Riverside Ranch Overlooks The Distant Mountain Range

The Big Timber Riverside ranch is located in Montana, USA. It occupies a vast property traversed by a river which floods the terrain in spring and autumn and forms ponds in the proximity of the house. The residence was built in a clearing and is surrounded by trees being flanked by the river on one side and with views of the mountain range in the distance.

Big Timber Riverside Ranch facades
The ranch stand on the banks of a river which traverses the vast property
Big Timber Riverside Ranch wooden facade
Its architecture reveals two types of facades, one dominated by wood and the other by glass
Big Timber Riverside Ranch under the slope
The residence is sheltered behind a hillside which protects it from harsh winds
Big Timber Riverside Ranch perpendicular volumes
The building is made up of two buildings arranged in a T shape

The 2000 acre ranch is centered around a residence designed and built by Hughes Umbanhowar Architects. The studio’s unique projects are created by translating materials and state-of-the-art technology into practical structure and by finding solutions driven by both form and function.

Big Timber Riverside Ranch landscape
The house sits in a clearing and is surrounded by green trees and naturally-occuring ponds
Big Timber Riverside Ranch lakeside view
The property becomes flooded during spring and the water surrounds the house’s foundation
Big Timber Riverside Ranch stone walkway
When the water retracts, a lush green field is revealed
Big Timber Riverside Ranch large windows
One of the volumes has a green roof which can be seen from the perpendicularly-placed rooms
Big Timber Riverside Ranch side view
The main volume has two floors with a cantilevered terrace on the upper level

The house appears to be floating on the river and a stone bridge seems to be the only element that rises above the water. In spring, the property is flooded and the water goes around and under the foundation creating a really magical ambiance.

Big Timber Riverside Ranch sunset view
A stone bridge stands above the water and connects the house to its surroundings
Big Timber Riverside Ranch river stones
The landscape is beautiful and diverse without needing special care
Big Timber Riverside Ranch fireplace lounge
The expansive views of the surroundings can be admired from inside through the large windows
Big Timber Riverside Ranch living area
The social areas are framed by large glass windows that let in lots of natural light

The house is composed of two distinct and separate structures which together form a T-shaped floor plan. One of the volumes is a two-storey glass building while the other is a single-level wooden structure. They each have their own distinct facades and architectural features.

Big Timber Riverside Ranch staircase
A set of stairs connects the two floors of the main volume
Big Timber Riverside Ranch master bedroom
The upper level houses the master bedroom which gets to enjoy panoramic views on two sides
Big Timber Riverside Ranch corner seating
Comfortable and cozy seating areas are spread throughout the residence

The master bedrooms is situated on the upper level and it benefits from some really beautiful views which can be admired thanks to the full height windows. The en-suite bathroom also has a huge window which complements the soaking tub and brings the outdoors in. However, the decor also feels really welcoming, warm and comfortable thanks to the abundance of wood used throughout the residence, in particular on the walls and ceilings.

Big Timber Riverside Ranch bathroom view
A soaking tub sits by the picture window in the master bedroom’s en-suite
Big Timber Riverside Ranch glass hallway
A glass-enclosed hall runs along the western side of the residence