A Dream Come True: Embracing Midcentury Montana Living After Florida Retirement

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Creston, Montana, our clients Allison and Jim made their dream home a reality after retiring from the sunny shores of Jupiter, Florida. This remarkable journey, which spanned seven years of dreaming and planning on their part, showcases their commitment to embracing a lifestyle that many might hesitate to consider. While most retirees may flock towards warmer climates, this couple eagerly awaited their reverse snowbird experience, trading balmy beaches for the stunning mountains of Montana.

The Vision: A Midcentury Dream

The couple's dream for their new home was crystal clear: a midcentury modern design that blended seamlessly with Montana's natural beauty. This architectural style, with its clean lines and large windows, embodies a focus on indoor-outdoor living. With an emphasis on natural light, it was ideal for creating a peaceful and stylish living environment.

Over the years, they immersed themselves in research, they were particularly drawn to homes that emphasized open spaces and natural materials. Their dream was to develop a sanctuary that mirrored their personal values and lifestyle. By chance they booked a VRBO for a weekend away and while staying there they realized the layout met their needs almost entirely. They set about taking measurements and through that experience their first draft of house plans emerged. Over time they enlisted an architect to do final drawings and the plan was set.

Finding the Perfect Location

Finding the right location was a critical part of their dream. Creston, Montana, with its breathtaking views of the Flathead Valley and closeness to Glacier National Park, emerged as their perfect spot. The area's scenic beauty and tight-knit community drew the couple in. You can see in the side by side below of the raw land vs. how they opened up the stunning view by thinning some of the trees too close to the home.

Designing the Home: A Collaborative Effort

The couple began the design process with a clear vision and a perfect location. After researching contractors, they chose JMartin Builders in Kalispell, for their great reputation and clear communication from day one.

Allison had a strong vision for the interior finishes, but it quickly became apparent that having local designers on her team would be extremely beneficial, given that she was over 2,800 miles from the construction site. She conducted research on local designers and discovered Joni Stoll Design through Houzz. After just one conversation, it was clear that this was going to be an amazing collaborative project!

Their beautifully designed midcentury modern living room in Creston, Montana

Reflections on the Journey

As they settle into their new life, the couple reflects on the remarkable journey that brought them to Montana. Their midcentury home is much more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes their dreams, dedication, and resilience. This home represents a new chapter in their lives, filled with adventure, love, and the stunning backdrop of Montana. We have LOVED working hand in hand with them and are happy to consider them among friends here in our beautiful Flathead Valley.

Interior Designer Joni Stoll, Homeowners Jim & Allison and Interior Stylist Kate Gunderson

Some kind words about us from the homeowners:

"Joni has an incredible gift for turning ideas into spaces that feel completely personal. She listened closely, understood our style, and blended everything we love—old and new—into a home that fits us perfectly. Her creativity, organization, and patience made the whole process smooth and enjoyable. We couldn’t be happier with the result and highly recommend Joni Stoll Design to anyone wanting a thoughtful, beautiful home."