Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Fay Ranches

INTRODUCTION

Located in the highly coveted Big Hole River Valley and affectionately known as the Blue Moon Trading Post and Blue Moon Saloon, this unique offering has supported a variety of ventures over the years. Today, the spacious structure, complete with Western charm, is enjoyed as a full-time residence, though the options and opportunities heading into the future are limited only by the imagination. Approximately a mile and a half away from the Divide Bridge Boat Launch and access location for float trips along a favorite stretch of the Big Hole River, and with a neighboring fly fishing shop, the Blue Moon Trading Post would be an ideal location for a fly fishing lodge, café or as a private residence to enjoy the close proximity to the world-class fishing opportunity along the Big Hole River.

Beyond the tranquil waters of the Big Hole River lie boundless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts – hiking in the nearby National Forest Lands, camping alongside picturesque mountain lakes in the Pioneer Mountains, hunting for prized big game species, including elk and deer, or reveling in the winter wonderland while cross country skiing or snowmobiling along the Pintler Scenic Byway groomed trail system. With its prime location just off Highway 43 and a short drive to Butte, Montana, this property presents a unique fusion of residential and commercial potential, beckoning new owners to shape its future according to their aspirations. Whether as a cherished family home or a lucrative investment, the possibilities at the Blue Moon Trading Post are as endless as the Montana skies above.

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

QUICK FACTS

• Adjacent to an existing fly-fishing shop, endless commercial possibilities for an investment minded buyer

• Minutes to the Divide Bridge Boat Launch for float fishing adventures on one of the most famed stretches of the Big Hole River

• Main structure features 2 bedrooms that could be converted into a fishing lodge with 4 bathrooms

• Rustic log beams, barn wood accents, and a stone fireplace combine to cre-ate a warm and inviting gathering spot

• Studio “bunkhouse” for additional lodging option or studio space

• Currently, the Blue Moon Trading Post is a spacious residence featuring an open living area and Western elegance

• Undeveloped level field previously used for campers and gatherings with fire pit and horseshoe pit

• Abundant wildlife in the region includes elk, deer, moose, and more

• Beautiful 15-minute drive along the Big Hole River banks to Wise River

• A short drive to the small Western town of Melrose for a quick lunch or dinner

• 40-minutes to the quaint Western town of Dillon for shopping, dining, and medical services

• 15-minute commute to Butte for dining, shopping, and major services, including medical and commercial air

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

ACREAGE

The Blue Moon Trading Post and Blue Moon Saloon sit on a level two± acre parcel with great Highway 43 frontage and access. The property is split by a waterway that features seasonal water flow with a wooden footbridge from one side to the other to access an open field that provides ample parking for campers or an area to set up tents to accommodate additional guests to the property or as a location to host special events. This portion of the property features a fire pit for gathering and a horseshoe pit for an evening of fun just steps away from the front door of the Blue Moon Trading Post and Saloon!

SCENIC VISTAS

From the windows, the views of the surrounding area, as the Big Hole River Valley slices through the region, create an interesting tapestry of color from sunrise to sunset along the abundant protected land from the National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and State Lands. It is a common occurrence while spending time at the Blue Moon Trading Post, to enjoy glassing wildlife scenes, including hundreds of resident elk as they migrate into the region utilizing the high-quality grasses and vast protected lands on the Fleecer Mountain Wildlife Management Area behind the property as wintering and calving grounds.

IMPROVEMENTS

The rustic roadhouse-style exterior is charming and immediately captures your attention. Adorned with a historic sign for the Blue Moon Trading Post, one of the various commercial ventures that once inhabited this distinctive space, you enter through the door to be immediately captivated by the warm and inviting interior with a unique western elegance complete with rustic barn wood and sparkling crystal chandelier. The existing structure was converted into a full-time residence by the current owners, and it features spacious living quarters with luxurious and rustic reclaimed barn wood and beautifully stained concrete floors. A large stone fireplace is an ideal gathering spot, while a cozy wood stove provides a warm and inviting nook in the corner of the large living area. The wood heating option is complimented by two furnaces, providing efficient zone heating throughout the larger space.

The property includes a bunkhouse building that has been utilized for additional lodging but would also make an ideal project space or home office location. Adjacent to the bunkhouse, a two-car garage provides ample space for parking vehicles and four-wheelers, storing fishing gear, lawn care equipment, and more. The structures are well situated on a portion of the property, leaving the remaining property open for other possible uses.

