With a desire to honor and reflect the Native American tribes of the area like the Crow and Blackfoot, as well as their reverence for the buffalo, the owners of this majestic estate set out to create a modern home both wild and beautiful. Mission accomplished.
A cherished taxidermy wolf is a reminder of wilder neighbors. The patterned rug, part of the owner’s exquisite collection, was found at an antique auction. The burl pine table is topped with a crystal bird of prey sculpture by a local artist.
In a departure from indigenous materials, the kitchen bar stools feature a backing of axis deer hide. Seats and arms are buttercream leather, reflecting the owner’s preference for lighter leathers throughout with a view toward imparting a brightness and elegance to the home.
The bar is reclaimed timber with rustic metal caps. The cabinetry is knotty alder; a mix of distressed ivory cabinet faces (including the refrigerator) and darker stains adds interest and visual balance. Hardware is from Rocky Mountain Hardware. Counters and backsplash are natural stone.
A restful master suite includes a hand-carved leather and wood bed designed by Sheri Parker. The handsome leather headboard is a perfect match for the stunning footboard—one continuous piece of wood topped by a carved spear adorned with artistic eagle feathers.
The nailhead hair-on-hide faux chest conceals a television/media unit that emerges from the top via remote control. The bronze is “War Party” from ASI Art in Dallas. A collection of pillows includes a diverse assemblage of textures and colors including suede, wool tapestry and feather embellishments among other treatments. A tangled, twig-like chandelier adds a wild and romantic touch to the ambiance of the room.
A bathtub exterior tiled in split-face natural stone features an artistic, unexpected basketweave pattern. The forged door pulls on the vanity cabinetry are in the shape of buffalo heads.
A focal point of the media/recreation room is a vibrant rug used to dramatic effect as a wall textile. The burlwood chair and ottoman by Marc Taggert showcase his signature Molesworth style, complete with a thunderbird motif and leather legs. A sectional hair-on-hide leather sofa is by Sheri Parker (constructed by Furniture Your Way in Dallas, Texas).
Clever seating squares/upholstered end tables are covered in Navajo sample rugs sourced from local antique stores. The light fixture illuminating the billiards table titled “Indian Parfleche” by Peter Fillerup, evokes the traditional colors of the Crow Indians. A variety of pillows soften the experience and include those by Cripple Creek Creations, Bandera, Texas.
The home is sited in the exclusive Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, a ski-in, ski-out resort community that provides a residential experience aligned with nature, regardless of season.
(Originally published in the March/April 2013 issue of Cowgirl Magazine).
All photos are courtesy of Roger Wade.
