The Monti's Room

This room was one of our biggest indulgences, but it was worth it.

The inspiration came from several places. I had mentioned that I'd like some adobe incorporated into the house. I liked the arches and the earthy, western feel it gave a place. Don liked the idea too, and wanted to add a kiva fireplace to the house. We both enjoyed the idea of having our own "saloon," just like we did in the Yakima house. And we both loved the bar & restaurant named "Monti's" in Tempe, Arizona. That place was a rambling, historic, dimly lit maze with lots of character.

So our own "Monti's Room" came into being.

It features a hickory bar and back-bar made by our Mennonite neighbor Tom Wagler.

The walls are authentic adobe, colorwashed an antique gold, done by Chip Helmer out of Missoula.

Don drove down toward Hamilton to pick out the logs for the ceiling. He brought them back here, sawed them into half-rounds, and had them stained. He helped Larry the contractor and his crew put them up.

The floor is rough-sawn, wide-plank hardwood with many coats of finish on it to make it moppable.

The kiva was put together by Kim Mathews, who also did our stone fireplace in the living room.

Some special lighting fixtures add the finishing touch.

Stop on by and we'll share a toast with you, "to the sunny slopes of long ago!" You'll never encounter a surly bartender at this place.

Rye, or what'll it be, old-timer??