article by Stephanie Hobby | Photos by Nathan Satran

While the idea of renting an Airbnb might conjure up images of sunny days at a beach or on a lake house deck’s lounge chair, snug mountain cabins offer plenty of families fun year-round. So, whether the sun is out or the weather serves up more blustery fare, one particular cabin in Nye provides a unique and secluded destination. 

Being a guest at the River Island House means you have lots of options for adventure and family time. Situated in the middle of the West Fork of the Stillwater River, the property sprawls out over five acres, so your family, including your four-legged friends (it’s pet-friendly!), have plenty of room to play in the snow and take advantage of the space. 

The island includes a caretaker’s house, where the original owner lives, a carriage house, and the main log cabin, a luxury, two-story space for guests. Come summer, guests can partake in Blue-Ribbon Trout fishing, sleep on the deck to the sounds of the river under a canopy of trees, and enjoy one of the many hiking trails in the area. 

The off-season brings its own beauty and charm. Deer and other wildlife make regular appearances in this magnificent setting. A large wood-burning fireplace creates a cozy setting where families can enjoy an evening of board games and togetherness. But if your group is more adventurous, there’s ample opportunity to take a romp in the frosty outdoors, where winter’s beauty is on full display, set to the sounds of the river’s rushing waters. And what better way to cap off the day than a soak in the outdoor hot tub on the covered deck? 

“You’re not always scrambling to do the next thing. You don’t have to feel guilty about missing out on other distractions, The memories you can make here are pretty special. It’s such a unique place, and it sticks with you." 

MATT KRIVONEN

The original owner still lives on site and often helps to ensure guests have a great stay. He built the property in the early 2000s, and after running his own successful Airbnb venture there, he sold it to the current owners in 2022. 

Proprietor Matt Krivonen and his business partner and brother-in-law Scott Bradshaw purchased the property about a month before historic floods devastated the region. Both engineers watched nervously as the waters rose, but Bradshaw was confident the house would stay out of reach. Thankfully, he was right, and the flood never reached the structures, but the river did reroute its course around the island, so now water is more plentiful on the other side of the island, but the property is once again a peaceful oasis. 

As a child, Krivonen spent a lot of time in Nye at his parents’ cabin. He has many fond memories of the area and wanted to share those experiences with others, with one exception. During his family’s time in Nye, the wind was incessant. “The wind was horrible, and it would be all night long,” he said. “When we were talking to Ken (the original owner) about buying this place, that was my main concern.” But that concern turned out to be unfounded. “At this house, you can hear it in the tops of the trees, but you never actually feel it. It’s down in this ravine on the river, so it’s not windy. It’s perfect.” 

That tranquility lends itself well to one of Krivonen’s favorite things about the area: the quiet and the chance to unplug. “You’re not always scrambling to do the next thing. You don’t have to feel guilty about missing out on other distractions,” he said. “The memories you can make here are pretty special. It’s such a unique place, and it sticks with you. It’s a place where you can say, ‘Hey, do you remember when…?’” 

With enough beds to house ten people, the home is spacious enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. There is a large bunk room, three additional bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. Every space is thoughtfully equipped and tastefully decorated. Listed as a “Guest Favorite,” the Airbnb reviews are consistently five stars, and guests say that they love the location, the home itself, and the seclusion. 

The house is about 10 minutes from Nye, and it takes about an hour and a half to get to from Billings, or 40 minutes from Absarokee. “So, if you want to get away from everything, this is a great spot,” Krivonen said. “The flyfishing is great; we’re right on the water, and Woodbine is nearby, and Sioux Charley are both down in that drainage, so there’s good hiking there, too.” 

While Krivonen says summer is typically booked months in advance, the winter season is a hidden gem that offers many memorable experiences. It would make an ideal weekend getaway for locals looking for more of a “staycation” change of scenery but close to home. If you are interested in renting this property, visit Airbnb.com and search for River Island House, Riverfront Luxury & Seclusion. 

Originally printed in the December 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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