Columbia Falls, Montana
Cabin in
the Pines
at 86 Windmill
Your Host
Your stay is managed by Swell Property Management. Reach out to them for anything that comes up during your visit.
Hi, we're Kade and Paige — born-and-raised Montanans and the team behind Swell Property Management. We have deep roots in the Flathead Valley and a passion for showcasing the stunning properties that make Montana so special. If anything comes up during your stay, feel free to reach out.
Your Homeowners
Hi, we're Gabe, Pauline, and Theo. We first visited Montana in 2020 and fell in love. After renting in the area and searching for a way to put down roots, we bought this land in 2021. A few hiccups later, we finally broke ground in 2024, finished the cabin in 2025, and have been coming back to reset ever since. We hope it feels that way for you too.
The Cabin
Tap the screen to wake it. We recommend Auto mode — it manages both heating and cooling and keeps a comfortable range without switching between modes.
- Tap the temperature on screen to open the control panel.
- Set your preferred heating and cooling setpoints — the thermostat stays within that range automatically.
The TV runs on the Samsung Smart TV OS. Use the white Samsung remote to navigate.
- YouTube TV — installed and logged in. Live TV, sports, and on-demand with no setup.
- Apple TV app — pre-installed with a guest subscription included.
- Other apps — additional streaming apps are installed. Sign in to your own account for anything not already logged in.
The dining room speaker defaults to Chromecast (Input 1). Cast music from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc. without pairing.
- Make sure your phone is on the cabin Wi-Fi.
- Open your music app and tap the Cast icon.
- Select 'Stanmore' from the list.
The brewer works with two filter setups depending on how much you're making. There's also a burr grinder on the counter — fresh-ground coffee makes a real difference if you have a few extra minutes.
- Mug — brew directly into a mug using the button on the left.
- Half or full carafe — use the corresponding buttons for larger batches.
- 1–4 cups — use the beige insert with Kalita filters. Set it in place before brewing.
- Larger batches — remove the insert and use the larger flat-bottom filters directly in the basket.
The machine uses exactly the water you put in. Measure how much you want to brew in water first, then match your grounds to that — about one scoop per cup.
Runs entirely off the wireless remote. Press power to ignite or extinguish.
- Flame, fan & light — the circle button cycles between controls. Use up/down arrows to adjust.
- Thermostat mode — sets the fireplace to cycle on/off by room temperature. We prefer manual mode — flame on low, accent light on, fan off.
Firewood is stacked at the back of the house near the patio.
- Stack kindling in the center, light from the bottom, then add larger pieces. Firestarter is in the closet.
- Extra foldable lounge chairs are also in the closet.
- Never leave the fire unattended. Fully extinguish before heading in for the night. A fire extinguisher is in the laundry room and a fire blanket is stored with the BBQ gear.
Briquettes, a lighter, and BBQ tools are provided and stored with the grill outside.
- Pour briquettes into the grill, light, and wait until they're ashed over before cooking — usually about 20 minutes.
- Let the grill cool fully before covering or storing the tools.
The cabin draws from a private well — the water is safe to drink. A water softener and iron treatment system run automatically every few days; you may hear equipment cycling in the mechanical room, which is normal. It can leave a faint hint of salt in the taste and occasional small air bubbles. Both are harmless.
Starlink satellite internet handles streaming, video calls, and browsing well. Brief moments of latency can occur due to satellite positioning and typically resolve on their own within a minute.
Freight rail runs through the valley below — you'll likely hear trains passing, occasionally at night. Earplugs or white noise work well if you're a light sleeper.
The dashed green area is your wandering zone. Pink areas are neighboring property — please respect the boundaries.
- The old foundation on the left marks the far end of the property.
- The green gate at the top connects to the neighbor's driveway. Please don't go through it.
- There's a creek on the neighboring property not visible from the cabin — keep young children close to the house.
Please read
House Rules
Even though the neighbors feel far away, sound carries in the forest. Our closest neighbor is up at 4am for work and goes to bed early — we ask that you be mindful of that.
- No parties or large gatherings.
- Please keep voices and music low after 9pm — especially on the patio.
The cabin runs on a private septic system, which is more sensitive than a city connection.
- Coffee grounds go in the trash, not the sink.
- Large food scraps go in the trash — the disposal handles small rinse-off residue only.
Please use the trivets for hot pans. The quartz island can stain or crack under direct high heat.
- There is a large garbage bin in the mechanical closet that can hold multiple bags — use it to keep trash stored securely inside.
- There is no garbage pickup service. If the bin is full, contact Kade and he'll arrange disposal.
- Bear spray is in the closet by the door — take it if you're heading out on trails or away from the cabin.
Please keep your speed to 10 mph when driving in and out. Kids sometimes play in the area and our neighbors are sensitive to fast-moving vehicles on the shared road.
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