Escape to this cozy riverfront cottage in Stevensville, with private access to the Bitterroot River and views of the majestic mountain range. Inside, find a bright and inviting space with hardwood floors, a classic brick fireplace, and rustic-modern style furnishings. Take advantage of the kitchen for meals or dine outside by the river. With an oversized leather sectional for lounging and plush mattresses for restful nights.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
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About this property
Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat
With private riverfront access and sweeping views of the majestic Bitterroot Mountain Range, our bright and cozy cottage sleeps 6 and is full of amenities. Step outside to experience Montana's Blue Ribbon trout fishing or use as a local hunting base. Bring the family for some Big Sky fun or enjoy a romantic retreat. Across from a National Wildlife Refuge offering walking trails, a golf course, abundant Montana wildlife and migrating birds. A walkable mile from Historic Downtown Stevensville.
Our bright, cozy, 2 bedroom riverfront cottage was lovingly renovated in 2021 to reveal warm hardwood floors and a classic brick fireplace. Remodeled to maximize the space and bring in abundant natural light - the cottage also features updated appliances, brand new furnishings, and casual rustic-meets-modern Montana style.
Our oversized leather sectional and large dining table invite the family to gather for food, games, puzzles and lounging.
Plush mattresses are encased in quality linens with lots of pillows for propping and enjoying lazy mornings or a good book.
Though compact, the kitchen is big on functionality and has everything you’ll need to craft a meal for dining in or dining outside on the parked out grounds along the riverfront.
Every season has it’s charm in the Bitterroot valley. Rent equipment from local shops and/or hire a local guide to help you to optimize your trip.
Adventure awaits! Prepare to enjoy spectacular hiking, biking, floating, fishing, hunting, dining and experiencing local culture. Or just relax and watch the light change on the water. These are just a few of the activities you’ll enjoy while calling our space your home base.
The rural setting means the road is walkable and bike-able. Easy access with plenty of parking.
I’m happy to interact with you as much, or as little, as you like. Giving you privacy and space to make your vacation your own is my top priority. If I can help in any way to enrich your experience, I’m absolutely delighted to do so. As a born and raised Western Montana local…I love sharing my home state with visitors...so please do not hesitate to utilize me!
Peaceful rural neighbor on a quiet stretch of country road, lined with homes, which runs parallel to the Bitterroot River with uninterrupted views of the Selway-Bitterroot Mountains.
Located on Stevensville River Road, which runs parallel and adjacent to the Bitterroot River; offering quiet and peaceful walks, strolls, and bike rides along the river. Great for strollers and those with activities limited to level, hard surfaced walks. Also great for morning or evening walks and runs along the river and into the town of Stevensville (approximately 3 miles).
The indoor brick fireplace is not functional, but we do provide an outdoor fire ring and a stack of split, dry wood for your enjoyment.
Please be aware that the Bitterroot river is dynamic and ever changing. The seasonal flow levels can be very dangerous and there are times when it is not safe to be in the water or too close to the bank.
There is not a fenced yard and the grounds are open to the river front. Take appropriate precautions with your children and yourselves to stay safe during your visit. - If you plan to access the Bitterroot River from the property or utilize any water equipment, we will require that you sign a "Waiver and Release of Liability Agreement" prior to entering the water. - Maximum of two dogs allowed. Pet fee is per dog, per stay. Pets not to be left alone in the house, are not allowed on furniture, and must be on leash while on property. While at the river, off leash is allowed (pet owner assumes all liability). - No waders or boots in the house, please store in the utility room. - Please remove shoes while in the cottage. - No fires allowed in the interior fireplace. You may use the fire pits behind the cottage. A wheelbarrow, kindling and wood is under the blue tarp behind the white shed. Fire starters and bug spray are in the rear entryway. - You may smoke outside; please clean up after yourself. - A green trash can is located near the back of the neighboring shop. Please deposit bagged trash as needed. - The white shop behind the cottage is off limits. - Please access the river directly behind the cottage and across the walking bridge. You may travel along the river bank to the south and access the water between the solar lights at the river's edge (behind the neighboring log home). Please attempt to remain behind the cottage as you enjoy the river. The rock island and river is public property and can be accessed as you wish. - For events, please discuss additional numbers and requirements with the host. Guests may be required to have a portable outhouse delivered for larger gatherings, upon approval. - Commercial filming and photography is negotiable. Please discuss terms and arrangements with the host.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Internet
Available in the cottage: WiFi
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On the waterfront
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 2577456
About the neighborhood
Located in Stevensville, this cottage is on the waterfront. Fort Owen State Park and Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Field of Screams and Hamilton Performing Arts Center. Visit our Stevensville travel guide
Is Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Bitterroot Valley and Bitterroot River. Fort Owen State Park and Kootenai Creek Trail are also within 3 mi (5 km).
