A Washington couple's search for a private fishing spot in Montana led to an unexpected real estate venture. Jennifer Hannah and Jeff Dougherty purchased a 14-acre property for $1.5 million, which included two 1980s-era log cabins they initially overlooked. They have since invested an additional $650,000 to transform the rustic structures into a thoughtfully designed riverside retreat.
The project, located near Darby, Montana, prioritized creating a warm, inviting space that respected the rugged landscape, turning what was a secondary consideration into the heart of their new getaway.
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Hannah and Jeff Dougherty purchased a 14-acre Montana property with two log cabins for $1.5 million in June 2022.
- Their primary goal was to find land with private river access for fishing, not to acquire cabins.
- A comprehensive renovation of both cabins and property infrastructure cost an additional $650,000.
- Seattle-based interior designer Heidi Caillier was hired to create a cozy, rugged, and sophisticated interior that complements the natural surroundings.
The Priority Was the River
For Jennifer Hannah, 55, and Jeff Dougherty, 60, fishing is more than a hobby; it’s a shared passion that has been central to their nearly 30-year relationship. As they approached a new phase in their lives with their children heading to college and retirement on the horizon, the Ridgefield, Washington, couple began searching for a place to spend more time by the water.
Ms. Hannah, a director at Dick Hannah Dealerships, and Mr. Dougherty, retired from the agricultural supply industry, already owned a second home in Montana but sought something different. “We were looking for a place where we could be more on the water, and be able to fish,” Ms. Hannah explained. Their initial search focused almost exclusively on finding a parcel of land with private river access.
The presence of a house, let alone two log cabins, was not part of their original plan. The goal was simple: find the perfect spot to cast a line. This focus on the land and water shaped their entire search process.
A Strategic Location
The property is situated at the confluence of the Bitterroot River and Nez Perce Creek. This unique location offers exceptional access to prime fishing waters, which was the main draw for the couple and the reason they ultimately chose this specific 14-acre lot.
An Unexpected Bonus
In June 2022, they discovered a 14-acre lot near Darby, Montana, that met all their criteria for water access. The property came with two log cabins built in the 1980s, one measuring approximately 1,725 square feet and the other 770 square feet. The couple purchased the property for $1.5 million.
From the outside, the cabins were unassuming and largely hidden by surrounding trees, a feature the new owners appreciated. “We didn’t want a river palace,” said Ms. Hannah, emphasizing their desire for a low-key retreat rather than a grand statement home. The structures were simple and rustic, fitting for the rugged Montana landscape.
However, before any interior work could begin, essential infrastructure demanded their attention. During the first year of ownership, they had to replace a private bridge providing access to the property and upgrade the entire septic system. These necessary projects laid the groundwork for the aesthetic transformation that would follow.
A Vision for Rugged Comfort
With the infrastructure secured, the couple turned their attention to the cabins' interiors in the spring of 2023. While they wanted to maintain the rustic feel, they also desired a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ms. Hannah found inspiration on Instagram in the work of Heidi Caillier, a Seattle-based interior designer known for her ability to layer colors and patterns.
“I could see how she was different, as far as her ability to put together colors and patterns to keep things interesting without being overwhelming,” Ms. Hannah noted. She reached out to Ms. Caillier with a clear directive: keep it rustic, not overly polished or decorative.
Project by the Numbers
- Purchase Price: $1.5 million
- Renovation Cost: $650,000
- Property Size: 14 acres
- Main Cabin: ~1,725 sq. ft.
- Guest Cabin: ~770 sq. ft.
Ms. Caillier embraced the challenge, aiming for a design that could stand up to the dramatic natural setting.
“The landscape is very rugged, and they’re just really simple log structures that sit right next to the roaring river. We wanted the décor to be able to stand up to that, so it was about simplicity and ruggedness.”
Main Cabin Transformation
The renovation began with replacing the floors in both cabins with reclaimed oak planks. In the larger main cabin, Ms. Caillier designed a new kitchen with custom green cabinetry. The cabinets feature small, decorative cutouts inspired by traditional Swiss chalet woodwork.
In the living area, the existing stone fireplace became the anchor for a cozy arrangement of vintage Brazilian lounge chairs by Percival Lafer. Breaking from tradition, Ms. Caillier had the chairs upholstered in a thick, woolen burgundy fabric instead of leather to enhance the sense of warmth.
The primary bedroom was designed to be an earthy, moody sanctuary. The ceiling was painted a deep forest green, and full-length patterned drapery was installed. This color scheme extended into the primary bathroom, where the walls, ceiling, and trim were all painted the same green to create a cohesive, immersive feel.
A Cohesive Guest Retreat
The smaller cabin was designed as a guesthouse, echoing the main cabin's design principles but with distinct details. The kitchen cabinetry also features custom cutouts, but with a different pattern and painted a striking blue.
The bathroom in the guesthouse takes a similar monochromatic approach to the main cabin's, but instead of green paint, it is covered in glossy, reddish-orange tile, creating a bold yet warm space for guests.
The renovations were completed in December 2023, bringing the couple's total investment in the property to over $2.1 million. What started as a search for a fishing hole has become a fully realized retreat.
“I love how unassuming they are from the outside, but then you walk in and they’re just beautiful,” Ms. Hannah reflected. “To be ensconced in this really pretty world, both inside and outside, is definitely a source of therapy.” And, of course, the great fishing they originally sought is always just a few steps away.
