an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

About Saddle Horn Custom Homes

How & Why We Build Montana’s Best Custom Homes: Expertise, Craftsmanship, & Legacy

Owner of Saddle Horn Custom Homes

A Legacy of Montana Pride
Buck Lake is a fourth-generation Montanan. His roots run deep back to his two grandfathers who worked for the Anaconda Copper Company – one as a miner and one as a company executive. Buck’s parents owned a property on Flathead Lake - this is home. He has a deep love for Montana, its scenery, natural resources, geography, and history. These features are central considerations in planning the layout, design, and positioning of new homes in this amazing state.

Buck & Kelly Lake in Arlee, MT - owners and General Contractor of Saddle Horn Custom Homes
Buck & Kelly Lake in Arlee, MT - owners and General Contractor of Saddle Horn Custom Homes

Buck Lake:

See Our Building Work:

Explore how we seamlessly integrate luxury home & contemporary aesthetics with the natural beauty of the Montana landscape.

Apply For A Custom Home:

Are you ready to experience the Saddle Horn Custom Homes difference? Submit your application to start your custom home journey.

Hands-On Experience & Craftsmanship

Buck’s journey into construction began by managing repairs for his father’s rental properties. George, a Missoula CPA known for his “fix-it-all” attitude, instilled in Buck a passion for hands-on problem-solving. This practical experience laid the foundation for Buck’s extensive career in building.

Alongside his wife Kelly, whom he met at a horse show—a passion they still share—Buck has honed his skills in designing and optimizing spaces for horse properties. Their experience in owning and managing Quarter Horses has enriched their understanding of layout and functionality, which they apply to creating beautiful and practical homes.

Buck Lake of Saddle Horn Custom Homes drying off a newly born colt in MT
Buck Lake of Saddle Horn Custom Homes drying off a newly born colt in MT

"He genuinely listened to our ideas and dreams, and skillfully translated them into a beautiful home that far exceeded our expectations. The craftsmanship in every corner of our new home is impressive. The finishes are precise, and the attention to detail is evident in every room."

Ed & Aimee Addison - Arlee, MT

Gorgeous semi-finished custom home in western Montana, near Arlee, MT
Gorgeous semi-finished custom home in western Montana, near Arlee, MT

★★★★★

High-End Residential Construction

Buck attended the University of Washington, where he furthered his construction skills working under his uncle, a high-end residential builder in Port Orchard, WA. Post-college, he developed his artisan woodworking skills with Lee Goldsmith of Mastercraft Construction in Fall City, WA, mastering intricate features like elaborate fireplace mantles, curved staircases, and decorative trim.

Returning to Montana, Buck established a finish carpentry business specializing in high-end home builders and commercial projects. His custom fireplace mantles, including one for a local motel, showcase his dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Buck, with his wife, enjoying western Montana's scenery
Buck, with his wife, enjoying western Montana's scenery

Saddle Horn Custom Homes: A Vision of Excellence

Saddle Horn Custom Homes represents the culmination of Buck’s 30 years in the building industry. Our vision is to craft a select number of unique, high-quality luxury family homes in Montana each year. We strive to make the creative process an enjoyable and personalized journey for our clients. With Buck guiding you through every step, we ensure that your dream home is built with care, precision, and a deep appreciation for Montana’s beauty.

Buck & Kelly with their show horse in Montana
Buck & Kelly with their show horse in Montana

Check Our Past Work

We're more work and less talk. Check out some of the custom homes we've been honored to build with our past clients and the homes in which families now build memories.

Wood front door and patio of newly finished custom home by Buck and Saddle Horn.
Wood front door and patio of newly finished custom home by Buck and Saddle Horn.
a bedroom with a bed and a dog and mountains outside
a bedroom with a bed and a dog and mountains outside
a kitchen with a large island and a black refrigerator, custom wood cabinets, and granite tops
a kitchen with a large island and a black refrigerator, custom wood cabinets, and granite tops
a room with a ceiling fan and a ceiling fan
a room with a ceiling fan and a ceiling fan

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: every home should be a work of art, tailored to the individual needs and desires of its owners. By limiting the number of projects taken on each year, Buck ensures that each client receives the full benefit of their expertise and attention. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Buck is personally involved in every aspect of the process, guiding clients through each step with transparency and care.

