Built in 1928, the University of Montana President’s residence at 1325 Gerald Avenue is a significant Italian Renaissance home in the University Area Historic District, embodying architectural elegance with its stucco and stone exterior. Spanning 7,300 square feet over three levels on a 0.795-acre lot, it has served as the university president’s official home until 2025. Key features include six bedrooms, a grand library, multiple fireplaces, and distinctive handcrafted details. Recent renovations blend historical integrity with modernity, and the property includes a three-car garage and potential for subdivision. Listed at $2,895,000, this estate encapsulates Missoula’s rich history while offering proximity to local amenities.
Front Exterior
The front exterior showcases a historic American home with a commanding presence. A stone and stucco façade is complemented by dark wooden accents, creating a rich, contrasting texture. The porch features a wide overhang supported by robust beams, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. A checkerboard pathway leads to the grand entrance, flanked by ornamental plants. Large windows allow ample natural light while offering views of the lush green lawn. The landscape design includes neatly trimmed shrubs and beds of mulch, contributing to a well-maintained look. The overall aesthetic reflects a blend of traditional craftsmanship and approachable elegance.
Front Entrance
The front entrance showcases a warm blend of rustic charm and refined architectural details. A wooden door, framed by decorative glass panels, offers an inviting focal point. Surrounding the entrance, the stone facade features earthy tones, harmonizing with the brown stucco. The tiled steps, alternating in muted colors, add texture and visual interest. Iron railings provide safety while enhancing the vintage aesthetic. Flanking the sides, lush greenery and low-maintenance shrubs create a pleasant natural backdrop. Overhead, exposed wooden beams and soft lighting pendant fixtures contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, perfectly blending tradition with a cozy modern touch.
Entryway
A grand entryway featuring elaborate wrought-iron gates that blend sophistication with ornate detailing. The warm wooden paneling envelops the space, highlighting a rich craftsmanship. A sweeping staircase ascends elegantly in the background, framed by vertical wooden slats, which enhance the verticality of the room. The floor showcases a mosaic of earth-toned tiles, creating a textured and inviting surface. Adjacent glass doors allow natural light to flood in, accentuating the polished wood surfaces and inviting ambiance. Antique lighting fixtures add a touch of vintage charm, completing this welcoming and opulent entrance.
Entryway
This grand entryway features rich wood paneling that envelops the space, enhancing its historic charm. A sweeping staircase elegantly ascends to the upper floors, the curves softened by the polished wood banister. The intricate tile flooring, comprising various earthy tones, complements the warm hues of the wood, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Natural light filters through large sidelights and a pair of glass doors, leading to the outdoors. Architectural details, including arched doorways and a coffered ceiling, add depth to the room, while subtle wall sconces provide ambient lighting, enhancing the overall elegance.
Entryway
A welcoming entryway unfolds, featuring rich wooden paneling that exudes warmth and sophistication. The intricate coffered ceiling enhances the space’s height, drawing the eye upwards. A gracefully curved staircase, with a polished wooden banister, leads to the upper floors. The floor is adorned with glossy, patterned tiles, reflecting light and adding a touch of elegance. A decorative area rug anchors the seating area, where two plush armchairs invite relaxation. To the left, a glass-paneled door hints at a well-organized library, while a dining space is visible through an adjacent doorway, suggesting a seamless flow throughout this historic home.
Dining Room
The dining room features a rustic wooden table surrounded by elegantly upholstered chairs, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The color palette includes warm earth tones complemented by a sophisticated patterned wallpaper in shades of green and beige. A modern chandelier hangs centrally above the table, casting soft light that enhances the inviting feel of the space. Wainscoting adds architectural interest, contrasting beautifully with the textured wallpaper. Large windows frame the room, inviting natural light and views of the garden outside. An area rug beneath the table adds a touch of coziness, tying the design elements together.
Kitchen
This kitchen features rich wooden cabinetry with a warm honey finish, providing a cozy ambience. The expansive countertop in dark granite contrasts beautifully with the lighter wood, enhancing the aesthetic. An island in the center adds functionality, while decorative pendant lights hang above, providing focused lighting. The backsplash showcases a diamond pattern in muted beige and brown hues, adding texture to the design. Natural light floods the space through a wide window, showcasing a view of greenery outside. Stainless steel appliances, including a sleek refrigerator and dishwasher, complement the traditional elements with modern convenience.
