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 Jackson Hole architect Vince Lee, the residence was organized to take advantage of its setting. Principal living spaces occupy the upper level, where views extend across the ponds and river bottom toward the Snake River and Tetons. Substantial log construction, expansive windows and outdoor living areas establish a Western architectural character shaped around the surrounding landscape.

Living Above the River

The great room and dining room occupy the upper level, where expansive windows frame the property’s water, cottonwoods and distant Tetons. Substantial log construction and natural materials give these gathering spaces their Western character, while recent interior updates introduce a more contemporary sensibility. The adjoining upper deck extends daily living outdoors, overlooking the ponds and Snake River corridor.

Kitchen & Everyday Living

The kitchen and adjoining informal living spaces provide a more intimate setting for everyday life, complementing the scale of the principal entertaining rooms. Natural materials and substantial log construction connect these rooms to the original architecture, while updated interiors introduce a restrained, contemporary character.

The Primary Suite

Positioned on the upper level alongside the principal living spaces, the primary suite offers privacy while maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape. The bedroom, bath and dressing areas create a distinct owner’s retreat, allowing the residence to function comfortably whether occupied by two people or an extended family.

Accommodations for Family & Guests

Multiple guest bedrooms and secondary gathering spaces allow family and friends to enjoy the property together while maintaining a degree of independence. The home’s arrangement separates much of the guest accommodation from the principal upper-level living areas, making it well suited to extended family visits and multigenerational gatherings.

Private Guest & Caretaker Suite

A self-contained suite within the main residence offers flexibility for extended family, visiting guests, a nanny or an on-site caretaker. With its own exterior entrance, bedroom, kitchen and living area, the suite provides independence and privacy while remaining connected to the larger residence. This arrangement allows owners to accommodate additional household support or longer-term guests without disrupting daily life in the principal living spaces.

Architectural Character & Interior Details

The residence retains the substantial log construction and craftsmanship of its original design, complemented by more recent improvements to the staircase, principal living areas and upper deck. Select interiors introduce a contemporary sensibility, while other spaces offer an opportunity for the next owner to continue the home’s evolution.

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.