The Ponds-A Working Ranch

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

Air conditioning
Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Kitchen

Explore the area

Hamilton, MT

Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital
‪7 min drive‬
Daly Mansion
‪9 min drive‬
Stock Farm Club
‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1

1 King Bed

2

1 King Bed

3

1 Queen Bed

4

1 Queen Bed

5

1 Single Bunk Bed

Fun Room

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Fun Room

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Separate dining area

About this property

Beautiful home at the base of the Bitterroot Mountains. 5 bedroom 3.5 bathrooms on 40 acres with swimming, fishing, pickleball court, basketball, canoeing, biking, hiking, wildlife, elk, deer, ducks and geese, etc.. Truly an oasis but just minutes from Hamilton and the Bitterroot Bike Trail. A vacation dream this property is in the perfect location to explore the entire Bitterroot Valley. The views of the Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountain ranges are spectacular.

Property manager

Doug Schallenberger

Premier Host

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Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Parking available

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hamilton

Located in Hamilton, this holiday home is in the mountains. Westslope Distillery and Shed Horn Cellars are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bitterroot Valley and Bitterroot River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Hamilton, MT

What's nearby

Bitterroot Valley - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital - 7 min drive - 6.5 km
Daly Mansion - 9 min drive - 8.5 km
Sawtooth Trailhead - 12 min drive - 7.2 km
Stock Farm Club - 26 min drive - 16.2 km

Getting around

Missoula, MT (MSO-Missoula Intl.) - 82 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
‪Florence Coffee Co. - ‬7 min drive
‪Bitter Root Brewing - ‬6 min drive
‪Town Pump - ‬8 min drive
‪Higherground Brewing Company - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ponds-A Working Ranch pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Ponds-A Working Ranch?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Ponds-A Working Ranch?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Ponds-A Working Ranch located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is steps from Bitterroot Valley and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Bitterroot River. Skalkaho Bend Park and River Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Cassie B.

1 Dec 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another fantastic stay!

We spent another wonderful Thanksgiving with family at this property. Tons of space for everyone, and fun playing pool, ping-pong, etc. in the game room. We love staying here every year, and Doug is always accommodating & easy to work with. Thanks!

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna F.

26 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful location

We attended a wedding at the Daly Mansion and this location was great. We enjoyed the family of quail, cows, horse , and running elk. It was also great to have wifi and large bedrooms for our six adults. The Blodgett overlook trail was a beautiful hike

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Salda S.

6 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

August visit

We came into town for a wedding. When we got there there was a storm that had just come through and knocked out the power. Doug made sure we had flashlights and lanterns if needed. The property is amazing and peaceful. The house has ample room for everyone to have privacy too! Would stay here again for sure!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa G.

3 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay!

This place was a great house and property to stay. My family and I enjoyed it. The area and the property are gorgeous. The house is huge with activities to do inside.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erika R.

10 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family getaway

This is our 3rd stay at the ponds house. It is spacious and beautiful, close to town but feels secluded. The owner is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend. Great property for kids and families.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

4 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Bitterroots

A group of U of M grads from many years ago get together every year for a reunion. We chose this location due to past experiences hiking, fishing and camping. As we get older, places like Doug's make perfect sense to us and he is the ultimate host. The house is large with the ability to take a large group comfortably and the amenities are endless with the game room, water activities in the pond and a pickle ball court on site. Hamilton is close for everything you might need and this area has the solitude one would want if they wanted to get away from it all. Thanks Doug!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

20 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Stay

We loved our stay in Hamilton. House was clean and spacious. Great game room above the garage that the kids & teens loved. A pond in the front yard and one in the back that everyone enjoyed. Scenery and sunsets were beautiful from the property. Host was very responsive when we needed him. Great stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

SHAWNA K.

6 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

We enjoyed our stay at The Ponds while in town for a wedding. Doug and Lori made the process easy and our guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery and peacefulness offered at this property.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassie B.

29 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay.....again!

This is the third time we have stayed at this property--it is perfect! There is room for everyone, and lots to do. The game room over the garage allows people to have fun and be loud without disrupting those in the main house. The property is beautiful, and the views are spectacular! Doug is extremely accommodating and easy to communicate with. We hope to be able to stay here again! Thanks so much, Doug!

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy K.

27 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

It was a wonderful stay with family. Very clean. Beautiful views. Highly recommended.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann H.

30 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great House for a Large Group

If you have a large group, this is a great place to stay. Plenty of room in the house and lots to do outside. Pickleball was a big hit with our group. Loved the animals coming around. Well-stocked kitchen. The fun room above the garage is a great hang-out spot. While we didn't have young children, they would have loved this area. If we ever go back with a large group, this is the first place I will look into.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom A.

13 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Montana Ranch Property

This property was fantastic for our family. The kids (both under five) absolutely loved it - cows, horses, sheep, tire swing, pond, etc. Very scenic, incredible mountain vistas everywhere you look. Convenient, but removed, location as well. Doug is great.

Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David C.

1 Aug 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

The property was Amazing and so perfect for families. We had an amazing family trip. Great house for those traveling with young children- there is SO much to do you don’t even need to leave the house. My toddlers loved all the cows and animals on the property and being able to fish in the pond. There is a basketball court/ pickle ball court as well little bikes and cars for toddlers to ride The views are spectacular on the property. The beds were also very comfortable!

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

26 June 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Cleanliness

Fun stay in Hamilton

Cute place nestled back off the main road. Stunning views, very peaceful and quiet. The space was great for our family get away. Doug has everything there that you could possibly need.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina M.

4 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

pictures don’t do it justice!

Lori and Doug’s house is wonderful! The views were incredible and the pictures do not do this house justice. There was more space than expected and the house not only offered everyone their own space but also plenty of space to gather!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cassie B.

25 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home Away From Home

This is our 2nd year in a row staying here, and it was just as great as the first! Tons of room for our whole family! The bonus/game room is perfect for group fun without disrupting the rest of the house. Plenty of room for meals, lounging, etc. The property is gorgeous, and Doug was accommodating and easy to communicate with. Can't say enough great things about our stay and this place!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

9 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual gathering of friends

Six guys who spent years working together have now been getting together in MT each Fall to do a little hunting and/or fishing. More importantly we get together to keep our friendship going. Doug, your place provided a great place for our Garth this year. It was very convenient for hunting and fishing, and a very comfortable house. Thanks much.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erika R.

7 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

This was our second stay at the Ponds. Once again it was amazing! Such a great space for families. My kids never want to leave the property, which is fine because we don’t either!

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ronda W.

18 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pleasant and peaceful

The home is very beautiful quiet and relaxing. We saw deer every day as well as different birds. Sitting on the back deck in the early morning drinking coffee is a wonderful way to start your day.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

James F.

1 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in Big Sky

This is an exceptional property and a hidden gem. My wife and I took our 14 year old and two adult children with their significant others. Without hesitation, we all agreed it was the best vacation ever. And, that is above trips to Maui. There is something to do for everyone on this property. We didn’t have to leave as it is all right there. Ponds to swim, fish, and kayak. A basketball court, pickle ball, pool table, ping pong, fire pit, and much more. We made memories of a lifetime and can’t wait to return. Doug was an exceptional host and we are forever grateful to him for sharing paradise with us.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Martina S.

19 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house

The house is beautiful and in a gorgeous location. There is so much for kids to do right on the property--swimming, basketball, ping pong, fishing, kayaking . . .

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

18 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hamilton Heaven!

You have to see it to believe it! 40 amazing acres with 2 beautiful ponds and creeks which bring in all kinds of wildlife: mule deer, elk, muskrats, beavers, herons, ducks, geese and a pile of songbirds. All in the shadow of the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountains, with some of the best hikes in the world. Stunning Blodgett Canyon is only 15 minutes away! Oh, and don't forget the kayaks, a basketball and pickle ball court, pool table, and ping pong table! Doug and Lori are amazing, although we never had the need to call them. Well, except to complain about how worn out my kids were from all of the fun activities provided! Thanks for everything, and see you next year!

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark S., Seattle, WA

1 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place for Relaxing

This property has everything you need. This is a large house with many rooms. I counted five beds and one set of bunk beds, family room, TV room, and a game room over the garage. There is so much to do nearby. But honestly, why leave? Toss a kayak in pond and paddle around. Sit of the porch swing and watch the red wing black birds, great blue herons, killdeers, etc. If we venture back to Hamilton with a large group again then this will be where we land.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

28 Apr 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bitterroot Getaway

This was my first VRBO use and it exceed expectations. The house is well equipped as described in the info page and in great location for exploring both the nearby towns and surrounding countryside. The house is large and comfortable, terrific game room/social area above the garage. We would most certainly like to return.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey g.

4 Mar 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lost Trail get away

Little under an hour from Lost Trail ski hill. Perfect place for après-ski. Very close to downtown Hamilton which is a fun spot to check out. Good food and better people. Great views from the house with ample room.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

About the host

Hosted by Doug Schallenberger

We built this home and lived in it while we raised our children. Lots of fun on the pond, swimming, kayaking, fishing, close to bike path. We have a pickleball net, basketball court, and fun. We loved watching the baby geese, ducks, sand cranes, blue cranes, elk and deer. Close to town.

Why they chose this property

You will love the location, close to town but 40 acres of privacy with end of the road amenity.

What makes this property unique

Pond, creek, views, see lots of wildlife including elk and deer.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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The Ponds-A Working Ranch

Photo gallery for The Ponds-A Working Ranch

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

1

2

3

4

5

Fun Room

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Fun Room

Master

Spaces

About this property