5 Mountain Retreats and Custom Homes Across Idaho, Utah, and Montana

From its elevated homesite in The Keep in Meridian, this Custom Luxury Residence looks out across the valley toward sweeping foothill views and big-sky sunsets. Set on over half an acre, it pairs Modern French Country inspiration with a warm, collected material palette—artisan tilework, custom millwork, brass accents, and reclaimed wood from the historic Simplot Barn. Grand arched glass-and-iron doors, softly lit by gas lanterns, open to cathedral ceilings that bring in light and air. Designed for gathering, the home offers alder cabinetry, mitered-edge quartz countertops, striking limestone fireplaces, and two chef-worthy kitchens with 6-burner ZLINE gas ranges, premium appliances, and a butler’s pantry. A private-entry casita, main-level office, upstairs bonus room, flexible living space, hidden tech nook, and a 40’ RV bay round out a layout made for everyday ease and weekends away.

Set on 25 acres along nearly half a mile of Gold Fork River frontage in Donnelly, this custom-built mountain retreat pairs big-sky scenery with daily access to the water. A separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment sits steps from the main home, offering flexible space for guests or an additional home/Airbnb setup. Three ponds with aerators invite afternoons of fishing, while the surrounding forest frames a true sense of seclusion—wildlife included. Outdoors, nearly 200 linear feet of covered patios extend the living space year-round, joined by barn/storage and a 72’ x 13’ bird aviary that can also function as covered wood storage, a horse cover, and arena. Inside, vaulted ceilings, pine trim and ceiling, and elite-grade tile and carpet set a warm tone. The gourmet kitchen features a walk-in refrigerator cooler room and top-of-the-line appliances, designed for long, unhurried weekends.

With the lake as its backdrop in Pocatello’s Cedar Lake Subdivision of the Johnny Creek area foothills, the Cedar Lake House unfolds across 10 lots spanning 9.48 acres, anchored by a two-acre, spring-fed lake. Water rights dating to April 1948 encompass the lake, dam, and six natural springs, underscoring the estate’s rare sense of continuity and self-sufficiency. The custom four-bedroom, four-bath residence—meticulously remodeled in 1999—offers turnkey comfort and a functional, spacious layout oriented to maximize views of the waterfront and surrounding natural landscape. Beyond the home itself, this multi-parcel setting balances untouched natural beauty with practical utility, along with building and development opportunity. Days here move at a calmer pace, shaped by open space, water, and foothill light.

Set on 8.4 picturesque acres along the East Fork of the Little Bear River, this custom timber-frame home (built in 2014) balances long-term comfort with a quietly dramatic setting. A 1,583-square-foot wrap-around porch frames sweeping views of the river valley, while the open kitchen and great room rise beneath timber-frame vaulted ceilings and large windows. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with expansive stone countertops, two sinks with disposals, custom hickory cabinetry, a generous walk-in pantry, and a gas range with an exterior-vented hood. In the great room, a Vermont soapstone wood-burning fireplace insert brings warmth and ambiance. The primary suite opens to the porch through French doors and features a walk-in shower with dual heads plus a porcelain soaking tub. A gated entrance, split-rail fencing, new asphalt driveway, and live river frontage complete a lifestyle shaped by privacy, wildlife, and canyon-side recreation near Porcupine Reservoir.

From its elevated setting just outside Ennis—yet still within the Ennis community—this custom log home brings Montana character and a welcome sense of privacy to 5.197± acres of partially fenced open ground. Three levels of living space balance comfort with everyday function, all framed by warm log construction. On the main level, the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together over pine hardwood floors, with a wood stove adding steady warmth and understated charm. The kitchen is currently being updated, offering the chance for refreshed finishes while keeping the inviting layout intact. Downstairs, the primary bedroom, bathroom, mechanical room, and laundry create a practical retreat, and a sliding glass door opens to an east-facing deck oriented toward the Madison Range. Mornings here begin with mountain views and early light.