Article by Hannah Olson     |    Photos by Nathan Satran

Set on a working farm just outside Billings, where a rural setting meets contemporary design, a pair of former grain silos have been reimagined into cozy vacation rentals that are anything but ordinary.

Owned and renovated by Sarah and Kyle Kindsfather, the twin silos offer a one-of-a-kind lodging experience, designed with care, craftsmanship, and creativity. What started as unused structures on their landscaping property became a passion project and a cozy haven for guests seeking something different.

FROM FARM FIXTURES TO BOUTIQUE STAYS

“They were already on the property when we bought it,” Kyle explains. “Originally, we thought we might attach them to our office. But we had to move them anyway, so we thought, why not turn them into something special?”

With their landscape business, Transition Landscapes, already operating on the site, the couple had the tools, team, and vision to transform the silos. Kyle and his crew handled the majority of the build themselves, moving the silos, pouring new pads, and executing nearly every element of the construction, from custom steelwork to interior framing.

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN IN EVERY CURVE

Despite the challenge of working with circular structures, the finished spaces are functional, beautiful, and inviting. Each silo features a lofted bedroom, a kitchenette, a cozy living area, and a private bathroom, all designed to maximize comfort within a compact footprint. Automatic Doors collaborated with Kyle to install the home’s custom doors, oversized transoms, and Bluetooth-enabled locks, blending style with smart functionality.

The materials used throughout are anything but standard. “The ceilings and trim are all walnut,” Kyle says. “The cabinets and shelves are a mix of white oak and walnut. The stairs are made of steel with BauBuche treads. Everything was custom.”

The couple brought in Kossman’s Cabinetry for the millwork and installed nearly everything themselves, from kitchen fixtures to the custom skylight that brings natural light into the compact bathroom.

TWO SILOS, TWO PERSONALITIES

Although identical in layout, each unit has its own unique vibe. “This one we call the 'farmhouse' unit,” Sarah says. “It’s cozy and more Montana-traditional. The other one is a little more modern, black and white tones, leather, clean lines.”

Each space is equipped with Wi-Fi, heating, air conditioning, a fridge and freezer, and an induction cooktop. There’s no oven, but as Sarah jokes, “How many people actually use an oven on vacation?”

The Farmhouse Unit

The Modern Unit

OUTDOOR SPACE AND EXPANSION PLANS

Outside, the charm continues. Kyle used massive slabs of sandstone to create the walkway and built a retaining wall along the edge of the property for both safety and aesthetics. “It lights up beautifully at night with the landscape lighting,” he says.

There’s a grassy gathering space and fire pit for guests to relax under the stars. It’s all part of their vision for a property that blends quiet seclusion with social possibility. “Even if you don’t know the other guests, it’s a nice space to connect,” Sarah adds.

And they’re not done yet. Once an old farmhouse on the property is removed, the couple plans to build a third structure, possibly another vacation rental, to create an even greater space for guests. "It would be so fun for big families or groups to book all three someday,” Sarah says.

A LABOR OF LOVE (AND STEEL)

The silos took about a year to complete, worked on between landscaping jobs and rainy days. “It was a lot more work than we expected,” Sarah admits. “Every little detail counts, and with something like this, there are no straight lines.”

Still, they wouldn’t change a thing. “The first night we stayed in one, it all felt worth it,” Kyle says. “It’s cozy. It’s fun. It just works.”

For the Kindsfathers, it’s more than a side business. It’s a reflection of their values, creativity, hard work, and hospitality. And it’s quickly becoming a favorite staycation spot for locals and a hidden gem for travelers who want to experience Montana with a twist.

Book your stay at the Grain Bins at North Basin:

Originally printed in the July 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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