History of the LCR
THE PROPERTY
The history of this property is incredible, in the 1980s a private oil company designated 3 sites in the area for drilling and this property was one of them. The oil company came to this property with plans and infrastructure to place a 2 million pound oil rig and housing for a 4-man work crew, 2 geologists, and a foreman. They drilled the well, dug the pond for cooling (which is spring fed), and placed water and sewer infrastructure to support 7 cabins. They also trucked in thousands of yards of material to build this entire pad from the main road/entrance, around the pond, and even where the tiny cabins and RV sites are currently sitting. They also set up a small rail system for moving materials, lumber, and machinery, as well as setting pylons in concrete and rebar to place the oil drilling rig upon… although not seen in the Meadow, you can see where they placed the pad from Drone footage or Google earth maps.
The craziest thing of all, was that the project never came to fruition. The 1980's oil embargo choked all of the financial resources and the project was pulled before completed. There was no drilling performed as the oil rig never even made it on-site, no housing constructed, they didn’t even finish hooking up any of the extensive water or sewer lines they had placed. All of that infrastructure sat dormant (in the ground) for over 30 years until it was found and resurrected.
Luckily, since we live in a small area, James was able to find and contact the actual foreman who did most of the dirt and infrastructure work, the gentleman that drilled the well, and even the county engineer who oversaw and approved the septic/sewer system; it then became a scavenger hunt! Guided by our instincts and others who were partly involved back then. We started searching (and digging) all over the property to find water and sewer lines. At times it looked like the moon with holes and craters across this meadow just searching for pipe and structures that were placed over 30 years ago. Slowly, and step by step, pieces, parts, and systems came together as water and sewer lines were found, connected, made operational, and ultimately approved. At the same time, electricity was being brought in, placed, and eventually connected to bring the entire infrastructure system together with water, sewer and power.
THE TINY CABINS
The first building(s) did not start appearing on the property for over 2 years…..and those were not cabins to stay in or for recreational use, they were more for storage and operations. Other than RV camping, the first cabin did not appear until July 2019, over 4.5 yrs after we started. We were intrigued by the tiny cabin idea but were not under the assumption that they could be built to be road worthy over many years. We are not staunch “tiny living” enthusiasts or minimalists-if you notice, everything in our tiny cabins is “full size”. More accurately, we are of the thinking “how much do you really need” and planned from there. Working with MKM Reclaimed, owners Kurt Crider and Michelle Nauman, we designed our cabins based on "full size living in a tiny space" concept. We tended to shy away from many of the hidden storage spaces, smaller appliances, and multi-purpose gadgets and instead looked at basic functionality and (hopefully) comfort.
Starting with one large 84 foot mobile home trailer frame, cut it in half, realigned the axles, and re-welded the cross structure, thus making two frames out of the one. MKM brought ideas and experience that truly helped make the build that we wanted to achieve. For instance, we structured with 2 x 4 framing vs 2 x 6, it gave us an extra 3” in length and width, but to compensate, we used spray foam insulation, which actually made the cabins as sturdy as using 2 x 6’s. These cabins are fully spray insulated all the way around, including floors and ceiling, we hope it adds to the comfort!
As far as furnishings, we went full size on everything. You can cook a full size turkey in the oven or a pound of bacon in a large skillet on the stove. Bring your groceries because our frig can handle your Costco load. Stretch out and nap in the recliners without hitting your feet on tables or benches. Even the shower is the largest one-piece shower available to give all the elbow room you’d like after a long day enjoying NW Montana.
On the outside we chose a mountain modern architectural style with a rustic modern theme. Inside, our cabins are “themed” to represent James’s love of fishing (Fisherman's Cabin) and Debby growing up in her family's produce business and a love of gardening (Farmer's Market Cabin). Many of the items and decorations in the fishing cabin were given to James by his father and grandfather, who taught him how to fish. Debby’s family owned and operated a farmers market and produce trucking business in Colorado. From their location they sold and distributed fresh produce to a large region of the central and western United States. Items in the farmers market cabin are from her past and special gifts given from family and friends to add to the theme. It is special for both of us that we can commemorate history of our families. Most of all, if you are staying in one of our cabins, we hope that you enjoy every aspect to their fullest, and we hope you feel relaxed, comfortable, and happy.
THE GREENHOUSE
The best way to describe this little building is to say "Hold your nose, because it is stinkin" cute! The greenhouse was a labor of love as James put over 50 antique windows to use in the most spectacular way. What else do you do when your wife comes home and has scored such a find for free at a yard sale? Inside, he has added planter boxes and a small water feature. Running artesian water and electricity make it the snazziest spot on the property to hang out, not to mention to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers! Each summer will be an adventure adding to the learning curve of gardening. But most of all, it is the treat of working with an amazing 360 degree view!
Today, we hope that what we’ve dreamt, planned, created, and worked toward for so long is seen and enjoyed by you (and all) who come here! James says he “loves seeing the LCR through other people's eyes and experiences”-he says this, and this is the BIGGEST surprise in this true and incredible story-*James is technically blind!
*James lost over 75% of his vision in his mid 40’s due to a genetic defect in his eyes-obviously causing many life changes. This dream, the LCR, would not be possible if not for some very VERY special people he has been blessed with in his life; his wonderful wife Debby, and 2 of his greatest friends (like brothers) Jason Barrett and Kurt Crider. So once again, WELCOME to Legacy Creeks Ranch, we hope you enjoy our little slice of heaven just a bit more by knowing some of its history!
**As we are constantly working to develop and improve the LCR...more photos to come!
