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Newsletter from Montana - Minnesota
January 2008
I have now joined the Bozeman Multiple Listing Service; you can search for properties there yourself when you go to my
Listings page. The link is in the left margin, third from the top.
If you like me to enter automated searches there for you, send me an email
back with an idea for a price range.
When I first discovered Red Lodge, we drove in from Wyoming, turned west on Highway 308, which after 15 miles gracefully descents on "Bear Creek Hill" into Red Lodge. An unbelievable view opened up in front of us. You can see the Rock Creek Valley as it winds out of the Beartooth Mountains and the whole town of Red Lodge lies right in front of you with its lush vegetation and surrounded by the highest mountain range in Montana. This view alone made us decide to settle in Red Lodge. There are only two homes built on this hillside with that kind of a view and
one of them I just listed! Below this home is a 12 acres property which is landscaped with six fish ponds and waterfalls, beyond that flows Rock Creek at a rapid rate, which you can still hear at the home, especially when it rolls the rocks in its bed. This home comes fully furnished for a turnkey operation, and if you want to make it into a vacation rental, all you have to do is add two daybeds to sleep nine. The property rents for $ 450 a night for three night weekends.
The owner lives there right now full time and he enjoys the sense of living in nature, yet he is only a two minute car ride from town and he often just walks, bicycles or takes his ATV. Of course he loves the 270 degree mountain and town views. There is easy access from his property to the Meteetsee Trail for ATV and Dirt -biking - it's a very challenging trail going along the mountains down into Wyoming. The creek is more or less just below the house, so he can catch fish for his lunch and he enjoys the view of the lakes and sound of the waterfalls. The cedar sided home is built on a hillside below the highway, so you really have a sense of isolation there from the road. The timberframe is sunny, open and airy with an "outside-in" feeling with all the skylights, soaring ceilings, in-floor heating, two fireplaces, hot tub, Jacuzzi and a fenced yard for the dogs. There is already a pad prepared for a shop, guest quarters or barn. Horses are allowed and alas you have 2.34 acres there! The underground sprinkler system handles the whole property and there are three decks to choose from to watch the sunset behind the mountains. The property has its own well, pumping 10 GPM, but is connected to the city sewer. $ 685,000
We are proud to say, that the home was designed and built by
Beartooth Custom Builders,
one of the best builders around. They have been in business in the Red Lodge area for the past 20 years. Owner Peder Nees has over 20 years experience in building and designing homes. He has been featured in the "Billings Gazette" for his building technique in timberframe construction and in "Yellowstone Woman" for log home construction. 406-446-1261
Looking for a business in Montana? Have the world arrive at your door step! The
Hungry Bear Café is only five miles from the ski town of Red Lodge and has repeat customers from across the Nation and around the globe; mainly because of the "World Famous Banana Cream Pie" (the customers named it that). They also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner (until recently). It's a turnkey operation, all the equipment and inventory conveys along with the real estate.
The 28' x 46' Café building was built in 2001 with 6" walls, R-21 fiberglass insulation, a metal roof and masonite siding. The seating area inside is 16' x 28' and there is a covered 16' x 28' porch for outside seating. The kitchen area is 28'x30' and has a 28' x 6' cold storage in the back with a loading dock, so grocery trucks can pull right up; the 4' crawlspace underneath and the attic serve as storage also. Of course there is a handicapped accessible bathroom.
When you enter the establishment you have a feeling you just came home to see Grandma. The family owned and operated business radiates warmth and comfort. The owner has a corner set up where she does her quilts and rugs, which she sells in the gift shop as well. You could also set up a small office between the café and the gift shop; maybe you do accounting, real estate, insurance or similar.... The double lot borders Highway 308 with 50' and it is 140' deep toward the alley. Since it is zoned commercial the buildings can sit right on the property line, there are no setbacks. You could actually build a small house behind the Café or pull in a mobile home.
In 2006 the gift shop was added (16' x 32') with hardwood floors and all the inventory, estimated at $40,000 will convey as well. Sometimes the gift shop brings in more or as much money as the Café. During the first 8 months the café was open in 2001 it brought in $ 93,000 gross, of which the owner said she kept half. The insurance runs $ 1,950 per year and the property taxes are $ 1,107.
The owner would finance $150,000 at 8% for 10 years or so. She would also train and/or stay on to make the pies or to help out. Oh, by the way, the secret family recipe for the World Famous Banana Cream Pie will convey with sale! If you are ambitious, expand the kitchen, hire cooks, and ship it all across the Nation, you'll be rich and famous in no time flat!
Bearcreek is a tiny town with less than one hundred people (up from only 37 in 1990!) and has a
rich history of coal mining. The old mine still stands, while most of the original homes there were moved to Red Lodge after the mine closed in the Forties. Downtown Bearcreek also has a saloon that features pig races, which attracts tourists by the busloads. The proceeds from the pig races go to a charitable organization and they are a lot of fun, be sure to check it out when you come to visit.
