THE GETAWAY ISSUE
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE
RIVER + RANCH TEAM
Volume 9: Issue 5 River + Ranch Magazine is a collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. The two publishers of Bismarck Magazine decided to embark on a new adventure and create a different magazine focusing on design, art, and western living.
Publishers
Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
Layout Editor
Jenna Kluting
Copy Editor
Jennifer Kranz
Contributors
Maria Brezny
Cover Image
Cory Mclindsay
Advertising
Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
River + Ranch Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2018 River + Ranch and riverandranchmagazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of River + Ranch Magazine. River + Ranch Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
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Publisher/Co-Founder
Hannah Haynes
Publisher/Co-Founder
Caroline Crary
Jenna Kluting
Karel Sovak
Jennifer Kranz
Maria Brezny
Writer
Editor
Layout Editor
Director of Communications
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
12 Buttes of Merrifield 24 A Home Away From Home 36 Lakelife Leisure 48 Cackling Juniper Ranch 60 Timeless Appeal
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The Getaway Issue Getaway homes are places of tranquility, rest, and lifelong memories. Take a peek inside five different getaways, each one with a unique story to tell.
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LETTER
FROM THE PUBLISHERS There is something special about a home that allows us to step away from the routines of everyday life. Whether it is a quiet cabin tucked into the woods, a family retreat filled with generations of memories, or a beautiful home in one of our favorite destinations, getaway homes invite us to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy where we are. In this October/November issue of River + Ranch Magazine, we are taking you inside several remarkable getaway and vacation homes—each one offering a completely different interpretation of what an escape can look like. We begin with an incredible hunting cabin in Washburn that has been expanded and completely reimagined for unforgettable hunting life with the help of Coldspring. Closer to home, we are also featuring a one-of-a-kind Airbnb in south Bismarck. It offers an experience unlike anything else currently available in the city and shows just how memorable a local getaway can be when thoughtful design and a unique vision come together. In Mott, we visit a cabin created as a place for family to gather, retreat and spend meaningful time together. More than simply a vacation property, it is a home built around connection. We then travel to Minnesota’s lakes country for a cabin unlike anything we have featured before. Surrounded by the natural beauty that makes lake life so appealing, this home gives its owners 360 views of the lake and is the epitome of tranquility. Finally, we take you to Medora, this extraordinary home shaped by European inspiration, with many of its finishes imported directly from Europe. Every detail gives the home a sense of history, craftsmanship and timelessness, creating a retreat that feels as though it belongs somewhere far beyond the North Dakota landscape. These homes may look completely different, but each one reflects the same idea: a getaway home is not only about where we go—it is about how we feel when we arrive. It is a place to rest, gather, celebrate and create the moments we will remember long after the trip is over. We hope this issue inspires you to dream about your own perfect escape, whether it is across the state, beside a lake or simply a quiet place close to home. Happy reading!
River + Ranch Magazine is a publication is a locally produced publication and collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. River + Ranch is a home magazine dedicated to highlighting design, art and Western Living. Based in Bismarck, ND, but showcasing everything Westward. You can find River + Ranch Magazine at any local grocery store in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, Watford City, Medora and smaller cities in between. Thank you for reading.
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buttes of
MERRIFIELD story Maria Brezny • photos by Cory Mclindsay
Some home builds are truly a work of
building the home began seven years ago
art. The attention to detail, the vision
when Lisa’s husband Richard was brought
and foresight, the trial and error, the
on as the original architect. He came out to
hours, months, and years of time put
the site a handful of times, before passing
into them, all to create a truly one-of-
away at the end of 2020. That paired with
kind home inspired by the homeowner’s
the Covid-19 pandemic brought the
ideas and the surrounding landscape. Lisa
project to a halt. After some time, the
Bohrer, owner of Spaces, worked with the
homeowners found a new architect and
homeowner, builder, and subcontractors
asked Lisa to stay on as a designer. “I am
to design a home away from home tucked
grateful that they waited for me,” Lisa says.
into the breathtaking bluffs of the Medora badlands.
Construction began in the spring of 2024 under the direction of Paramount Builders.
