Star Meadow Retreat, a 178-acre estate near Whitefish, Montana, is now listed for $16 million. The property, spanning 7,500 square feet, includes a log home with three bedrooms, a theater room, and an executive office. Six cabins and a 10,000-square-foot barndominium—featuring a Western bar, full kitchen, and event space—are also part of the offering. The grounds include spring-fed ponds, a hunting range, and shops stocked with ranch equipment, all surrounded by Flathead National Forest.
A Blend of Luxury and Self-Sufficiency
The estate is equipped with wells, septic systems, backup generators, and internet service, all described as new and high-quality. Barry Shreiar, whose family purchased the property in 2021, emphasized the balance between modern amenities and remote seclusion. “There’s a silence up here that is majestic,” he said. “It just gives you a real feeling that you’re in the mountains—there’s a level of comfort there.”
The Shreiar family expanded the property by adding the barn and cabins, planning to host large groups. They used on-site wood to build the barn, aiming for a “Montana mountain flavor.” Inside, the lodges and cabins feature stone fireplaces, deer antler chandeliers, and leather furnishings. The main lodge’s living room has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains.
Each of the six main cabins has three bedrooms and a living room, connected to backup generators. One smaller cabin, designed as a studio, sits off-grid at a high altitude. The property is 30 minutes from Whitefish, known for skiing and Glacier National Park access, and within an hour of a local airport.
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Market Trends and Location
Whitefish, one of Montana’s pricest towns, saw its median home price drop to $975,000 from $1.3 million in 2025. A nearby estate is listed for $9.6 million, while two others are priced near $20 million. Broker Deke Tidwell noted growing demand for secluded properties: “More and more people are looking for places they can take the people who are important to them and feel like they’re safe.”
Shreiar, who hasn’t spent as much time at the estate as hoped, is now considering a lower-maintenance property. The current market reflects a broader trend: even as prices in some areas decline, high-end estates in remote, natural settings remain in demand. This contrasts with earlier years, when urban centers dominated luxury real estate.
The estate’s price tag raises questions about its appeal. While the property’s self-sufficiency and isolation are clear selling points, the $16 million price may limit buyers to a narrow segment. Nearby listings suggest Whitefish’s high-end market remains active, though less inflated than before.