Kitchen
A spacious kitchen featuring rich wooden cabinetry that provides ample storage space. The light oak finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere, enhanced by the natural light streaming through the window. A large central island, topped with dark granite, serves as a functional preparation area, adorned with decorative pendant lights that add a touch of elegance. Stainless steel appliances, including double ovens and a built-in microwave, contrast with the warm wood, while tiled backsplashes in diamond patterns introduce subtle texture. The beige tiled flooring complements the overall light color scheme, fostering a balanced and harmonious aesthetic.
Entry Hallway
The entryway features rich wooden paneling and a grand staircase that curvatures elegantly upwards. The ornate staircase is finished in polished wood with black metal railings, contrasting beautifully with the warm tones of the wood. A patterned tile floor, composed of varying shades of brown, adds texture and visual interest to the space. Natural light pours in through arched doorways and a prominent window, illuminating the intricate architectural details. On the left, a fireplace with decorative detailing hints at traditional charm, while wall sconces provide ambient lighting, enriching the hallway’s inviting atmosphere.
Living Room
The living room showcases a spacious, inviting layout with an emphasis on classic elegance. Rich wooden flooring leads the eye toward a prominently placed white mantel fireplace, detailed with intricate carvings. The walls are adorned with a soft, neutral color, enhancing the natural light flowing through large windows, framed in dark wood that adds depth. Flanking the fireplace, stylish wall sconces emit a warm glow, complementing the space’s ambiance. Architectural details include a coffered ceiling, subtly enhancing the room’s height, while the elegant door frames provide an inviting entrance, merging traditional and contemporary aesthetics harmoniously.
Living Room
A spacious living room features a warm ambiance with a cozy fireplace as the focal point. The walls are painted in a soft, neutral color, enhancing the natural light streaming in through large windows adorned with elegant wooden frames. Two contemporary armchairs, in muted tones, are positioned around a sleek coffee table, creating an inviting conversation area. A textured area rug lies beneath, adding depth and comfort. Subtle wall sconces provide additional lighting, while artwork above the fireplace adds a touch of personality. The combination of classic architecture and modern furnishings results in a harmonious and welcoming space.
Living Room
This living room features a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort. The focal point is a classic fireplace, embellished with intricate molding, radiating warmth. Flanking the fireplace are two stylish wall sconces, enhancing the ambient lighting. Large windows framed in rich wood allow natural light to flood the space, highlighting the warm tones of hardwood flooring. A neutral area rug anchors the seating arrangement, complemented by a modern gray sofa and plush chairs with soft beige upholstery. A coffee table, adorned with tasteful decor, sits centrally, inviting social interaction. Wooden cabinets in the background further enrich the room’s aesthetic.
Living Room
The living room features a vibrant yellow accent wall contrasting with rich wooden beams and built-in shelves, enhancing the nostalgic charm. Sturdy wooden shelving houses various compartments for storage, while large bay windows adorned with diamond-patterned panes invite ample natural light. The flooring is polished hardwood, reflecting the soft glow from a crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling. A mirrored door adds a touch of elegance and depth, leading to another space. The combination of bright shades and traditional materials creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
Living Room
A spacious living room featuring rich, dark wood paneling and built-in shelves that provide both storage and a classic aesthetic. The ceiling showcases exposed wooden beams, enhancing the room’s rustic charm. Two elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding a touch of sophistication. The hardwood floors are polished to a warm sheen, reflecting natural light from large windows on one wall. A prominent stone fireplace serves as a focal point, detailed with intricate carvings, which complements the rich textures of the wood. The overall color scheme is warm and inviting, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.
Library
The room showcases a warm and inviting library adorned with rich wooden beams and intricate molded ceilings. Walls lined with tall bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling, filled with an array of colorful books. A cozy seating area features a plush, tufted brown leather sofa and armchair, complemented by a circular wooden coffee table. A classic desk sits prominently, accentuated by a stylish lamp. The ambiance is enhanced by a beautifully designed fireplace, creating a focal point with its elegant stonework. Two ornate chandeliers hang above, providing soft, ambient lighting throughout the space.