The homeowners bought the land for its
Now, in the fall of 2026, the home, called
location within the extraordinary beauty of
Buttes of Merrifield, is nearly completed.
the badlands and the retreat it offers from
However, completion of construction is
the rest of the world, as they plan to live
not the end of the work on the home. “The
here as their second home. The process of
house is only going to evolve because the
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owners are art collectors,” explains Lisa. More artwork and more plans for the remainder of the lot’s acreage are in the works. While the structure of the home, made from manufactured panels, is relatively simple and was built quickly, the home’s interior has taken much more painstaking care. The homeowner’s European roots inspired the color palette and eclectic array of artwork, furniture, and decor. Lisa ordered furniture and accessories from around the world to bring her vision to life, many of which were hand-crafted, taking months to travel across water and air and through customs to safely arrive in North Dakota. Each room draws on the living landscape around the home. “The homeowner is not afraid of color,” says Lisa. “It was my job to take her color palette and make it work.” Each room of the home has bright and bold colors. Rather than one color dominating the palette, it is the wide array of colors that adorn the badlands that inspire the choices made in the home. Walking up to the home, the very first feature that catches the eye are the rammed walls, similar to the walls inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. The landscape architect from The Green Room Landscape and Architecture wanted the walls to bring the hues of the badlands together. 14 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026
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Winn Construction in Dickinson brought in an artisan from Denmark to teach them how to properly make the pieces before creating and installing them. Outdoor art pieces will be added to the wall in the future. The remaining landscape was also designed by The Green Room, while Next 2 Nature in Bismarck implemented the design. Stepping into the home, guests are
greeted by art, history, and world travels. While the home itself is a work of art, the homeowners also intend the walls to be full of art from around the world. Carden Custom Framing in Bismarck masterfully framed the different pieces of artwork of different mediums, sizes, and ages, requiring different unique depths and much trial and error. “We love projects like these,” says David Leingang, co-owner of Carden Custom Framing. “Fulfilling a
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vision and becoming a part of this home’s story is one of the reasons we do what we do. We appreciate the trust from the homeowners, as well as the Spaces team, to handle these delicate pieces and protect
The wallpaper in each room brings a unique element of color and texture to the space. In the foyer, the wallpaper looks like wood to ease the transition from the natural world into the home’s interior.
them for generations to come!”
The primary bedroom has an embossed
The furniture and accessories are from
and complements the pops of pinks, blues,
around the world as well, including Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Morocco, Ukraine, France, India, Portugal, and more.
wallpaper from France that imitates rattan and yellows. The guest en suite bathroom’s wallpaper is a bright and colorful pink floral design that complements the light
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pink tile that was handmade and handpainted in Morocco and the dark pink Italian sink and sink tray. Both the primary bedroom and the guest bedroom have large glass doors to walk out patios that overlook the rugged beauty of the badlands. The appeal of the primary bedroom is not just decorative. The walk-in closet has custom made cabinets and drawers made by Creative Wood Design intended to enhance the closet’s functionality specifically for these homeowners. “We went into great detail how they would use it,” describes Mike Ness, owner of Creative Wood Design. “Everyone likes to hang certain clothes and fold certain clothes, so we had a custom layout for how they were going to use it.” From floor to ceiling the space was carefully designed to accommodate their everyday routine. In the dining room and kitchen, soft green cabinets created by Creative Wood Designs call to mind the greens of cactus and sage while natural oak wood finishes keep the space neutral and peaceful. Custom hand-blown glass pendants from Minnesota hang over the kitchen island and kitchen sink. Over the dining room table hang light fixtures from Ukraine. “That was one of the biggest challenges of the project,” explains Lisa. Due to the fighting in the region, the suppliers would drop out of contact for weeks at a time due to a lack of electricity or cell service. Once the light fixtures were shipped, they were stopped in customs for almost three months. A butler pantry neatly tucked away keeps the focus on the
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“ T H E H O U S E I S O N LY G O I N G T O E V O LV E B E C A U S E T H E O W N E R S A R E ART COLLECTORS”
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kitchen’s beauty and away from the mess of cooking. Clean, modern cabinets inside the pantry hide kitchen appliances and stored food. “We wanted to keep the mess out of the main entertainment space,” explains Mike. Even visually to avoid clutter, outlets are integrated into the upper cabinets to preserve the clean, simple, modern look of the kitchen. With so many moving pieces, Lisa’s attention to detail had to be unwavering, carefully integrating thousands of details into every space of the home, making use of every angle. “We discussed everything down to the centimeter,” she says. “We thought through everything.” While the project was daunting, Lisa is grateful for the chance to help create something so unique, and it has even inspired a new life goal. “This project has made me want to travel more because there is so much to see, and I am curious about all of these things,” she says. Tucked into the wilderness of the badlands, the Buttes of Merrifield brings a little European flair to this western region.
