KEEP COOL CREEK AT SMITH LAKE
Lincoln, Montana
$5,500,000
427± acres
INTRODUCTION
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake is a top-tier fishing property in the coveted and tightly held upper Blackfoot Valley. The property comprises 427± acres and features exceptionally rare private still-water and spring creek fisheries. With over 3.5± miles of combined Keep Cool Creek, Stonewall Creek, and Spring Creek, the classic mountain spring creek systems meander through the eastern portions of the ranch. At the same time, the privately held 23± acre Smith Lake frames expansive views from the custom home and a detached artist’s workshop and guest cabin perched on the ridge above.
Located less than 2± miles from the genuine community of Lincoln, Montana, Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake is in the shadows of the famed Scapegoat Wilderness and surrounded by dramatic views of the Crown of the Continent in every direction. With intact ecosystems flourishing on the ranch, herds of elk rut and winter on the meadows along Keep Cool Creek, while Shiras moose, multiple species of waterfowl, shore birds, and trumpeter swans lazily summer in the quiet waters of Smith Lake.
This property is the legacy of renowned and award winning Montana outfitter Paul Roos and his wife, Carolyn. Paul and Carolyn dedicated their lives championing the ethos and conservation of Montana fishing and the land they loved. Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake was more than a home to the late Roos’; it was their masterstroke of land stewardship, exemplified by the meaningful creek restoration work completed on Keep Cool and Spring Creeks and the thoughtful protection of the land through two conservation easements. A new owner has the opportunity to continue this legacy with two additional building envelopes preserved for domestic development while maintaining the ecological integrity of this exceptional property.
1 Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
QUICK FACTS
• 427± acres in the Blackfoot Valley
• Two conservation easements with the Five Valleys Land Trust, each allowing additional building envelopes for future domestic development
• Exceptional fishing on 3.5± miles combined of Spring Creek, Keep Cool Creek, Stonewall Creek, and private 23± acre Smith Lake
• Elk, moose, waterfowl, shore birds, and other wildlife frequent the property
• Blackfoot River with renowned fly fishing within 2± miles
• Close to the Helena Lewis & Clark National Forest, Bob Marshall, and Scapegoat Wilderness
• A stunning two-level custom home and detached guest cabin situated on the landscape to capture the incredible views of Smith Lake and the wilderness beyond
• Well-located “boat house” on the shores of Smith Lake
• Ample shop/storage facilities
• Located 2± miles northwest of Lincoln, Montana, home of Sculpture in the Wild International Sculpture Park
• Lincoln Airport (S69) with 4,240’ asphalt runway located 2± miles east of the ranch
• Situated 56± miles from Helena, Montana, and 80± miles from Missoula, Montana
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
ACREAGE
At elevations ranging from 4,500’ – 4,600’, Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake features a balanced landscape of native grass, sagebrush, cottonwood, willows, aspen, and wetlands habitat on 427± acres. The property boasts an extensive network of pristine waterways, comprising approximately 3.5± miles of winding streams of Keep Cool Creek, Spring Creek, and Stonewall Creek. These creeks meander gracefully across the landscape, offering scenic beauty and vital habitats for various wildlife species. Around the custom home is a wellmaintained yard with native plants to await family, friends, barbecues, and games while blending with the natural scenery.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
THE LEGACY OF A TRUE LEGEND
Paul Roos began guiding the upper Blackfoot River in 1970 when he returned to his childhood stomping grounds of Lincoln, Montana, to fulfill his dream of becoming a Montana outfitter. Much has been written about Paul: his prowess as a master fly angler and his passion and commitment to the life, water, and land he loved. As a recipient of the Orvis Lifetime Achievement Award and an inductee into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame, few have contributed as much to western fly fishing, guiding, and conservation as Paul has. Paul’s positive impact on the water and land continues reverberating through the local community and every riffle up and downstream. We at Fay are truly honored to represent this sacred place of a true Montana legend.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
IMPROVEMENTS
Primary Home | Lake House
The turn-key primary home (Lake House) lies discreetly off a well-maintained county road. With 3,337± square feet on the main level, the two-floor Lake House offers large open windows, four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and an attached garage with an ingenious dog kennel system. Natural wood finishing and custom built-in cabinets and bookcases balance high open-beam ceilings. Heated flooring featuring cork and ceramic tile on the main level and lower-level painted concrete ensures that quiet elegance and comfort are critical design elements in this home. This home supports active lifestyles and peaceful repose with expansive dream-inspiring office space, two custom rock fireplaces, and a large deck with an underlying walk-out rock patio overlooking Smith Lake. (Additional improvement photographs available upon request.)
