ELKHORN SANTUARY

Elkhorn Sanctuary sits in the Elkhorn Mountains at the confluence of the North and South Forks of Warm Springs Creek, near Clancy in Jefferson County, Montana.

The ranch encompasses approximately 388 deeded acres, with a 5,338-square-foot custom timber-frame home, a 1,290-square-foot horse barn, and a private end-of-the-road setting. Owners are immersed in the surroundings: bugling elk in the fall, long summer evenings, and year-round recreation.

The ranch is set up for horses and has good seasonal forage for livestock grazing, with ample stock water and hay storage. The South Fork of Warm Springs Creek—a cold-water tributary of Prickly Pear Creek—crosses the property and offers small-stream fishing for brown, rainbow, brook, and native Westslope cutthroat trout. Winter recreation abounds with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling from the ranch. Live water, strong wildlife habitat, and borders with the U.S. Forest Service and the 160,000-acre Elkhorn Wildlife Management Unit give the property a rare combination of seclusion with exceptional access.

The Elkhorn Wildlife Management Unit is widely regarded as one of the nation’s successful elk conservation stories. The ranch and adjoining public lands support elk, white-tailed and mule deer, wild turkey, mountain grouse, moose, and black bear. Grizzly bears occur in the broader region from time to time; they have not been observed on the property.

For decades, the ranch has served as both a primary residence and a recreational retreat. It is well suited for continued use as a full-time residence or a seasonal retreat with exceptional equestrian and recreation opportunities. The property is set up for horses with stock water, hay storage, and a barn.

The custom timber-frame home designed by Mosaic Architects and built by Mark Lindsay Construction in 1996 is approximately 5,338 square feet. This split-level home has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms with an open floor plan and expansive windows that maximize the beautiful nature-filled setting.

The main level features a flagstone entry that transitions to natural cherry flooring running throughout the living room, dining room, and kitchen. A double-sided stacked masonry fireplace can be enjoyed in both the living and dining rooms. The kitchen is an efficient workspace with plenty of counter space, perfectly set up for hosting family events or entertaining friends, and it leads to a covered patio. A breakfast nook connects to a small deck overlooking the wooded riparian habitat of Warm Springs Creek. The vaulted kitchen, dining room, and living room feature timber-frame accents and skylights, allowing natural light to flow through the main level.

The upper level is designed as a luxurious suite, including a living area, built-in library, hardwood flooring, a full primary bathroom with a jetted soaking tub and steam shower, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The primary bedroom also includes a private deck for enjoying evening sunsets and wildlife.