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a home
A W AY F R O M H O M E story Maria Brezny • photos by Melanie Sioux Photography
Incredible details. High-end finishes. All
help build,” he says. It was also important
the comforts of home but without the
to the two of them that their kids could
mess and stress. This was what Jeremy and
learn first-hand the hard work that goes
Jennifer Kukowski, owners of Creative
into entrepreneurship. “We wanted to
Touch Homes, envisioned for their
show them you can start a business, and
luxury short-term rental home located in
you can work hard and reap the benefits
Bismarck.
from that, but you have to start from the
The idea to create a premium home rental experience sparked a few years before construction even began. Jeremy wanted a business that his entire family could be involved in. “I wanted a business Jennifer was a part of from the beginning and could
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bottom. You have to clean the toilets first,” explains Jennifer. With this philosophy, the Airbnb has become a venture for the whole family with Jennifer managing the rentals, Jeremy handling the build and repairs, and their kids assisting with the cleaning.
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One of the hardest parts of the process was finding the right lot to build the rental home on. Jeremy knew he wanted to build in a neighborhood where a new, high-end build would fit in without disrupting the neighborhood while also not being more expensive the home could recoup in value. After looking for a few years, he discovered a lot still owned by the developer in a now established
neighborhood.
The
lot
had
remained undeveloped as the footprint was too narrow for a traditional sized home with an attached garage. “I had to get pretty creative to make it all fit,” describes Jeremy. “If it was any narrower, it wouldn’t have worked.” To fit everything, Jeremy had to be meticulous with the layout as well as construct an oversized single stall detached garage. The neighborhood is perfect for an airbnb with a family-friendly environment and proximity to walking paths.
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While building the short-term rental home, Jeremy and Jennifer wanted the home to be a truly upscale accommodation for the Bismarck-Mandan region. “I felt like we could provide something that’s not here,” Jeremy says. The home boasts two full-sized custom tile showers, quartz countertops, a gas stove, three bedrooms, two baths, and a beautiful backyard patio.
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Jeremy
designed
this
home
very
differently than he would for a traditional home build. “A house designed for normal use has extra space and features you don’t need for a short-term rental,” he explains. He took closets and a mudroom out of the blueprints, instead choosing to optimize counter space, expand bathroom vanities, and add extra ledges and shelves throughout the house for guests to set
their suitcases and bags. While the design was all Jeremy, he enlisted the help of his aunt Tani Short, owner of Tani and Design, to choose the
textures create a cozy ambiance while also keeping the home light, bright, and clean. “It would not look like this without her,” says Jennifer.
finishes and furnishings. He gave her
In order to ensure their guests truly feel
total creative control and didn’t know
at home, Jennifer and Jeremy ensure the
what many of the choices were until they
kitchen is stocked with all the utensils
were installed. “I had no idea what color
and appliances you could need while
the cabinets were until they put them in,”
staying. Jeremy’s mother, Denise Lutz,
he says. Greens, neutral tones, and soft
was their designated shopper and bought
everything one could possibly need for a kitchen. Bathrooms and bedrooms are also carefully stocked to have the comforts of home without the clutter. The backyard patio has a fire table and chairs, grill, outdoor games, coolers, and more, so families coming to stay can enjoy a relaxed evening together outdoors. Jeremy and Jennifer curated an experience for their guests where they could truly feel at rest.
