Larch House

SHOP Development recognized an extraordinary opportunity within Whitefish's historic Railway District. As visitation to Glacier National Park and Whitefish continued to grow, the team saw an underserved market for a design-forward luxury hotel that reflected the character of the town rather than competing with it.
 

The project was carefully planned in collaboration with Olson Kundig, with every decision centered around creating a timeless hospitality experience rooted in Montana's landscape and history.

Larch House officially opened its doors in early 2026, introducing a new standard of boutique hospitality to downtown Whitefish.

From the beginning, SHOP Development believed Whitefish deserved a hospitality experience unlike anything else in the region.

Instead of building a single large hotel, the project was intentionally broken into ten individual buildings surrounding landscaped courtyards and gathering spaces. This approach creates a residential scale that feels authentic to the Railway District while offering guests privacy, quiet, and an unmistakable sense of place.

The property's walkable downtown location allows guests to leave their vehicle behind and explore Whitefish's restaurants, galleries, boutiques, breweries, Whitefish River, and Whitefish Lake entirely on foot. At the same time, Larch House serves as the perfect gateway to Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort, placing Montana's most iconic outdoor experiences within easy reach.

Architecture was never an afterthought—it became the defining element of the project.

SHOP Development partnered with Olson Kundig, one of the world's most celebrated architecture firms, to create a modern interpretation of the alpine lodge. Known internationally for designing buildings that blur the boundary between architecture and landscape, Olson Kundig approached Larch House with the belief that hospitality should foster a genuine connection to its surroundings.

The result is a collection of warm, contemporary buildings crafted from natural materials, expansive floor-to-ceiling glass, rich wood detailing, and carefully framed mountain views. Inspired by Whitefish's historic Railway District, the architecture feels timeless rather than trendy—equally at home beneath snowfall and long Montana summers.

Every guest space was designed to evoke both refuge and adventure: a place to return to after a day exploring Glacier National Park, skiing Whitefish Mountain Resort, boating on Whitefish Lake, or simply wandering downtown Whitefish.

Rather than maximizing density, SHOP Development prioritized quality over quantity—creating generous outdoor spaces, multiple individual buildings, intimate gathering areas, and architecture that contributes positively to the neighborhood. Every aspect of the project was designed with long-term stewardship in mind, ensuring Larch House enhances Whitefish for decades to come.

The development demonstrates a true commitment to creating places that are architecturally significant, community-minded, and built to endure.

Larch House offers 39 guest rooms and suites distributed across ten individual buildings, creating an experience that feels more like a collection of private mountain residences than a traditional hotel. Each accommodation has been designed with comfort and a strong connection to its surroundings.

Guests can choose from spacious Cabin Suites with fireplaces and added privacy, expansive Larch House Suites with premium mountain views, Deluxe King Rooms overlooking the private courtyard, or Cozy Queen Rooms designed for shorter stays and weekend escapes.

Throughout the property, a collection of considered amenities enhance the guest experience. Enga, the hotel's signature restaurant and lobby bar, serves as the social heart of Larch House, complemented by the rooftop Terrace Bar, the intimate Antler Room speakeasy, and the private Oak Room dining space. Guests also have access to a heated rooftop spa pool, outdoor fire pits, a landscaped courtyard with an architectural boulder garden, complimentary daily breakfast, and a stocked hospitality nook offering coffee, tea, snacks, and refreshments throughout the day.

Designed for year-round adventure, Larch House also provides dedicated ski and gear storage, dog-friendly accommodations, and a curated concierge program connecting guests with trusted local outfitters, guides, wellness partners, and outdoor experiences.

Every element of the property delivers a boutique hospitality experience that is design-forward, highly personalized, and deeply connected to the Whitefish community and the surrounding Montana landscape.

Enga serves as the culinary heart of Larch House.

Designed as an inviting indoor-outdoor gathering place, the restaurant celebrates modern alpine cuisine inspired by Montana's seasons, regional ingredients, and local producers. 

The Larch House Magazine was created as an extension of the guest experience.

Produced in-house annually, the publication celebrates the people, landscapes, craftsmanship, outdoor pursuits, and stories that define Whitefish and the broader Rocky Mountain region. Rather than serving as a traditional hotel directory, the magazine invites guests to immerse themselves in the culture and community that make the destination unique.

Art is woven into the fabric of Larch House, serving as an integral part of the guest experience. The collection brings together nationally recognized artists alongside celebrated Montana creatives.

The collection features works by acclaimed artists Sam Reveles, Theodore Waddell, Kate Hunt, and Terran Last Gun. Their work is complemented by local Whitefish artist Madeline Shinn Boyle and regional photographer Andrew Chad.

Original paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media works are integrated throughout guestrooms and public spaces reflecting SHOP Development's belief that exceptional hospitality extends beyond accommodations—creating spaces that inspire curiosity, and leave a lasting impression long after guests return home.

Larch House places guests at the center of one of North America's most extraordinary year-round destinations. Visitors can stroll the charming streets of Whitefish's historic Railway District, discover locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, breweries, and vibrant community events, or enjoy a walk along the Whitefish River before spending an afternoon on the glacially-fed waters of Whitefish Lake.

Less than an hour away, Glacier National Park offers more than one million acres of protected wilderness, alpine scenery, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, making Larch House a gateway to one of America's most celebrated national parks. In winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort transforms into a premier ski destination with over 3,000 acres of terrain, unobstructed views into Glacier National Park, and some of the best skiing in the Northern Rockies.

From boating, paddleboarding, and fly fishing in the summer to hiking, mountain biking, championship golf, horseback riding, and world-class skiing in the winter, northwest Montana offers an unparalleled four-season lifestyle. Whether guests arrive seeking outdoor adventure, restoration, or the charm of downtown Whitefish, Larch House provides a sophisticated home base from which to experience the very best of Montana.