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Lester’s Cottage - Riverfront Retreat Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Wonderful, cozy place to spend Thanksgiving. The kitchen is fully equipped, beds cozy and warm, and views are beautiful. Hosts attentive and communicative. We hope to be back!
We had the best stay for the past 10 days with us two dogs! Jim is a fabulous host with a fantastic property that couldn’t be better situated right next to the Bitterroot. We loved the amenities of the outdoor space, how close we were to both Missoula and Stevensville and all the fishing/hiking close by. Hands down one of the nicest and best stocked VRBO properties we have ever stayed in and we will absolutely be back!
This property was amazing. Very clean, updated and well equipped home. The grounds, outdoor sitting areas, and river views and access were j believable. My only regret is not having booked a longer stay!
Jim’s property was the perfect place for our family during our time in the Bitterroot! The house is amazing and had everything we needed and more. The view of the mountains from the front door as well as the proximity to the river from the back door provided such a peaceful and beautiful escape. And our 4 year old twins had an absolute blast playing and sleeping in the built-in cubby beds! We definitely plan to stay here again the next time we come to Stevensville!
What a great little place to get away.
River access was perfect - close enough you can enjoy the view from the kitchen window, but not so close you would worry about the kids or dogs when playing in the yard. Aug. the rivers are quite low so we were able to cool off and dip our feet, watching the fly fishermen (think A River Runs Through It). Stevensville is such a cute town with a cute little hardware and Amish Stores and the Bitterroot Valley is absolutely breathtaking.
The home included everything we needed and more for a comfortable stay and Jim was an excellent host.
A slice of paradise along the Bitterroot River with breathtaking views all around. Lester’s Cottage is spotless, dog-friendly, and the most well-stocked home we have visited. Jim has thought of EVERY detail and amenity. Lester’s Cottage is a great home base for hiking, floating, bike riding, and relaxing along the river.
The cottage is a 5-minute drive to Kootenai Creek trailhead. This is an easy hike along the rocky creek and there are plenty of spots to dip your feet in the water to cool off.
St. Mary’s Peak is a 45 minute (17 mile) drive south. We gained about 2,000 feet in elevation on this difficult 3.5-4 mile hike to the fire lookout tower. The tower sits at 9,100 feet and the views are well worth the effort.
We floated from the bridge to the cottage and Jim has paddle boards and tubes to borrow. He even shuttled us back to our car. There are 2 campfire rings to chose from on the property and firewood is provided. There are grocery stores and restaurants just up the road. We had great thin crust pizza from Kodiak Jax and delicious Montana made Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream from the ice cream shop inside Valley Drug.
We really enjoyed our visits with Jim. It was nice to hear about the history of the property and all he has done to restore it. We hope to be back again in early summer to float the Bitteroot and in the winter to ski Lost Trail. If you choose Lester’s Cottage you will not be disappointed!
We were in town for a softball tournament. It was so nice to have a place we could do laundry and just chill. Josie was very clean and everything it said from the listing. Highly recommended
This property is beautiful and inviting. The cottage is very comfortable and cozy. The communication is quick and helpful. Everything about this stay was a positive experience. The furniture is comfortable, the cottage has many personal touches, the property is well kept and the communication is friendly. I would absolutely recommend this property if someone is staying in the Bitterroot area.
This is an excellent place to stay. House was very clean and well stocked with any items you might have forgotten. Beautiful fire pit right next to the river and fishing out the back door!
The host was amazing—so welcoming, helpful, and genuinely fun to talk to! The house itself was incredible—beautifully maintained, comfortable, and filled with thoughtful touches that made us feel right at home. But the real highlight? The river! We spent hours just relaxing by the water and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. We didn’t want to leave and are already talking about our next visit. Highly recommend!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lester's Cottage. From the moment we began our check-in process to the moment we left, everything was very convenient and clearly communicated. The place is incredibly clean with lots of little thoughtful touches throughout the cottage (i.e., lots of clean towels, great cookware, extra blankets). I cannot rave enough about how great this place was. Everyone loved it, and we thoroughly enjoyed sitting by the river and having a little peace and quiet in paradise.
This stay was to accommodate my crew for a project in LOLO . The host has been fantastic working with us to make sure we had a place to stay. The home lovely and would be great to accommodate any type of stay.
Matthew Chet S.
Stayed 46 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer
Jul 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was the perfect size for my family of five. We loved the river access and quiet area. Easy to get to Missoula or Hamilton. Excellent hiking and fishing all within close distance. Very clean and has everything you need!
This cottage was the absolute best place to stay! It had so many amenities, the hosts thought about everything! Perfect location next to the river, super close to town, and has the most beautiful scenery surrounding it. It was also super clean! Would 10 out of 10 recommend!