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“I WANTED IT TO WORK FOR MANY USES DOWN THE ROAD”
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While the plan is for the house to be a shortterm rental home for several years, Jeremy built the house keeping in mind the future. “I wanted it to work for many uses down the road,” says Jeremy. Long term, the house could be a retirement home the couple uses as their second home as the house is handicap accessible and all one level. A perfect getaway for anyone traveling to Bismarck, this home was carefully crafted to provide guests with a true retreat from the world. The Airbnb feels like the best version of a home- clean, comfortable, and calm- and brings a new level of high-end hospitality to the Bismarck/Mandan region.
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lakelife
LEISURE story Maria Brezny • photos by J. Kluting Photo & Design
The peaceful atmosphere of living on the
them the advantage of knowing exactly
water naturally feels like a getaway from the
how to utilize their lot and new build best,
rest of the world. For these homeowners
even down to minute details like where the
living in the Lakes area, their home on the
light hit at different times of the day.
shoreline is both a retreat and a place to welcome their children and grandchildren.
The new home’s style is contemporary modern with an industrial feel in certain
The house the owners currently live in was
areas of the house like the floating grand
only recently built. After 35 years of living
staircase. Each step weighs roughly 80
in an older home, they decided to tear it
pounds and each landing weighs roughly
down and start completely fresh. “We
250 pounds. Parts of the staircase had to
wanted to take advantage of the waterfront
be welded together inside the home due
as much as we could,” says the homeowner.
to its size. The home is three levels with
Living on the lot for so many years gave
four bedrooms, but despite the size and
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style, still feels warm and inviting. Each level even has heated floors for literal warmth. “We wanted it to be cozy,” explains the homeowner. The home was intentionally designed so that it feels spacious yet no space is wasted, creating coziness without constriction. One of the home’s best features is a water view out of every room. The European windows made in Poland are triple-pane, much stronger and thicker than the average window, but due to the quality of sand used to manufacture the glass, the view out is also clearer than the average window. These high-quality windows keep out the elements but let in the one-of-akind view. “It’s stunning,” says the homeowner. “We are amazed by the view every day, and we’ve been staying here for over 35 years now.”
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is similar to the deck of a pontoon boat,
outside, but are a push-to-open option.
used a glass cleaner.” To keep the modern
their designer’s suggestion. The workout
The fronts have cambria tile with unique
contemporary clean style, the appliances
room also arguably has the best view in
veining disguising the drawers and
blend in with the rest of the cabinetry. The
the house. “It’s a great motivation for
completing the clean modern look of the
homeowners wanted to avoid a cabin vibe,
The main and upper level floors are white
exercising,” jokes the homeowner.
bathroom.
so they chose to use wood sparingly in the
oak wood which brings light and warmth
The bathrooms each offer mini retreats
In the kitchen, the cabinets are a
within the home itself. Each bathroom has
backpainted glass which looks stylish
a unique tile, color scheme, and curbless
and disguises mess. “I’ve only had to
One of the homeowners’ favorite places
walk-in shower. In the primary bathroom,
wipe those down like one time,” says the
to sit is outdoors on their rooftop deck.
the cabinets don’t have hardware on the
homeowner. “And it was so easy, I just
With turf flooring and separate areas,
The flooring throughout the home was also intentionally chosen to suit the lifestyles of the homeowners and their children and grandchildren who are frequent guests.
to the living spaces, while the lower levels are vinyl which wears better with kids running in and out after being in the water. In the workout room, the flooring
house, using it as an accent for the kitchen island and ceiling.
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the deck is perfect for relaxation. One half has a firepit and surrounding chairs while the other has lounge chairs set overlooking the lake. “I sit up there every night and watch the sun set,” says the homeowner. Around the home is a separate screened-in porch with phantom shades that block the wind for an enjoyable experience no matter the weather. A see-through DaVinci fireplace completes the space for year-round enjoyment.
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“ WE ARE AMAZED BY THE VIEW EVERY D A Y , A N D W E ’ V E B E E N S TA Y I N G H E R E FO R OV E R 3 5 Y E A R S N OW.