Reading Nook
This inviting reading nook features a vibrant yellow wall that instantly brightens the space. Large, multi-pane windows with elegant wood framing allow natural light to stream in, creating a warm atmosphere. The room is anchored by a smooth, light hardwood floor, enhancing the cheerful ambiance. A curved bay window adds architectural interest, providing a cozy spot for seating. Opposite, custom-built wooden shelves display rich mahogany tones, offering a perfect backdrop for books and decorative items. A stunning chandelier with crystal accents hangs from the exposed wooden beams, serving as a striking focal point and adding a touch of elegance.
Staircase Landing
The staircase landing features a sweeping curved wooden banister, complemented by black wrought iron railings, enhancing the elegance of the space. Light pours in from large windows, illuminating the polished hardwood floors below. The landing is adorned with a vintage hanging lantern, adding a classic touch. A textured tile floor is visible at the entryway, hinting at intricate design elements beneath. Two sets of double doors open into adjacent rooms, framed by wooden panels that echo the home’s historic charm. The warm color palette of natural wood and cream walls creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Living Room
A cozy living room featuring a neutral color scheme with soft beige walls and elegant wooden flooring. A plush, light-colored sofa is adorned with a decorative striped pillow and a warm orange throw blanket. Centered on a vibrant red area rug, a modern coffee table displays candles and a small decorative vase with greenery. Natural light pours through large windows, framed by long beige curtains, creating a welcoming atmosphere. A fireplace with a limestone surround adds warmth and vintage charm. To the right, a sturdy door leads to another space, enhancing the room’s functional layout.
Bedroom
The bedroom features a calming palette with soft yellow walls and natural light streaming through large windows. A tufted, cream-colored headboard anchors the king-sized bed, adorned with light bedding and decorative pillows. Flanking the bed are stylish nightstands with elegant table lamps, enhancing the serene ambiance. A cozy area rug complements the hardwood floor, adding texture and warmth. An artistic landscape hangs on the wall, introducing a subtle charm. A potted plant brightens the corner, while the chandelier above casts gentle light, creating an inviting and restful atmosphere suitable for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Bedroom
This cozy bedroom features a soothing color palette with a light pink ceiling and a playful dotted accent wall in gold and white. The hardwood floor is warm and inviting, complemented by a soft area rug beneath the bed. A minimalist bed frame with neutral bedding and decorative pillows creates a serene atmosphere. A modern nightstand with a glass lamp adds elegance. Natural light floods in through a large window, offering a view of greenery outside. Art on the wall portrays a tranquil landscape, enhancing the space’s calm vibe. Overall, a blend of contemporary and classic design elements.
Bedroom
This spacious bedroom features large windows adorned with sheer curtains, allowing ample natural light to flood the room. A warm, neutral color palette of soft beiges and whites creates a serene atmosphere. Centered is a plush bed with a rustic wooden headboard, complemented by an array of textured pillows. Two wooden nightstands with lamps provide symmetrical balance on either side. A tufted ottoman sits at the foot of the bed, while a lightly patterned area rug adds warmth underfoot. The walls are simply decorated with understated artwork, and the elegant wooden flooring enhances the room’s inviting aesthetic.
Bedroom
A cozy bedroom showcasing a tranquil atmosphere. Soft earthy tones envelop the walls, complemented by warm wooden flooring. A plush bed sits prominently, adorned with white linens and patterned pillows, providing a serene focal point. To the left, an elegant arched mirror reflects the space, while a stylish wooden nightstand adds functionality beside it. An open doorway leads to a bathroom featuring rich blue tiles, enhancing the room’s charm. A minimalist shelving unit and a framed landscape artwork embrace the decor, harmonizing seamlessly with the overall design, infusing the space with light and comfort.