Primary Home Main Level Foyer Primary Home Main Level Kitchen
Primary Home Main Level Kitchen
Primary Home Main Level Dining Room
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
Primary Home Main Level Kitchen
Primary Home Main Level Garage and Workbench
Primary Home Main Level Kitchen
Primary Home Main Level Master Bedroom
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
Artist’s Workshop | Guest Cabin
The upper floor of the cabin (the Nest) hosts an open-plan artist’s workshop that boasts large picture windows facing Smith Lake and a sink, half bathroom, and deck. The lower level of the cabin hosts a studio guest room with large picture windows facing the lake, a deck, desk, sink, small refrigerator, microwave, and a three-fourths bathroom. The Nest, built in 2019, awaits visitors and provides a haven for artistic, musical, or intellectual retreats.
Guest House Living Room
Guest House Artist Studio
Guest House Bedroom
Boathouse and Outbuildings
A boat house shelters non-motorized watercraft and offers a peaceful setting for connecting families on its covered deck. A heated and enclosed tool and equipment shop, with additional open bays, is located near the county road and 300 yards from the Lake House.
Equipment Shed
Equipment Shed
Boat House
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
At the southern end of the Crown of the Continent, which includes over 10 million acres of some of the most intact wildland on the North American Continent, this property enjoys a vast array of wildlife and native plant species. Consistent sightings of moose, deer, elk, and their young offspring indicate this property’s healthy ecosystem.
Smith Lake hosts many species of migratory fowl within the Pacific flyway and is an annual nesting place for one of the Blackfoot Valley’s magnificent trumpeter swan pairs. Bald eagles, osprey, and other raptors commonly grace the skies with aerial acrobatics as a great blue heron poises quietly on the shore, awaiting its next catch. The unique call of sandhill cranes guarding their nests alerts observers to the sight of these leggy creatures on the surrounding land. A quiet kayak paddle on the lake will delight as turtles happily sunbathe on the logs near two small islands.
FISHING
Anglers of all ages can privately fish from the bank or paddle the 23± acres of Smith Lake. Approximately 3.5± miles of combined Keep Cool Creek, Spring Creek, and Stonewall Creek flow throughout the property, teeming with brook and brown trout, allowing endless opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts to enjoy. Meandering across the valley within a short distance, the Blackfoot River, celebrated in the book and movie A River Runs Through It, persists as a blue-ribbon fishery and stunning ecosystem. Additionally, many lakes and streams offer excellent trout fishing and hiking opportunities, as the national forest and wilderness areas closely neighbor Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake.
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
HUNTING
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake is between two Montana hunting districts. The southeastern majority of the property falls within Montana Hunting District 284, designated as an archeryonly hunting area. Conversely, the very northern segment of the property lies within District 281, allowing firearm hunting. A local elk herd is known to frequent the ranch, utilizing the property to rut and winter in the riparian areas, providing opportunities to get close with a bow or camera. The property is also home to other upland game and waterfowl and could lend itself to a new owner implementing a Montana shooting preserve license.
OTHER RECREATION | FAMILY ADVENTURES
The Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas comprise a vast network of trails that offer hiking, camping, and exploring opportunities. With over one million acres of protected land, this complex is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring stunning mountain vistas, pristine lakes and rivers, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can choose among trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. A short drive over Roger’s Pass unveils the splendor of the Rocky Mountain Front and the eastern slope of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake carries two separate conservation easements with Five Valley Land Trust. The 104± acres located west of Beaver Creek Road allows for an additional building envelope along the lake’s east shore. In contrast, the easement on the 320± acres east of Beaver Creek Road provides for its own building envelope that may be located in most places outside the riparian zones. Both conservation easements balance the need for sustainable land use with the preservation of critical ecological values, ensuring the long-term health and vitality of the designated area. Copies of all conservation easements are available upon request.
