Welcome to the latest iteration of our Local Profile series, where we share one of our shop’s listings and highlight the best-of-the-best spots around town. Whether you are looking for a home or a homecooked meal, we’ve got you covered.
Between its breathtaking and storied natural landscape and the national attention the state has received in recent years, chances are high Montana is already on your radar. You wouldn’t be alone—the summer months bring tourists from all over to the state’s quintessential towns, like Bigfork. The catch is, considering that in the last 20 years the population of Bigfork has quadrupled, those who come for a vacation may find themselves wanting to stay for a lifetime.
The increase in residents alongside the eastern banks of Flathead Lake has heralded a wave of new restaurants, bars, and hotels. That doesn’t mean, however, that Bigfork’s small-town charm has faded. Perhaps more than ever before, the town’s enchanting personality is catching the attention of those yearning for a life on the lakes, hiking in the mountains, and immersed in a close-knit community.
The Listing
While Montana is known for its lake and mountain views, no other home enjoys them quite like 237 Bridger Drive. Its unique positioning overlooks the golf course at Eagle Bend, beyond to Flathead Lake, and the distant mountain range on the horizon. These vistas are hard to find anywhere else in Montana.
The home is the collaborative effort of local, famed creatives: Doug Oswood of Oswood Construction and George Gibson of Gibson Architecture. The namesake companies are known for wielding their aesthetic and logistic expertise to design homes uniquely tailored to their client’s lives.
Whether looking to entertain or relax, the highest standards of thoughtful home design gracefully balance the luxury of privacy and the glory of uninterrupted, panoramic views. The deck hugging the back of the home is accessible from every room, where residents and guests will undoubtedly enjoy the double-sided outdoor fireplace.
Tips from your local expert
According to Gina Ellis, it is the locals that bring this amazing mountain town to life; the heart of this community is unlike any she has ever lived in before.
Bigfork has brought a bigger meaning to the definition of family and I will forever consider it to be my true home, the place that brought love to me and my family and gave us a place to call home.
When you live in Bigfork, you become part of our community that feels like family. Everyone supports each other and comes together—with a constant awareness of maintaining the standard of life they want to be a part of. It is something that brings pride to the locals.
Gina Ellis
The architectural design in Bigfork is eclectic and creative. There is a mountain, cottage aesthetic to Grand Avenue that evokes a sense of comfort; every building, whether it is a business or home, has its own character.
As you move closer to the waterfront, you will see homes that are a blend of warm, modern architectural style and lake cottages that have been loved for decades. The golf course community of Eagle Bend follows suit in its wide range of styles—always exquisite, this elite, Bigfork neighborhood has some of the most outstanding and diverse architecture in the country.
Many homes in this community offer views of the world-renowned golf course, majestic mountain ranges, and the amazing Flathead Lake and River. Because Bigfork is situated on such a grand body of water that delivers oceanic characteristics, and because it has a very mountainous topography, this town holds an abundance of qualities that just cannot be found anywhere else.
With everything there is to do in Bigfork, the majority is outdoor fun! Things like golfing, water sports, fishing, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, hunting, horseback riding, tennis—and don’t forget the pickleball club—are common and shared interests amongst the community here.
More places to check out:
If it is time for your first visit to Bigfork, here are some suggestions for places to stay, restaurants to dine at, and sights to see—ones that we know will result in memories made, no matter how short or long your stay.
Stays:
For an award-winning, New York Times-featured stay, try The Islander Inn, a boutique motor lodge reinvigorating the American Road Trip.
Flathead Lake Lodge is a family-owned and operated ranch on the shores of Flathead Lake. Operating for over 75 years, the ranch prides itself on how its experiences and commitment to hospitality have remained the same since its opening.
Restaurants:
Schafer’s Restuarant is a tried-and-true, award-winning restaurant favored by residents and tourists alike. A curated selection of American cuisine enjoys a twist of local inspiration.
Flathead Brewing Co’s refreshments boast a one-of-a-kind taste—using only local ingredients and glacial water, the handcrafted beers are a fan favorite you can only find here.
Things to do and see:
Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails that wander through the surrounding glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and Montana’s famous lakes.
To experience Bigfork’s beloved community life, stop by Max’s Market, a wellness space that caters to all. Offering clean and local food, espresso, curated goods, live music, and events, it supports a unique spirit and soul, one that encourages a holistic lifestyle rooted in respect for the earth and others.
To learn more about the opportunities of living in Bigfork, Montana, the local experts of Engel & Völkers Western Frontier are prepared to help you, every step of the way.
No Comments