Famous Zookeeper Jack Hanna could have built any retirement home he wanted, but he chose a simple 700-square-foot log cabin, tucked in the Montana forest. The cabin, built in 1996, features one bedroom and one bathroom, and is decorated in classic lodge style.
Sadly, Hanna was recently diagnosed with dementia which has been rapidly progressing, but he still owns this private spot, and I wonder if his family will bring him there for some peace and quiet?
The “Elk Cabin,” as he named it, was built without plans from locally-sourced timbers. His friend and handyman Randy Baker helped create the masterpiece, and a veteran stonemason created the stunning stone fireplace. Enjoy the photos below, and read the full story about the house here.
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Famous Zookeeper’s Modest Log Home
Images via Cabin Life
Hanna’s cabin is one of a few modest structures on his 40 acre farm
Images via Cabin Life
This porch looks like the perfect place to drink a cup of coffee.
Images via Cabin Life
The kitchen features a soapstone sink.
Images via Cabin Life
Everything fits the cabin aesthetic.
Images via Cabin Life
The loft bedroom looks cozy.
Images via Cabin Life
The fireplace was built by a master stonemason.
Images via Cabin Life
Is there anywhere better to celebrate Christmas?
Images via Cabin Life
There’s an open staircase up to the loft bedroom.
Images via Cabin Life
And this soaking tub in the bathroom!
Images via Cabin Life
Highlights:
- 700 square feet
- Built in 1996
- Built without plans
- 1 Bed/1 Bathroom
- Loft bedroom
- Bathroom with soaking tub
- Used locally-sourced timbers
- Master stonemason built the fireplace
Learn More:
Related Stories:
- Cedar Brook Cabin in Maine at Wildwood Collective
- He Rebuilt This Civil-War-Era Cabin Log By Log
- Field & Honey Scandinavian Log Cabin in NC
Our big thanks to Liz for sharing! 🙏
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Beautiful cabin. I grew up seeing him on Johnny Carson often. Sad diagnosis.
So tragic!
Truly. It’s such a cruel disease.
What an absolutely beautiful little cabin. And it’s in Montana. If I could figure out a way to make it two bedrooms with two baths that would be my idea of perfection. I’d gladly spend the rest of my days there. I hope Jack gets to use it and can contemplate the peace and comfort of his creation; at least for a while.
Look up cabin additions…
A masterpiece indeed. I wouldn’t change one thing about that cabin. Would love to spend a month or more there. What a retreat spot! Lots to be proud of in a creation like that.
Totally agree. I could live there forever, though!
Thanks for posting this. Jack was a regular at our Costco in Kalispell, Montana where I worked. Very friendly and approachable guy with no delusions of his celebrity. He always said, “Hey” to me with big ol’ smile. Glad to know all the ladies in his life are caring for him so well. I was thrilled to find this article. Thanks again.
I love hearing that, Liz! Some people let fame ruin them. Glad to hear he was a good man.
Always a big fan of his —- so hope he can spend his last days in this very cozy small home. It’s in a great area — Kalispell, Montana —- close to Flathead Lake. It’s truly comfy and charming and love the fireplace!!!
2 Comments
Wow that is a beautiful cabin with no pretentiousness. I too could live in that cabin if it was in New Zealand.
Yes it is a cruel disease. I’m suffering the after effects of 2, maybe 3, strokes, so I can appreciate what he’s going through. It’s totally stuffed up my life in many ways.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Eric!
Ah, but its made me appreciate life all the more. Some bad things, more good things. Every day I wake up… and see a brand new day. One day I wont. Just like everybody else.
Just yesterday I went out for birthday dinner. But birthday is tomorrow. Because I’m retired and family is all working. So works for us.
Happy Birthday!! I hope it was a lovely dinner.
Could we get a floor layout with approx dimensions?
Hi Mike — sorry I didn’t see one in the Cabin Life post, and according to the post he made it up as he went so there aren’t any official plans.
This is definitely my favorite by far. I would live there in a heartbeat. Always have loved log cabins and this one is perfect.
Log cabins are the best!
Beautiful! But modest is certainly a relative term….