• 4,668± square-foot Roadhouse-style building

• 2-bed, 2-full, and 2-half baths

• Reconstructed in 2006, complete with metal steel frame construction with steel beams throughout and metal roof

• Beautifully stamped and stained concrete floors to resemble barn wood planks

• Large log beams in the great room

• Reclaimed barn wood for a rustic look

• Large windows to enjoy surrounding mountain and valley views

• Spacious great room with stunning river rock stone fireplace

• Sparkling chandelier – rustic elegance

• Blaze King wood stove in cozy corner of great room creates a warm and inviting gathering nook

• Kuma wood stove in the main bedroom area

• Two furnaces to heat structure in two easily controlled zones for efficiency

• A commercial kitchen with a large workspace to prep food, multiple refrigerators for ample storage, an exhaust hood for ventilation, a gas range, and more

• Culligan water softener installed

• High-speed internet at the property

• Enjoy a spacious residence a short commute to Butte, or use your imagination and convert to a commercial business as desired

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

RECREATION

With thousands of acres of State of Montana, BLM, and National Forest Lands in close reach, the area supports a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, horseback riding, hiking, fourwheeling, snowmobiling, and hiking and camping at a variety of mountain lakes located within the Pioneer Mountains.

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

The region around the Big Hole River Valley Blue Moon Trading Post is a favorite winter and calving ground for Rocky Mountain elk that spend a multitude of time within view of the property in numbers amassing the hundreds and often over 1,000 head! The region, with so much open ranch land and protected public land, supports abundant wildlife populations and big game species, including elk, whitetail and mule deer, moose, and a nice variety of birds of prey that enjoy roosting in the trees fishing along the riverbanks of the nearby Big Hole River. The seller has enjoyed glassing elk, deer, and other wildlife from the property in awe-inspiring entertainment while preparing for hunting adventures within minutes of the property. This corridor is ideal for an outdoor enthusiast.

FISHING - THE BIG HOLE RIVER

The Big Hole River is celebrated for its superb water variety, presenting challenges alongside abundant fish and rich insect life. This quintessential riffle, run, and pool waterway is ideal for floating in June when the renowned salmon fly hatch occurs. This event offers peak dry fly fishing experiences, as the two to three-inch adult salmon flies entice even the largest trout to feed voraciously. From July through October, when water levels recede, the river becomes excellent for wading. During these months, the aquatic menu is dominated by caddis, tricos, hoppers, and various mayflies, while streamer fishing excels throughout spring, summer, and fall, especially in the periods surrounding the salmon fly hatch and into the autumn season. The lower reaches of the river harbor exceptionally large fish, with brown trout reaching up to 26 inches.

Divide Boat Launch

AREA HISTORY

For over 100 years, the Blue Moon Saloon sat just off I-15 along Highway 43, welcoming locals and visitors alike, many of whom stopped for a photo op in front of the front of the historic landmark saloon. In 2005, after changing hands only a few times during the 100+ years, that all ended as the historic structure burned in a fire attributed to too many appliances overloading the breaker box at the time of the fire. The three brothers who owned the saloon at the time had amassed over 30 years of memories at the saloon, inheriting it from their parents after spending much time in their youth there. Old records that were discovered had shown that the location, midway between Butte and Dillon, served as a transfer station for freight coming by river or rail to Montana. The Blue Moon Saloon has also reportedly served as a train depot, livery stable, and hotel since it was first constructed over 100 years ago.

The current owners continued the history of service forward as the Blue Moon Trading Post provided for the needs of locals, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area while serving coffee and breakfast sandwiches and preparing sack lunches for grab-and-go to provide a nice meal during a day on the river or in the great outdoors. Additionally, grocery items and staples were available to locals as a convenience, and all the while, visitors enjoyed perusing through souvenirs, antiques, made-in-Montana gifts, and other items sold on consignment from local artists. After continuing the stewardship of this landmark forward and serving the community in this fashion for a period of time, the current owners later converted the Blue Moon Trading Post to a private and spacious residence that they have enjoyed for many years while making a short daily commute to Butte.