We have a new Montana agent working with us.
Bob Anderson
was born and raised in Montana and he used to be a commercial pilot flying for Big Sky. He has his real estate license since 15 years now and just activated it again.
Bob put a lot he owns in White Sulphur Springs adjacent to the golf course on the market.
The 1.5 acres
are in Meagher County (pronounced "MAR" by the locals) and is a two hour drive from Great Falls, Helena or Bozeman. From here you can see the Little Belt, Big Belt, Castle and the Bridger Mountains. Electric and phone are underground. The subdivision has been annexed into the city and has city water. The state has approved a septic system, but the city will hook up your home to the public sewer system for $1,000. The subdivision features a paved road, and is bordered to the south and east by a wildlife management area. It's just 30 miles to Showdown skiing. The local airport has a 6,000ft paved runway. Canyon Ferry Reservoir can be reached in less than an hour. Only $ 59,900!
White Sulphur Springs is located on highway 89 between Yellowstone Park to the south and Glacier National Park to the north. Highway 89 is also known as Kings Hill Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in Montana. It takes about two hours passing through the Lewis and Clark National Forest and Little Belt Mountains, the Kings Hill Scenic Byway allows travelers to leisurely savor the rugged beauty and invigorating fresh air that are part of the Montana experience. Stretching 71 miles along Highway 89, the Byway winds its way through pristine mountain lakes and streams and is home to an abundant variety of wildlife. The gravel roads criss-crossing the main highway, lead to 450 miles of spectacular mountain scenery, high country lakes, trailheads, campgrounds, and old mines. Located just south of Kings Hill Pass,
Showdown Ski Area
offers 1,400 feet of vertical drop and 34 runs. Fishing, floating, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling are just a few of the many activities available in this rugged country that stands waiting to be explored.
Right downtown White Sulphur Springs, just minutes from this property are the
legendary Hot Springs,
which often have been compared to the famous spas in Baden-Baden, Germany. Native Americans traveling through this valley were the first to discover and make use of these hot springs. They felt the hot mineral water had a strong medicinal effect, healing the body and strengthening the spirit. They called these springs the "Wampum Waters." Wampum translates roughly as "good" or "beneficial." Many tribes, including the Flathead, Blackfeet and Crow, came here to use these waters to heal their sick. Since some were warring tribes, a truce had to be worked out and this valley became neutral ground.
The early medics of the area always recommended a bath there and the Ringling Brother Circus almost built a fancy bathhouse over it before the depression canceled their plans.
For Minnesota we have a special deal for those who like to
park their RV at a lake for the summer or would like to have a small cabin build by the lake without spending a fortune. This rare property was developed by visionary Pat Onstad with the motto "A Place to Live, Play & Enjoy Summer." Located on prestigious Detroit Lake, owners of these lots will become part owners of 45 acres, 1400 feet of lakeshore and River Hills Park itself. From here you have access not only to Detroit Lake but also to Lake Sallie. These two bodies of water provide over 4,300 acres of beautiful Minnesota water and literally tons of sandy beaches. Here you have a private marina where you can park your boat, where you can enjoy a new Clubhouse with wireless internet, indoor swimming pool and game room and secure indoor and outdoor boat storage. Each lot has phone, internet, free cable TV, city water and city sewer. There are common laundry facilities, mowed lawns, a five year membership to the adjacent River Hills Golf Course and access to over 12 miles of bike trails around Detroit Lake. Each lot has 20 feet by 40 feet for their home to sit on with extra green space between each. There is a $75 monthly association fees to cover water and sewer usage, mowing, garbage and common area maintenance. Electricity is billed from the association to each shareholder for their usage; 50 Amp electrical service is available at each lot. Boat and pontoon rentals available. Eight restaurants and bars are accessible by water. You do not have to get out of your boat as you ride the tram from the marina to the Pelican River - This unique ride takes about 2 minutes. The types of living quarters allowed on these lots include RV's, camper trailers, park trailer, Park Model and other possible types of removable buildings. The desire of the association is to maintain a well-kept park with RV's and similar removable buildings no more than 8 years old. Park Models come fully furnished and range in price from $40,000 to $90,000. All you need are your dishes, silverware and towels! Long Term Financing available. Lots range from $ 45,000 to $ 55,000 and there are NO closing costs!
Email Mike Olson or call him at 218/234 8151
Detroit Lakes is the perfect example of
Minnesota Lakes Country as the summer is a buzz of activity. People are active from golf, fishing and water sports to
outdoor music festivals, Detroit Lakes
Water Carnival, Becker County Fair and much more.
Come and see us here!
:-)
Best Regards,
Dorothea Lowe, Broker
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