Imagine owning a piece of the real Montana—where the spirit of the West meets luxury, privacy, and rugged beauty. Just minutes from the iconic Chief Joseph Ranch—famous as the Dutton family’s home in Yellowstone—this stunning equestrian estate invites you to live the dream so many only watch on screen. Set on nearly 20 acres bordering endless Forest Service land, this is more than a home—it’s a self-sustaining retreat built for adventure, serenity, and lasting legacy in the heart of Big Sky Country. Ride straight from your property into the wilderness.
Fish the legendary West Fork of the Bitterroot River in under five minutes. Ski Lost Trail Powder Mountain in just 30. Or simply enjoy the peace and privacy of your own mountain retreat, complete with panoramic views, lush irrigated pasture, and three serene ponds. The main residence is a custom-designed masterpiece of western living, featuring four bedrooms plus a bonus room, a game room with wet bar and wine fridge, a cozy library nook, sauna, music studio, and a double garage. Thoughtful details like wrap-around decks, multiple fireplaces, and a private hot tub maximize your connection to nature and the stunning south valley vistas.
The home includes a private 1-bedroom guest wing with a full kitchen, bath, and separate entrance. A second fully-equipped studio apartment—an 840 sq ft space above the large detached shop—has served successfully as a vacation rental.
Equestrian and ranch amenities include:
• 5-stall barn with tack room and hay storage and large hay barn
• Large riding arena
• Steel pipe fencing
• Irrigated pastures
• Chicken coop and enclosed run
• Fenced garden with fertile soil and optimal sunlight
Built for self-sufficiency and peace of mind, the property includes solar panels, electric utilities, and a full-home generator for uninterrupted living. Whether you're raising horses, cultivating a garden, or watching elk and deer cross the land at dawn, this property offers an unmatched Montana lifestyle.
It’s not just a home—it’s a private sanctuary built for legacy living in Big Sky Country.
Active
Price cut: $100K (5/28)
$2,499,000
181 Hart Bench Rd, Darby, MT 59829
6beds
8,352sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1990
19.55 Acres Lot
$2,311,200 Zestimate®
$299/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Chicken coopMultiple fireplacesPanoramic viewsRiding arenaIrrigated pasturesPrivate hot tubWrap-around decks
- 37 days
- on Zillow |
- 1,739 |
- 40 |
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: June 09, 2025 at 09:46am
Listed by:
Kelly Whitmoyer 406-274-5449,
Glacier Sotheby's International Realty Hamilton
Source: MRMLS,MLS#: 30047896

Travel times
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Tour with a buyer’s agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Heating
- Geothermal, Wood Stove
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Range, Refrigerator
- Laundry: Washer Hookup
Features
- Sauna, Additional Living Quarters
- Basement: Daylight,Finished,Walk-Out Access
- Number of fireplaces: 2
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 8,352 sqft
- Finished area below ground: 1,584
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 4
- Parking features: Additional Parking
- Attached garage spaces: 4
Features
- Levels: Two
- Patio & porch: Deck, Patio, Wrap Around, Balcony
- Exterior features: Balcony, Garden, Hot Tub/Spa
- Has spa: Yes
- Spa features: Hot Tub
- Fencing: Other
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Meadow, Mountain(s)
Lot
- Size: 19.55 Acres
Details
- Additional structures: Arena, Barn(s), Poultry Coop, Workshop
- Parcel number: 13107312301070000
- Special conditions: Standard
- Other equipment: Generator
- Horses can be raised: Yes
- Horse amenities: Arena, Tack Room
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Other
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Foundation: Poured
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1990
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Private Sewer, Septic Tank
- Water: Well
- Utilities for property: Electricity Connected, Phone Available
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Darby
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $299/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $1,643,710
- Annual tax amount: $7,315
- Date on market: 5/5/2025
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Right To Sell
- Has irrigation water rights: Yes
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