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While the home was being built, the homeowners picked up pieces from their travels to decorate their new home. In India, the homeowner found four different rugs she shipped back home that now reside in three of the bedrooms and in the downstairs living room. These touches personalize the space creating the cozy atmosphere the homeowners wanted. Each part of the home’s build was carefully designed for the location and the lifestyle of the homeowners and their guests. The intentionality came through in every design choice, resulting in a stunning waterside home brimming with charm and beauty.
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cackling juniper
RANCH story Maria Brezny • photos by Melanie Sioux Photography
When you think of getaway homes, usually
went out and took a look and fell in love
you picture townhomes and condos in
with it,” describes Paul. At 800 acres, the
warm places like Arizona or Florida. For
lot is perfect for hunting game throughout
this family, their perfect getaway home
the different seasons.
is 12 miles north of Mott, North Dakota, where the wide open land, wildlife, and varied temperatures are the perfect place to go hunting and spend time with family.
Once they had the land, the Bothuns frequently traveled down for the different hunting seasons, but soon realized that staying in a hotel with all of them wasn’t
While Paul and Lori Bothun’s main
an option. “We have five children… They
residence is in Grand Forks, they found
are all married now with kids, so we also
themselves frequently traveling west to
have eleven grandchildren under the age
go hunting. At first, they paid to use other
of seven,” explains Paul. They wanted their
people’s land to hunt on, but when they
hunting expeditions to be a whole family
heard of an opportunity to purchase this
affair, so they decided to build a hunting
land, they jumped at the opportunity. “We
cabin big enough for the entire family.
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49
After deciding to build, Paul and Lori met with Tom Seifert and Parker Pladson, owners of Epic Built, to discuss the plan for their new build. “We had heard about Epic and the wonderful work they do,” recalls Paul. Meeting with them and their team only confirmed to them they were the right choice, and construction began on the family hunting cabin and was completed in 2025. Since the cabin is a getaway home, the Bothuns requested the home be low maintenance. “This is always an important conversation during our design process,” explains Tom. “Based on the intentions of this build, the goal was not to have a long list of maintenance-related items.” The exterior is LP Smartside siding, a durable and low maintenance option designed to withstand North Dakota’s extreme climate. The roof is a standing-seam metal roof. The exterior wood accents are wrapped in LP Smartside as well to avoid ongoing maintenance of staining or sealing of the wood.
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When making design choices, Paul and Lori took pieces they love from their primary home in Grand Forks. Designer Ali Haugen with Epic helped them navigate the different decisions to bring their vision to life. “She was wonderful,” says Lori. Bright and light, the home’s windows pour in natural light and scenic views, while touches of wood, like the slatted wood ceilings, and large stonework on the fireplace and kitchen backsplash bring in a polished rustic feel. “It was inspired by the surrounding prairie landscape and the idea of gathering family and friends..,” describes Tom. “Every element was designed to embrace the property and accommodate large groups, creating a relaxed retreat where family and friends can gather, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors together.” While the home’s design is stunning, the functionality of the home was also carefully considered. With so many mouths to feed, they knew they would need ample space in the kitchen. “We knew we wanted a big cooktop and two dishwashers… and those features have been really helpful,” says Lori. The home also has two king rooms on the main level and four rooms with queen bunk beds upstairs, as well as two identical bathrooms back to back upstairs. Paul and Lori rarely ever visit by themselves, and they designed the home with the intention of regularly hosting large gatherings.
