The 104± acres of Smith Lake Overlook are located in Blackfoot River Valley along the southern end of the diverse plant and wildlife interconnected ecosystem known as the Crown of the Continent. The home (Lake House), built in 2009, was located to minimize the impact on the existing biota while providing a spiritual setting, including a fantastic view of the privately held Smith Lake with the Lewis and Clark Mountain Range in the background. In 2019, an artist’s workshop was added 50 paces away, with a guest room on the bottom floor. This building (Nest) has the same beautiful view as the Lake House in a quiet and peaceful setting.
A short walk to the boat house offers a closer view of the 23± acre Smith Lake, full of life with aquatic insects, fish, muskrats, turtles, ducks, cranes, and geese until the nesting pair of trumpeter swans chase the geese off. Eagles, hawks, owls, and osprey are often in the area. The habitat around the lake and the 65± acres south of the house support the presence of meadowlarks, woodpeckers, mountain bluebirds, and various other wild birds, moose, deer, and elk.
Less than a mile north of the property, public land is available for numerous recreational activities both in the summer and winter. A few miles further, the Scapegoat Wilderness is known for never-ending exploration by hikers, horseback riders, or skiers. The Blackfoot River offers additional fishing and recreation adventures two miles south of the Lake House.
The Lake House and the Nest both highlight the sanctuary of the Blackfoot Valley, while the boat house and Smith Lake provide a special place to play and relax in and around the water as the surrounding property provides the habitat needed for the area wildlife.