Full Circle Lodge, A family house on Bitterroot - The Munsterman ...

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132 Utilizing the skill of Flathead Valley’s R & R Builders, the Engel’s selected comforting elements for construction materials: post and beam construction, logs and stone. with this home is to be living on the lake and bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out,” says Helen. “We wanted a building site that would fit into the land and blend in with the nature that we enjoy. We were very careful to try to preserve the original ambiance and terrain, while adding in the rest of our favorite elements.” According to the Engels, they spent days walking the property with designer Dale Munsterman, before initiating construction. They returned to the same place, to the fire circle, which was then in its primitive state, to chat about things and to gaze up the hillside. Soon it was evident that they had found the place, or rather, the place had found them. There are smooth beach stones to palm and a clear expanse of water that settles the mind. “We felt that while sitting around the fire circle, we had found the “sweet spot” of the property,” says Munsterman. “With that in mind, we oriented the great room and entry axis with the fire circle. This allowed us to situate the home in an existing saddle, which minimized the soil disturbance and amount of trees that had to be removed.” From the stone beach below the home and fire circle, the view stretches uninterrupted down the lake. An island just offshore hosts tall ponderosa capped with an enormous eagle’s nest. The couple’s property extends hundreds of yards down the shore, all wild trees and open water. Natural landscaping, by Bruce Boody Landscape Architect, Inc. of Whitefish, weaves in with rock walkways leading up to the outdoor patio facing the lake. An enormous Jacuzzi tub sits on one side of a two- sided outdoor wood fireplace while an outdoor grilling and dining area, complete with propane heaters mounted above, occupies the other. While the Engel home is grand, roughly 4,000-square- feet, it is unpretentious. Although David and Helen had spent many years remod- eling and learning what appealed to them, Crystal Cove was the first home they’d built together. A principle goal, according to the Helen, was “to build a <strong>house</strong> that was comfortable, grand and unpretentious, but without a lot of wasted space.” The couple is quick to celebrate one of the best aspects of the project--- the dynamic team that made it possible. Together with Montana/California/Idaho Designer Dale Munsterman, Montana Builders Chuck and Brad Roberts of R&R Builders, Montana/Idaho Log Homes, and Montana decorator Maureen Cordoza of Montana Expressions they feel they truly have achieved a master crafted <strong>house</strong>. “Spending many years vacationing at Lake Tahoe with our <strong>family</strong> and children, we had always dreamed of building a home on a lake to enjoy together and have as a retreat,” says
Even the kitchen overlooks Little Bitterroot Lake, where the <strong>family</strong> enjoys preparing large meals for visitors and relatives. Deep copper sinks in the central island and window area are offset by an iron trimmed copper hoot; cabinets were installed by Old World Cabinetry of Whitefish, Whistler Tile and Stone of Kalispell supplied the granite. Helen. “We loved the rustic mountain homes rich with logs, beams, trusses, stone and natural light. The post and beam, craftsman style and cozy cabin feeling were our allure.” Chuck Roberts of Flathead Valley based R & R Builders, has been building custom homes in the west for over 30 years. After semi-retiring, he returned to the craft with his son Brad about six years ago forming R & R Builders. Chuck first met David and Helen while working on a home, for a different builder at that time, for some of their <strong>family</strong>, also on Little Bitterroot Lake. “I’ve really gotten to know David and Helen on a per- sonal level,” says Roberts. “And that helps so much with the design. The Engels are the most <strong>family</strong>-oriented people I’ve worked with over the years — I’ve met the parents, the siblings — for them, <strong>family</strong> is everything. From the beginning, David and Helen kept saying that the kitchen had to be big enough for everyone. And after all of our effort in building, they are really going to use the home and enjoy it — and that feels really good.” After enjoying the lakeshore, a tour of the home begins with the kitchen. On the way in from the patio, a giant antique cowbell hangs from a sculpted iron bracket on the dining room wall. It once hung from the strong neck of a Swiss Brown, its tone unique to the ears of its herdsman. The couple found it years ago while traveling in Switzerland. The dining room is open on one side to the great room, outfitted on one end with a bar—complete with a refrigerator, a small wine cooler, and a deep copper sink. A large shining silver bear sits atop the bar, ready to hold a full magnum of champagne. The kitchen is made for entertaining, and in force. Helen is one of 10 siblings and the couple welcomes gatherings of <strong>family</strong> and friends often. Centering the space is an enormous Big Sky Journal HOME 133
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Full Circle Lodge, A family house on Bitterroot - The Munsterman ...

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