We at Fay love the land and want to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wideopen spaces and enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats while implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
WATER SOURCES | WATER RIGHTS
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake has several water rights appurtenant to the property, allowing for various uses. The expansive Smith Lake is complemented by water rights from Stonewall Creek and a developed spring to allow proper management of this private water. Surface and groundwater rights throughout the property provide for fisheries, recreation, and commercial guiding in addition to irrigation, stock water, and domestic uses. Water rights are available upon request.
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
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Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
AREA HISTORY
Traditionally a gathering place for multiple Native American tribes over thousands of years, the Blackfoot Valley in western Montana has a history rooted in mining, logging, ranching, and tourism. The area is named for its Blackfoot River, a world-renowned trout fishery. In the heart of the valley, Lincoln was founded in the late 1800s as a gold-mining town, subsequently seeing the proliferation of logging, sawmills, and ranching. Outdoor and artistic-based tourism ensued, and outfitting businesses flourished to support wild-game hunting and guided fishing excursions. The decades since have spawned countless collaborative efforts between individuals passionate about how to thrive as residents of the area while supporting a healthy ecosystem into the future.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
History buffs can visit the nearby ghost town of Garnet or explore the Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena, Montana. Other popular attractions include the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls and the Old Montana Prison Museum in Deer Lodge. Additionally, visitors can take scenic drives to enjoy the stark beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park. A northwest excursion through the stunning landscapes of the Seeley-Swan Valley leads to the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through southern Glacier National Park, is one of the most picturesque drives in the country, offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine meadows. Visitors can stop at viewpoints, hike to waterfalls, and even take a boat tour of the park’s famous Lake McDonald.
23 Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
LOCATION
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake lies northwest of Lincoln, Montana. With a population of 1,000±, Lincoln has all basic amenities, including a grocery store, post office, medical clinic, and restaurants. A historical museum and Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild featuring international and resident artists add to the unique culture which celebrates the limitless artistic interpretations of the surrounding natural beauty.
Located within Lewis and Clark County, Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake is 56± miles from Helena, Montana. As the state capital, county seat, and home to the prestigious Carroll College, Helena maintains an active community of students, politics, and outdoor activities. Missoula, Montana, 80± miles to the west, calls visitors to enjoy its vibrant downtown shopping, restaurants, and events on the University of Montana campus.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
AIRPORT SERVICES
Lincoln Airport (S69), with 4,240’ asphalt runway, is located 2± miles east of the ranch. The closest commercial airport, Helena Regional Airport, accommodates direct flights to and from Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Denver via Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines. Executive Air services private aircraft. Helena Regional Airport is approximately 56± miles from Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake.
Located 80± miles from the property, the Missoula Montana Airport is also a popular commercial airfield. Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, United, and others serve Missoula Montana Airport. The state-owned Lincoln Airport (S69) offers private aviation quick access to the area with its 4,240’ asphalt runway.
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Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
SUMMARY
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake is the epitome of a classic Montana fishing property in a location largely unchanged from previous generations. The water amenities on the ranch are exceedingly rare in today’s market, with exceptional private still water and productive spring creek fisheries, both in scale and quality, that rival any in Montana. The tasteful home and guest cottage are thoughtfully placed on the land where dramatic views of the upper Blackfoot Valley in all its glory radiate in all directions. Whether tying flies in the flytying room or walking and wading sacred beats in the footprints of a true flyfishing legend, the spirit of passion and vision exude from every acre, calling a new owner to embrace this cherished property.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
Keep Cool Creek at Smith Lake | Lincoln, Montana
Please contact James Esperti at (406) 581-4795 | jesperti@fayranches.com or Matt Henningsen at (406) 570-5072 | mhenningsen@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
TAXES
$9,044±
$5,500,000 Cash
Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE
As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:
1. SELLER AGENT
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.
A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:
Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
2. BUYER AGENT
(cont)
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.
A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:
Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.
4. STATUTORY BROKER
A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:
Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
5.
IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.
6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.
BUYER AGENT
A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.
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