INCOME OPPORTUNITY

Nestled in the serene embrace of the Big Hole River, this captivating property, once the bustling hub of the Blue Moon Trading Post and Blue Moon Saloon, now stands as a tranquil haven for a discerning family. Just steps away from the riverbanks, it offers an unrivaled sanctuary for anglers seeking solace amidst world-class fly fishing waters. Beyond the tranquil waters lie boundless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts—hiking in the nearby National Forest Lands, camping by mountain lakes, or reveling in the winter wonderland through snowmobiling. With its prime location just off Highway 43 and a short drive to Butte, Montana, this property presents a unique fusion of residential and commercial potential, beckoning new owners to shape its future according to their aspirations. Whether as a cherished family home or a lucrative investment, the possibilities are as endless as the Montana skies above.

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

CLIMATE

In Butte, Montana, the summer season is brief, characterized by warm, dry weather with predominantly clear skies. Conversely, the winters are marked by freezing temperatures, significant snowfall, and partial cloudiness. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 9°F to 81°F, seldom dipping below -12°F or exceeding 89°F.

Climate charts courtesy of https://www.city-data.com/city/Butte-Montana.html

MINERAL RIGHTS

All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

LOCATION

Melrose is a small Western town a short drive from the property. With deep agricultural roots, Melrose is also known today as a popular fishing destination with several fly fishing shops and opportunities to connect with guides for anglers seeking expert advice and a chance to float or fish the Big Hole River. Melrose also features several small restaurants for food service and a local fuel station for conveniences close to the property.

Dillon is about 35 minutes to the south and boasts a historic downtown and blue-ribbon fly fishing on the Beaverhead River. An authentic cowboy town that caters to the needs of farmers and ranchers from the surrounding region, Dillon is home to a variety of retail shopping, dining, Barrett Hospital and Healthcare Services, and the University of Montana Western.

Butte is about 15 minutes to the north and is affectionately known by locals and visitors alike as “Butte, America.” Built on a deep-rooted mining history, Butte is home to Montana Technological University, a vibrant “uptown” region featuring a variety of shops and dining in renovated and updated historic buildings and an assortment of major retail and shopping options, too. Bert Mooney Airpot in Butte provides commercial air services and Saint James Hospital first opened in 1881 to care for the area copper miners and their families and continues the tradition today serving the residents of Butte and surrounding communities by providing a variety of emergency and routine health care options.

Melrose, Montana, is a short drive from Divide

GETTING THERE

Take I-15 to Divide Exit heading west along Highway 43 to the property on right side.

AIRPORT SERVICES

The Bert Mooney Airport in Butte is a short 20-minute drive. It features a newly constructed terminal and commercial flights on Delta to Salt Lake City for travel ease and convenience from a small, visitor-friendly Western Montana Airport. Butte Aviation offers full-service FBO at Bert Mooney to cater to the needs of private aircraft visiting the area. A little over an hour away, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is serviced by many daily flights from Delta, United, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Avello, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country, and Jet Suite to destinations around the country. Also, at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Yellowstone Jet Center is well-equipped and caters to private and corporate aircraft.

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

SUMMARY

A landmark for over 100 years, the Blue Moon Saloon greeted guests to the region and was rebuilt in 2006; no expense was spared as the design and structure were built to last for another 100 years or more! The storied history included service-type commercial businesses that changed with the times to meet the region’s needs, including a train depot, livery stable, hotel, saloon, café, and restaurant. Though the current owners have enjoyed the rustic elegance while making this special space and location their full-time residence, with a short commute to Butte for work, the future of the Blue Moon Trading Post and Saloon is open to the creativity and desires of a new owner. A prime location just minutes to the Divide Bridge Boat Launch along a favorite stretch of the Big Hole River and within short reach to State, BLM, and National Forest Lands for ultimate outdoor recreational access and pursuits, the story is just beginning for the new chapter of the Blue Moon Trading Post and Saloon!

Big Hole River Valley - Blue Moon Trading Post | Divide, Montana

PRICE

$775,000

TERMS CONTACT NOTICE

Cash Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay and PureWest Real Estate. Please contact Kimberly Lowry at (406) 490-4323 | klowry@fayranches.com or John McNulty at (406) 880-7355 jmcnulty@purewestmt.com to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay or PureWest Real Estate must be present at all showings unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:

1. SELLER AGENT

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to: Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

2. BUYER AGENT (cont)

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.

A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:

Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.

4. STATUTORY BROKER

A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:

Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.

6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.

BUYER AGENT

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.

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