Our Building Process

At Saddle Horn Custom Homes, we are dedicated to making the journey to your dream home as rewarding as the final product. Our detailed and personalized process ensures that every aspect of your vision is carefully crafted and realized. Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Initial Application

Your journey with us begins by submitting an application. This initial step helps us understand your project scope, timeline, and budget, ensuring that we are the right fit for your custom home needs. The application is designed to gather essential details about your vision and preferences.

Step 2: Review and Consultation

Once we receive your application, our team conducts a thorough review. We then schedule an in-depth consultation to discuss your ideas, preferences, and expectations in greater detail. During this meeting, we take the time to understand your vision and provide expert insights to help shape your project. This step sets the foundation for a successful collaboration.

How Can I Contact You?

General inquiries can use our contact form or email us at info@saddlehorncustomhomes.com.

To apply for a custom home, please visit our Custom Home Application Page.

Step 3: Approval

With the consultation complete and alignment confirmed, we present the final plans and budget estimate for your approval. This step involves a comprehensive review of all project details, ensuring that you are fully satisfied with the proposed design and costs. We believe in transparency and will walk you through each aspect to ensure you understand all components of the project.

Step 4: Contract

Once you approve the plans and budget, we draft a comprehensive contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, and terms of the project. This contract formalizes our commitment to delivering your custom home as planned. We ensure that all terms are clear and mutually agreed upon, setting the stage for a smooth construction process.

Step 5: Pre-Construction

Before breaking ground, we conduct a thorough pre-construction meeting to review the plans, schedule, and any final details. This meeting ensures that everyone is aligned and prepared for the construction phase. We also handle all necessary permits and inspections, making the process seamless for you.

Step 6: Construction

During construction, Buck and our skilled team of craftsmen bring your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail. We maintain open communication throughout the process, providing regular updates and addressing any questions or concerns promptly. Our commitment to quality means we use only the finest materials and proven construction techniques.

Step 7: Client Walkthrough

As we near completion, we conduct a thorough walkthrough with you to review the work and ensure every detail meets your expectations. Any final adjustments or touch-ups are made to guarantee your complete satisfaction.

Step 8: Final Inspection & Handover

After the client walkthrough, we conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is perfect. Once all inspections are complete and you are satisfied, we hand over the keys to your new custom home. But our relationship doesn’t end there – we provide a comprehensive warranty and remain available for any future needs or questions.

Step 9: Post-Construction Support

We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. After you’ve settled into your new home, we offer post-construction support to address any issues that may arise. Our commitment to your satisfaction continues long after the project is completed.

woman in white shirt wearing white helmet helping build a custom house
woman in white shirt wearing white helmet helping build a custom house
custom design for a house white printer paper on brown wooden table
custom design for a house white printer paper on brown wooden table
a key chain hanging from a door handle of a newly finished luxury home for a family
a key chain hanging from a door handle of a newly finished luxury home for a family
How do we handle changes & modifications?

We understand that changes may arise. We manage modifications through a structured process, involving change orders and updated cost estimates to ensure that any adjustments are documented and approved before implementation.

What is the typical timeline for building a custom home?

The timeline for building a custom home varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. On average, the process can take between 6 to 12 months from the start of construction to completion. We will provide a detailed schedule during the pre-construction phase.

Contact Saddle Horn

Experience the beauty of western Montana with our custom homes that embody durability and professionalism. Let us build your dream home today.

Mailing Address

26190 Sliding Horse
Lane Arlee, MT 59821

Email
Phone

General Contact Form

For general inquiries, use the form below. For custom home projects, please visit the Custom Home Application Page.