454 Square Butte Lane , Dodson, MT 59524(Phillips County)

The two lots together total 16.54+/- acres. The owners were conscious of maintaining privacy when clearing trees for construction. While the county road is just a short distance from the home, neither are visible from the viewpoint of the other, nor are any of the neighboring homes. Covenants, while minimally restrictive, exist to ensure the peaceful and private aesthetic of the subdivision is maintained. The second lot has not been built upon and could be sold by the new owner if desired.

Expert Design and Construction

Expertly crafted with SIPS panel construction, the 2 level, 3,000+/- square feet, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has all the appearances of a custom log home without the maintenance. 1 x 12 natural edge lumber on both the interior and exterior walls have been treated with a single application lifetime treatment, with no need for future application.

A 32' x 34 attached 2 car garage with 13 ceilings, heat, 12 of insulation and concrete floors provides plenty of room for indoor parking and storage, while a detached 30 x 40 shop with 10 ceiling, heat, insulation and concrete floor provides a warm, well lit workshop. An overhead door on the shop allows for easy access and a lean-to adds additional outdoor storage, covered and protected from the elements. The shop is plumbed for a bathroom and 220v is in place. The entire property is wired to be run by generator if necessary.

Character and Detail

The home is entered through a spacious foyer bathed in natural light thanks to a wall of south facing windows. From here guests enter the open concept living and kitchen areas. A vaulted ceiling draws your eye to the Blue Pine ceilings, a perfect compliment to the wood flooring that runs throughout the main floor. All of the natural fir flooring in the home pre-dates 1935 and was salvaged from a grain elevator near Portage, Montana before being refinished and polished to a smooth finish. This is a theme throughout the home, with many items from the light fixtures to the doors to the bathroom sink, carefully selected, refinished and given a new life in a way that blends new and old, creating a home with incredible personality and character.

The focal point of the kitchen is the solid slab wood counter bar, overlooking the antique enamel kitchen sink and refurbished gas range, with modern amenities such as the stainless steel hood vent and pot filler faucet. Upper kitchen cabinets have been handcrafted with roughcut lumber and corrugated metal inserts, all softly lit with a colorful antique chandelier.

In addition to the propane fueled forced air heating system, a red Sedore wood stove highlights the living area and assists in keeping utilities at a minimum. Handselected rocks, chosen by the owners from the Bears Paw Mountains are individually mortared in place to create a natural backsplash and the focal point of the living room.

The main floor master bedroom and master bath is accentuated with a large jetted tub and infrared sauna. Just steps outside the bedroom door is an east facing hot tub, located in one corner of the expansive wrap-around covered deck, perfect for early morning coffee watching the sunrise. Handcrafted tile window stills matching the bathroom vanity and tub surround tie the entire area together and is just one of the intricate details that make this home unique.

A shelf lined walk in-pantry, perfect for stocking necessities or storing canned goods for use between trips to town is located just off the kitchen. The sliding door pantry entry has been whimsically painted to reflect the mountain surroundings. The laundry area, included with the guest bath, finishes off the main floor.

Vaulted ceilings in the living area make way to the lofted second story, where an office, additional non-comforming room, full bath and a large open rec room add finished square footage and creates a blank slate for the new owner. With options for additional bedrooms, the house could easily be converted to accommodate a large family or an owner in need of more space.

Recreational and Outdoor Opportunities

The outdoor space is truly the highlight of the property, with a superb view of Thornhill Butte and acres and acres of BLM ground along the north property border, providing easy access to hiking, hunting, and many other recreational opportunities. Wildlife is common on the property, with deer, turkey and mountain sheep passing through often. Additional conveniences include two storage sheds, each with log siding and metal roof, as well as a chicken coop and garden area, both fenced for protection from deer and predators.

Property Taxes for the 2024 year were $2,468. The home is serviced with a private well, 130+/- feet deep pumping 25 GPM. A private gravity flow septic system with 1000 tank is in place and has been recently pumped.

Access to Amenities

Malta, population 2000, is located approximately 60 miles north and provides conveniences such as groceries, gas, schools, banks, and shopping. Zortman, population 60, is 20 minutes away and also provides groceries, fuel, and a cafe/bar. The Missouri River Breaks and James Kipp Recreation area is approximately 20 mins south, and Billings, with the closest commercial airport, is 160+/- miles away.