Bathroom
The bathroom features a unique blend of colorful tiles that create a vibrant atmosphere. The lower half is adorned with large navy blue tiles bordered with orange and earthy tones, providing a striking contrast to the soft yellow walls. A classic white pedestal sink aligns with a vintage styled toilet, both complemented by elegant chrome faucets. Above the sink, a decorative tri-fold mirror with intricate detailing reflects the light from a nearby window, enhancing the room’s spacious feel. Natural light filters through the white shuttered window, harmonizing with the overall cozy and inviting aesthetic.
Bedroom
This spacious bedroom features a serene atmosphere with an inviting layout. Natural light floods in through curved bay windows, creating a bright focal point. The neutral color palette of soft whites and light taupes complements the warm wooden flooring. A plush bed is centered, adorned with subtly patterned bedding and decorative pillows. Flanking the bed, a light gray upholstered chair and small side table offer a cozy reading nook. A stylish dresser, with smooth lines and simple hardware, adds functionality. Delicate butterfly decals in various colors on the wall introduce a playful element, enhancing charm without overpowering the space.
Bedroom
This bedroom features a serene layout with a sophisticated color palette of soft greens and neutral tones. A plush bed with decorative pillows invites relaxation, complemented by elegant nightstands and lamps. The large windows provide abundant natural light, showcasing a tranquil view of greenery outside. A cozy window seat framed by decorative stained glass forms a focal point, enhancing the room’s charm. The sleek hardwood flooring adds warmth, while built-in cabinetry offers practicality without compromising aesthetic appeal. Architectural details such as crown molding and wall sconces contribute to the room’s refined atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat.
Exterior View
The image showcases a historic American home, highlighting its architectural charm. A prominent stone chimney and intricately detailed stonework define the facade, blending with smooth, beige stucco walls. Large, multi-paned windows provide ample natural light and contribute to the house’s quaint aesthetic. The octagonal bay window adds depth, enhancing the overall design. Surrounding the home, lush green landscaping features well-maintained shrubs and grass, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The upper balcony hints at extra outdoor space, while the sky provides a serene blue backdrop, making the home feel integrated with nature.
Exterior Facade
This view showcases the striking exterior of a historic American home, presenting a blend of craftsmanship and natural materials. The lower level features a rustic stone facade with varying textures and colors, enhancing its charm. Above, smooth plaster walls painted a soft hue contrast beautifully with dark wooden trim around the windows. A prominent balcony adorned with wrought iron railings offers outdoor space. Symmetrical architectural lines and multiple roof planes add visual interest. Lush greenery surrounds the property, giving it a welcoming atmosphere, while the bright blue sky accentuates the home’s elegance and historical significance.
Exterior Facade
The image presents a historic American home’s exterior facade, showcasing a blend of textures and colors. The front features a light beige plaster complemented by dark stone accents, creating a striking contrast. Architectural details include a protruding bay window with a decorative wooden shingle roof above, adorned with multiple small panes. Tall, narrow windows line the facade, some with stone sills. The entrance is elevated with a small set of stairs, flanked by stone walls. Lush greenery subtly surrounds the home, enhancing its picturesque quality against a bright blue sky, accentuating the home’s classic charm.
Garage Exterior
The image shows a garage with a distinctive architectural style featuring a sloped roof and stucco siding. It has three garage doors, all in a soft beige color with decorative windows at the top. The structure is framed by lush greenery, including trees and shrubs that enhance the natural setting. A concrete driveway leads up to the garage, offering a functional and inviting approach. The driveway is bordered by a stone pathway, and there is a hint of a well-maintained lawn visible to the left. This space combines practicality with aesthetic charm, fitting seamlessly into the historic landscape.
Exterior View
The image captures a historic American home’s exterior, showcasing a complex roofline adorned with a mix of steep slopes and charming gables. The roof features reddish-brown shingles, creating a warm, inviting appearance. The house’s façade combines smooth stucco with rugged stone accents, enhancing its character. Classic windows are adorned with decorative trim, allowing natural light inside. A spacious balcony extends from the upper level, framed by wrought iron railings, perfect for enjoying views of the surrounding lush greenery. Mature trees and manicured lawns contribute to the serene atmosphere, providing a picturesque suburban setting.
Listing Agent: Dawn Maddux of Engel & Völkers Western Frontier – Missoula via Zillow
