≡ Menu

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana


This post contains affiliate links.

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.

Don’t miss other interesting tiny homes like this one – join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter for more!

Famous Zookeeper’s Modest Log Home

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 2 4

Images via Cabin Life

Hanna’s cabin is one of a few modest structures on his 40 acre farm

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 2

Images via Cabin Life

This porch looks like the perfect place to drink a cup of coffee.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 9

Images via Cabin Life

The kitchen features a soapstone sink.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 6

Images via Cabin Life

Everything fits the cabin aesthetic.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 2 5

Images via Cabin Life

The loft bedroom looks cozy.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 6

Images via Cabin Life

The fireplace was built by a master stonemason.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 7

Images via Cabin Life

Is there anywhere better to celebrate Christmas?

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana

Images via Cabin Life

There’s an open staircase up to the loft bedroom.

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana 11

Images via Cabin Life

And this soaking tub in the bathroom!

Jack Hanna’s 700 Sq. Ft. Cabin in Montana

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:

Our big thanks to Liz for sharing! 🙏

You can share this using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks!

If you enjoyed this you’ll LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more!

You can also join our Small House Newsletter!

Also, try our Tiny Houses For Sale Newsletter! Thank you!

More Like This: Tiny Houses | Cabins | Tiny House Vacation | Vacation

See The Latest: Go Back Home to See Our Latest Tiny Houses

This post contains affiliate links.

The following two tabs change content below.

Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 19 comments… add one }
  • Lee Ann Rorex
    April 13, 2021, 11:43 am

    Beautiful cabin. I grew up seeing him on Johnny Carson often. Sad diagnosis.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 13, 2021, 3:24 pm

      So tragic!

      • Lee Ann Rorex
        April 13, 2021, 3:54 pm

        Truly. It’s such a cruel disease.

  • Michael
    April 13, 2021, 12:23 pm

    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.

    • James D.
      April 13, 2021, 12:59 pm

      Look up cabin additions…

  • Martha L
    April 13, 2021, 1:29 pm

    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.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 13, 2021, 3:23 pm

      Totally agree. I could live there forever, though!

  • Liz Cain
    April 13, 2021, 3:35 pm

    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.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 14, 2021, 3:58 pm

      I love hearing that, Liz! Some people let fame ruin them. Glad to hear he was a good man.

  • vee
    April 13, 2021, 6:12 pm

    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!!!

  • Eric
    April 13, 2021, 7:26 pm

    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.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 14, 2021, 3:56 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear that, Eric!

      • Eric
        April 18, 2021, 7:51 pm

        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.

        • Natalie C. McKee
          April 21, 2021, 9:33 am

          Happy Birthday!! I hope it was a lovely dinner.

  • Mike
    April 14, 2021, 3:06 pm

    Could we get a floor layout with approx dimensions?

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 14, 2021, 3:53 pm

      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.

  • Linda Tracy
    April 14, 2021, 8:20 pm

    This is definitely my favorite by far. I would live there in a heartbeat. Always have loved log cabins and this one is perfect.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 15, 2021, 11:47 am

      Log cabins are the best!

  • chas
    May 4, 2021, 7:02 pm

    Beautiful! But modest is certainly a relative term….

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.