The Drift House

Seeing the Snake River from the residence distinguishes Drift House along Jackson Hole’s river corridor. Designed by noted Jackson Hole architect Vince Lee, the home elevates its principal living spaces above the river bottom, opening panoramic views across five ponds and mature cottonwoods to the Snake River and Tetons. Outside, 42.6 acres extend along the river corridor, with fly fishing in the Snake and private ponds, walking paths throughout the property, and access to Solitude’s mile-plus river dike for walking and horseback riding. Abundant wildlife moves through this riparian landscape, while the home’s grandfathered setting preserves a connection between residence, water and habitat that would be difficult to recreate today.

Above the River

Many homes along the Snake River occupy the privacy and habitat of the river bottom, where mature cottonwoods and the dike can also conceal the river itself. This property is different. Its principal living spaces are elevated above the surrounding landscape, providing views across the ponds and cottonwoods to the Snake River and Tetons beyond.

Approximately 850 feet of the property follows the river corridor immediately in front of the residence, while the 42.6 acres continue along the dike and into the river-bottom landscape. The result is both a visual and physical connection to the Snake River that defines the experience of the property.

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Life Along the Snake

The river is as much an experience as a view. Fly fish the Snake or the property’s five ponds, follow private walking paths through the cottonwoods and around the water, or access Solitude’s shared mile-plus river dike for walking and horseback riding along the river corridor.

This combination of private water, direct access to the Snake and an extensive riverfront trail makes the outdoors part of daily life, with opportunities to fish, walk, ride, watch wildlife or simply follow the changing river through the seasons.

Five Ponds, 42.6 Acres and a Living Landscape

Five ponds weave through the property, connected by pathways, bridges, mature landscaping and stands of cottonwood. Together with the Snake River corridor, they create a rich riparian environment for wildlife and give the acreage an intimacy that belies its scale.

The experience changes as one moves through the property, from open water and Teton views to shaded paths, ponds, cottonwood forest and the Snake River itself. Water is not a single feature here. It organizes the landscape and much of the experience of living within it.

Architecture Shaped by the Setting

Designed by Vince Lee, the residence reflects an approach to architecture rooted in its relationship with the site. The great room, dining room, kitchen, primary suite, office and principal outdoor living spaces occupy the upper level, taking advantage of the property’s defining river and mountain views, while guest accommodations and secondary spaces are organized below.

Nearly 9,000 square feet provides considerable capacity for family and guests, yet the organization of the residence allows everyday life to remain centered around the principal upper-level spaces and expansive deck overlooking the water.

Designed for Family and Guests

Multiple bedrooms, secondary gathering spaces and separate guest accommodations allow the residence to expand naturally when family and friends arrive. An elevator, dumbwaiter, four-car garage and backup generator add practical functionality for comfortable year-round living.

The separation between principal and guest spaces is particularly well suited to an extended family home, providing room to gather while allowing owners and guests a degree of independence and privacy.

A Grandfathered Relationship With the Landscape

The residence and improvements occupy an established position within the Snake River bottom that predates today’s development framework. That relationship places the home unusually close to its ponds, mature habitat and river corridor while preserving the elevated views that distinguish the property.

This established relationship between residence, water and landscape is fundamental to the property’s character. Architecture and interiors can evolve over time; recreating this physical relationship with the Snake River would be considerably more difficult.

The Enduring Asset

The defining value is the relationship between 42.6 acres, the Snake River, five ponds, mature cottonwoods, wildlife habitat and panoramic Teton views, together with a residence positioned to experience them.

Homes can be remodeled and interiors reimagined. What is considerably harder to reproduce is an established Snake River setting where the river can be seen from the principal living spaces, reached from the property and experienced through fishing, walking and horseback riding. That combination of land, water, recreation and views is what gives this property its permanence.