5178 Koch LN Florence, MT 59833

Remarks: There's something magical that happens when you fully embrace the rural way of life in a small mountain town in Western Montana. You're able to detach from the frenzied pace of life, while tapping into the part of yourself that wants to reconnect with the land. Do yourselves a favor, put Missoula in your rear view mirror and take a scenic 20 mile drive South to 5178 Koch Lane, located in the community of Florence, situated at the Northern end of the majestic Bitterroot Valley. You needn't venture far from the pavement, just far enough down a country lane to find your way back to yourself. Catch your breath, inhale the fresh mountain air and take a step back in time while viewing this distinctive c. 1900 Folk-Victorian Farmhouse and all that this 5.09 acre homestead has to offer. Surface Water: YES Towering Cottonwoods and Pines stand guard along the seasonal irrigation canal that borders the western edge of the fully fenced parcel, with the craggy peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains serving as a most majestic backdrop for this multi-faceted offering.

The introduction to the main residence is comfortable, warm and inviting, displaying tiled flooring, barn wood wainscoting and unique horseshoe accents. The interior of this historical farm house holds true to its architectural roots, offering a functional flow that creates unique living experiences within each region.

While significantly remodeled 20 years ago, thankfully many of the original elements were left intact: Pine plank flooring in the Formal Dining Room and Kitchen, distinctive wood trim accents throughout and most original doors and hardware preserved on both levels.

With ample space to entertain in the Formal Dining Room, what truly makes for an exceptional experience, whether it be for 1 or 10, it's all about the pastoral view that is framed by the large picture window. The food can get cold, and the conversation may wane, but oh, my...that view!

The Country Kitchen offers beautiful cabinetry, neutral countertops, a pantry with roll-out drawers, and just the right amount of space to have everything in reach.

Comfortably sized, the Living Room features an abundance of natural light due to good window placement, and French Door access to the front yard.

Adjacent to this region there is one of the three bedrooms, and for years worked quite well as a Home Office for the Sellers.

A classic wooden stairwell winds its way to the upper level, where you'll find a wide, open landing that offers plenty of room to make the space work for you, perhaps a library or even a workout room!

The Owner's Suite is a comfortable retreat, displaying an elegant floral fusion of pale blue and crisp white trim, a walk-in closet and directly behind the cottage-paned French Door is access to the tastefully appointed private Bathroom.

Anchoring the front of the house, the third bedroom is roomy, featuring bayed window accents and a sizeable closet.

Embracing the exterior of this comfortable residence, there is a sturdy wooden deck, and tucked below, with its own entrance, you'll find a room that offers plenty of shelving for your canned goods and room to change out the filter on the furnace, too.

Located just across the way is the secondary Guest Cottage with its own Bathroom and Kitchenette. Oh, it's nothing fancy, but there is enough space within the two rooms of this 336' abode that it could be easily rented out or to serve as your own private studio.

The grounds of this 5.09 estate are fenced and cross-fenced, with one region alone dedicated solely to raised garden beds, while another utilized as a large, kenneled area for pets, large and small.

There is a Single detached Garage conveniently located near the house, and just steps away there is an additional Shop/Garage with walls of cabinets, counters and plenty of space to work on whatever you wish, no matter the season, with the inclusion of the Woodstove in the corner.

There's good fenced pastures, a Seasonal Pond, a Pole Barn and an extended, multi-bayed Loafing Shed to shelter your large animals and plenty of space for hay storage, too.

However, the crown jewel of this of this property is without a doubt the c. 1905, Two-Story Barn, in all her weathered glory. Each level offers 1,740' of space, with the upper hayloft region reading more like a rustic cathedral, that with some polish, could become the ultimate gathering spot for generations to come.

There's a sense of independence, self-sufficiency and a ferocity of spirit if you will, that comes with a rural lifestyle in Western Montana. The opportunity to acquire a historic, established homestead this close into Missoula is rare indeed and is worthy of your careful consideration.

Perhaps its time to put city living in your rear view mirror, travel down a country lane and find your way home to 5178 Koch Lane in Florence, Montana.