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EVERY ELEMENT WAS DESIGNED TO EMBR ACE T H E P R O P E R T Y A N D A C C O M M O D AT E L A R G E G R O U P S , C R E AT I N G A R E L A X E D R E T R E AT W H E R E F A M I LY A N D F R I E N D S C A N G A T H E R , E N T E R T A I N , AND ENJOY THE OUTDOORS TOGETHER. www.riverandranchmagazine.com
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The functionality also extends into the
In addition to hunting, the Bothuns also
garage where extra details were included
take care of small five acre plots of corn
keeping in mind their regular hunting such
while they are down here. Paul purchased
as a stainless steel bird cleaning station and
a used planter and small tractor, and with
cranes for hanging deer carcasses to clean.
the help of his kids, he takes care of the
With eight dogs between all six families,
produce. It’s not all work when they are
they also have a dog washing station and
down there, however. One of their favorite
several dog kennels that connect indoors
spots is out on the patio where they relax
and outdoors. The garage also has air
in the mornings which is where the
conditioning and a full bathroom with a
inspiration for their home’s name came
shower.
from. “Every morning we go out on the
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patio with coffee, and we hear cackling out of the junipers,” describes Paul. The previous owner had planted thousands of Juniper bushes throughout the property, and the pheasants provide the cackling noise, hence the name, Cackling Juniper
of this build. “The first time their family was in the space together we received a video from the entire group thanking us,” he says. “That was special to see and hear how excited everyone was to be there and to be together.” With a
Ranch.
gorgeous and comfortable place to stay,
Being able to create a place that will be
hunting expeditions, creating new lifelong
the source of lifelong memories, laughter, and experiences was Tom’s favorite part
the whole family is able to be together for memories in the rural terrain of North Dakota.
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NETWORKING • SECURITY • CAMERAS • SHADES AUDIO/ VIDEO • SMART HOME • LIGHTING
TIMBERLINE TECH
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58 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026
2026 issue on stands now. 2027 issue coming soon.
Roosevelt Cabinets
701.595.2758 | www.rooseveltcabinets.com
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Timeless Appeal with story: Maria Brezny | photos: Melanie Sioux Photography
If you want exceptional, you want Coldspring Stoneyard. Bold projects with creative vision and particular details excite the team at Coldspring Stoneyard whose expertise and resources can source any stonework your project requires. This private hunting lodge near Washburn, ND showcases the incredible work their team can accomplish. The owners of the home first purchased the land several years ago with plans to remodel the existing structure. After renovations, the house nearly quadrupled in size as they expanded the home in every direction. Interiors by Design in Bismarck headed the interior design process choosing all the
60 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026
WAYNE MCMAHEN & WADE WESSLING
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furniture, countertops, and flooring, bringing in the team at Coldspring to create a stunning home that perfectly blends artisanal and rustic. “Coldspring is one of our go-to resources because they make the entire process so seamless,” says Kacey Hinze, design team leader at Interiors by Design. “Their selection is outstanding, and their team is always friendly, responsive, and highly knowledgeable.”
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Stonework is the undeniable focal point of the home bringing together a multitude of colors, textures, and materials. On the exterior, stone siding was sourced out of northwestern Montana. Coldspring also sourced the countertops for the outdoor kitchen area. The showstopping stonework continues inside the home, each room with its own unique kind. In the great room, a true masonry wood burning fireplace stands from floor to ceiling with a Wisconsin limestone veneer. “It really makes a statement,” says Wade Wessling, regional sales manager of Coldspring Stoneyard. The same limestone lines the walls in a band for extra eye-catching detail. Another jaw dropping stonework selection is the Jurassic Black granite countertops in the living room bar. This particular stone is quarried from old riverbeds in Brazil. “It’s one-of-a-kind,” says Wade. “There’s nothing else like that.”
64 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026
Throughout the home, most of the stone is natural and was individually chosen for the mood it brought to each room. The wide variety of stonework comes together seamlessly and showcases the incredible resources and talents of the team at Coldspring Stoneyard. “If you can show us a picture of what you want, we will source it,” says Wade. No project is outside their scope, and the results are always singularly exceptional.
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Custom Glass & Design “Inside or Out, we’ve got you covered”
300 43rd Street N, Fargo, ND (701)232-4717
1365 Tacoma Ave, Unit 6, Bismarck, ND (701)751-0694
Commercial-Residential Projects | Licensed & Bonded Contractor in MN & ND
Call or email us for a free estimate today! | contact@redriverglazing.com 66 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026 Fargo 701-232-4717 | Bismarck 701-751-0694
68 RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE |October - November 2026