment storage sheds to house equipment used for maintaining the expansive landscape.

Landscaping

The Riverwood Ranch Fly Fishing Park has incorporated 80-year-old pines and mature landscaping with the new. A landscaped privacy burm secludes the property from the surrounding neighborhood. Once within the interior of the property privacy fence, there are hundreds of trees, shrubs and perennials. A lush green lawn surrounds the courtyard area bass pond to the back of the home. A stone walkway winds through the grounds has built-in planters and viewing bench to watch the wildlife in the meadow.

Fisherman’s Cottage

Built in the 1800s, the newly restored, cozy fisherman's cottage provides visitors a uniquely western getaway. This cabin offers the perfect housing for guests and could also be used as a weekly rental or caretaker's residence. The cabin includes a full living area, kitchenette, laundry area and full bath complete with a claw foot tub. The cabin door opens out to a rock patio overlooking the beautiful creek side meadow. The cabin is a natural addition to the courtyard area landscaping with several rock paths and fish pond, protected by matures pines and other trees.

Square Feet: 300 +/-

Water Rights

A water right is the right to use water, both surface and subsurface. In Montana, water rights are the rights to the use of water and not ownership of the water itself. Water rights may not automatically transfer with the land. In this case, any appurtenant rights held by the owner, will transfer.

All water in Montana is property of the State of Montana for the use of the people of Montana. The actual ownership of water rights in Montana may not be known as many water rights are still the subject of a statewide adjudication process. The transfer of water rights is recorded with the states Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the transfer of any right may or may not warrant that right until the adjudication process has been completed.

Mineral Rights

All currently held by owner, if any, will transfer.

Easements

Josie's Lane is a private access easement through the adjoining one acre lot. Additionally, the power company retains an access easement to maintain power service to the property. There is a mutually shared fencing easement to the south, to insure privacy for both parties along their shared boundary.

Utilities and Services

The property is serviced by electrical, natural gas and telephone utilities.

Taxes

Taxes will be accessed according to new structure.

Showings

All showings by appointment only. Listing agent to accompany all property tours. Some notice is appreciated.

Price

$2,850,000

Brokers Comments

This irreplaceable Gallatin Valley property is second to none along the banks of the Gallatin River. The property is distinctly rural, with fantastic wildlife potential, beautiful views, privacy and all within minutes of an airport, fine restaurants, shopping and other fine services. Properties like the historic, family owned riverfront ranch, such as this one, are becoming exceedingly difficult to find. For the buyer seeking unparalleled fishery and wildlife habitat, this property merits very special regard.

Contact Listing Agent for Exact Legal Description