Why This 13-Cottage Nautical Experience Is Redefining Montana Hospitality
How a generational Montana family in hospitality reimagined a stay through thoughtful design, branding, and experience in the Flathead Valley.
There are projects you work on and then there are the ones that quietly stay with you. The kind that remind you why you do this work in the first place. The Cottages, at Bigfork is firmly one of those.
Tucked at the very end of Main Street in Bigfork, this thirteen-cottage retreat sits in the heart of the Flathead Valley— a place defined by water, mountains, and a distinctly Western sense of place. And yet, what makes this property so compelling is that it doesn’t lean into the expected. Instead, it takes a quiet turn toward the nautical. Not in a loud or themed way, but in a way that feels deeply intentional, elevated, and (somehow) perfectly at home. And if you’re in marketing, you may just say that this was a brilliant move in a Western-saturated marketing geographical area.
That contrast is exactly why it works.
Our team at Bozeman Media Design worked on this project throughout the summer and fall, and it remains one of the brands we feel most proud of. From the initial research and renaming of the property, to brand messaging, logo design, color palette, and merchandise, this was a collaboration rooted in trust. The client shared their inspiration, then allowed us the creative freedom to interpret and refine it— and that level of trust is rare. It’s also why the end result feels so cohesive. (These are the partnerships that are the best.)
The nautical elements aren’t announced; they’re woven in. Whites that feel sun-washed rather than stark. Blues that nod to harbors instead of shouting navy. Typography that feels timeless, not trendy. Branded details that feel collected rather than produced. Since then, the thirteen cottages have been thoughtfully renovated to fully reflect the new identity, and seeing a brand move from concept to lived experience is always the most rewarding moment.
As someone who has a deep love for the Northeast (particularly Nantucket) this project felt personal. Last summer, while staying at my favorite hotel, The Wauwinet, I found myself once again reminded that the best hospitality doesn’t rely on spectacle. It relies on restraint, warmth, and an almost intuitive sense of how a guest wants to feel. Those takeaways subtly informed this branding— not as imitation, but as inspiration. The idea that calm can be designed. That a space can feel like a deep exhale.
What makes The Cottages, at Bigfork even more meaningful is the family behind it. The Folkvords are generational Montanans, deeply involved in hospitality across the state, and genuinely passionate about creating unique, elevated experiences here. Their approach isn’t performative. It’s thoughtful, rooted, and sincere. And you feel that immediately. They are dear clients (and friends) and over the years our moments of collaboration are some of our greatest work, because they trust.
When they offered to host us, we couldn’t wait to book a getaway in the midst of so much travel and so many projects. We were so excited to head up for a weekend stay and experience the newly renovated cabins ourselves. I’ve always loved the drive from Bozeman to the Flathead Valley— the way the geography shifts, the way the light changes. It feels like entering a different chapter of Montana entirely. Pulling into the property and seeing the freshly painted white cabins and newly branded signage for the first time in person was a quiet thrill. Clean. Coastal. Grounded. (And I can’t wait to feel that experience in the summer when flowers and greenery are blooming.)
As we unlocked the door to our cottage and stepped inside, my breath genuinely caught. The fire was already crackling. Lamps glowed softly throughout the space. It felt warm and alive. Like the room had been waiting for us. I’ll forever believe this is one of the most underrated hospitality touches.
Inside, we found a handwritten welcome note from the new GM and a bottle of wine waiting for us. And then came the joy of noticing all the small branded details we had spent months thinking through: the doormat, the mugs, the matchboxes, the tote bags ready for use. At one point I actually said out loud, “I feel like I’m at The Wauwinet.” It was that transportive. It felt as though you could hear waves crashing outside, even in the quiet of Montana.
Seeing a brand come to life in this way is emotional in the best sense. It reminds you that branding isn’t just visual— it’s experiential.
I’m no stranger to great hotels, and neither are the Folkvords, so I was eager to see what Hillary and Haylee had sourced and designed themselves (especially under such a tight renovation timeline). What they accomplished is no small feat. The furniture alone sets the tone: thoughtful, comfortable, and curated. This is not a last-minute, fill-the-room approach. It’s furniture that invites you to sit, linger, and actually live in the space.
And then there’s the bed. Truly— the bed. (OMG THE BED!) A fluffy, cloud-like haven layered with down pillows, a plush comforter, and a headboard you want to sink into. There are few things better than a bed that makes you want to cancel plans.
The details continue throughout: sailboat artwork, soft candles, mohair throws, fluffy robes. Each element adds to a sense of warmth and care. But what stood out most, more than anything, was the hospitality itself.
From the welcome note, to thoughtful check-ins via text, to someone stopping by to see if we wanted pizza for lunch, to freshly washed quilts delivered just to keep us extra cozy— this is service that feels increasingly rare. And yet, it’s the very thing that defines a truly exceptional stay.
There is nothing better than A+ hospitality. The kind that makes you feel seen and cared for. The kind you expect at a top hotel in London and are delighted to find in a small Montana town.
The Cottages, at Bigfork delivers that feeling effortlessly.
This is not just a place to stay, it’s a place to settle into. A brand that proves you can honor Montana’s spirit while borrowing inspiration from elsewhere with intention and respect. A reminder that when vision, trust, and hospitality align, something truly special is created.
If you’re planning a trip to the Flathead Valley or simply craving a stay that feels transportive, grounded, and beautifully considered— this is your sign.
I already can’t wait to return. xx
Check out our playlist that inspired the branding process. Listen here!
