In this episode of Mountain Mule Media, Tim sits down with McCall Vollum, designer, renovator, and owner of The Brickhouse Livingston, a historic 1900 Victorian turned luxury vacation rental in downtown Livingston, Montana. McCall shares how she and her husband brought the home back to life—mixing history, design, and hard work to create a space that feels both timeless and uniquely Montana.
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From Victorian Ruin to Livingston Landmark
When McCall and her husband bought the Brickhouse during COVID, it wasn’t a turnkey investment—it was a full-scale renovation project. Built in 1900, the home had once been a boarding house for the Northern Pacific Railroad and even a bakery. Over the decades, it had been remodeled beyond recognition.
Determined to restore its original charm, McCall handled the design while her husband took on the construction. Together, they rebuilt the home in a way that honors its history—with tin ceiling tiles, floral wallpaper, antique fixtures, and a cozy library filled with vintage Montana books.
The Heart Behind the Brickhouse
For McCall, the Brickhouse isn’t just another rental—it’s an experience.
“We’ve stayed in a lot of places when we travel,” she says, “and what we always remember are the unique ones. The ones that feel like they have a story.”
That philosophy shaped every design decision. From rustic brick floors to a French country kitchen, every detail was chosen to give guests a sense of warmth and authenticity. Her favorite room—the floor-to-ceiling library—was built with over 3,000 antique books she sourced from a local auction.
“It’s filled with Montana history,” she says. “You can pull a book off the shelf and find stories from the old West, railroad days, or even the early days of Livingston.”
A Place That Reflects Livingston’s Spirit
Set just two blocks off Main Street, the Brickhouse offers guests more than a place to stay—it’s a chance to experience Livingston’s charm firsthand. From live music at The Attic to dinner at Campione or drinks at the Fainting Goat Pub, McCall says the town’s creative and historic energy is part of what makes the Brickhouse so special.
“Livingston has always drawn artists, writers, and dreamers,” she says. “We wanted the Brickhouse to reflect that—to feel like it belongs to the town’s story.”
Building Something That Lasts
The renovation process took 18 months, most of which McCall and her husband completed themselves—while raising two small children and working full time. There were setbacks, long nights, and unexpected challenges. But what came out of it was something lasting.
“It was harder than I thought it would be,” she admits, “but also more rewarding. Every time someone walks in and says it feels like home, it reminds me why we did it.”
Now, with plans to expand into new projects—possibly in Helena or Paradise Valley—McCall continues to balance creativity, family, and Montana’s sense of place.
To learn more or book your stay at The Brickhouse Livingston, visit thebrickhouselivingstonmt.com or follow @thebrickhouselivingston on Instagram. https://bellefarmsmontana.com/
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, connecting the people and places that keep Montana moving.
