Meet Watson, Our 1971 Streamline Camper: The Ultimate Glamping Experience
Montana glamping at Flathead Lake Resort, doesn’t just mean you’re staying in a tiny home or a vintage camper. You’re part of a community. You don’t just get a bed upon which to lay your head, you get a place to call home...if only for a moment. At our home, our guests are our family. A family that gathers around campfires while telling tales of adventures, connecting with others, and making lifelong friendships.
Our campfire family at Flathead Lake Resort
While your first stay here may be your only stay here, you’ll leave this family knowing that you are welcome back anytime you need a space under that big blue Montana sky.
Like any family, you may not want to spend every waking moment with us. So when Big Sky Country is beckoning, we’ve got your back with all things Montana in the Flathead Valley.
"We believe family is what you make it, and when you stay here with us, you're family."(Your FLR Family)
Our campers are also a part of our family, and just like every family member, each of them has unique attributes that define exactly who they are. Watson is no different. And like any true sidekick, this one may just be the King.
Who is Watson?
Watson in the world of literature is well known for being Holmes’ sidekick, but at Flathead Lake, Watson is the King of the Land. One of the first vintage campers to call Flathead Lake Resort home, Watson has made a name for himself.
In the literary world, Watson is known to be quite handsome and strong; a brilliant partner and confidante to Holmes. The 1971 Streamline camper, later to be known as Watson, has those same traits. Traits that are resilient and mighty, yet flexible and comforting. Being Holmes’ right-hand man, er, camper, Watson is that perfect partner.
Found when Flathead Lake hosts Brittain and Josh were on a mission for vintage campers that were to become a part of the Flathead Lake Resort tiny home family, Watson was one of the vintage Streamlines that immediately caught their eyes.
Watson stood out in a sea of Streamlines.
To tell the story of Watson properly, we first have to back up to the time when Brittain and Josh were first introduced to Bigfork. Long story short, it was love at first sight and they instantly knew they had to combine their love of the area with their love of vintage campers. Their goal: to create a Montana glamping experience like no other in the Flathead Valley.
Stumbling upon a Facebook ad, they met Preston, an owner of a ranch outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Upon this ranch was a sea of silver. Airstreams, Silver Streaks, and Silverstream campers were lined up like a row of dancers waiting to take their turn on the dance floor. Some were vibrant and young, others dilapidated, moments away from certain death in the heat of the Sante Fe Desert.
But there were two that stood out. Hidden a bit by the younger dancers, but not ready to retire for the evening, were a 1963 and a 1971 Streamline. Getting to know Preston a bit more, Brittain and Josh found that not only did he adore and collect Airstreams and their cousins, Silverstreams and Silver Streaks all built with similar riveted aluminum, but he also operated the local hostel in Sante Fe.
As Brittain and Josh were also previous owners of a hostel in their hometown of Kansas City, they took this as a sign that those two Streamlines were meant to have new homes in Montana at Flathead Lake Resort. To read more about Holmes, click here. To learn more about Watson, read on.
But how did Watson become Watson?
The campers and cabins that call Flathead Lake Resort home all have names. Each of them has unique characteristics. Each of them deserves a name of their own. So, the story goes, Watson became Watson because of a door.
One fine Spring day, Josh walked out of the 71 Streamline, and for reasons still unknown, was drawn to the door.
Many Streamline models had a crown badging riveted to the exterior of the camper just to the side of the door. This was no surprise to Josh or Brittain, as they have been collecting and renovating Airstreams and the Airstream family for years.
But they had missed one defining trait with the crown on this particular model. Since this camper was one of the first Airstream styles to call Flathead Lake home, and with a crown literally attached to his side, calling him King was a thought, but he wasn’t pretentious like that. He was more like a reliable partner, being that he was chosen alongside the 61 Streamline.
So you can imagine the joy on Josh’s face when he saw the name Watson etched ever so slightly under the crown. Back in the day, when you ordered a Silverstream, there was an empty space under the gold crown symbol that was not to be filled until it had an owner. That space could be customized with the owner’s last name.
You guessed it. It said Watson. Hello, Watson.
Naming the other newly found partner in crime, the 61 Silverstream was a given. Hello, Holmes!
Watson - The King of This Airstream Family
Watson was pretty much ready to go. He didn’t need a lot of work in order to host guests at Flathead Lake Resort. He was turn-key, or as we say in the camper world, plug and play. He was ready to be plugged in, so you could go play. He was the perfect tiny home to experience Montana glamping in the Flathead Valley.
Sturdy and reliable, Watson also has just enough quirky charm to provide every guest with the perfect amount of coziness and functionality. You’re not camping in Watson, you’re glamping.
On the outside, his anodized metal and gold highlights remind everyone that Watson is really the King here at Flathead Lake Resort, being both sensible and handsome. Upon entrance, you’ll be greeted by beautifully refurbished wood floors that complement the original 70s style faux wood cabinets.
When Glamping, You Need a Table Fit for a King
Keeping both sensibility and comfort in mind, Watson also greets you with a table fit for a King and all his guests. The kitchen is where everyone gathers in a home, and Watson is your home away from home, giving you a place to gather with just you and yours, or your many newfound friends while spending time in Montana.
And speaking of kitchens, Watson, like you would expect from Holmes’ sidekick, does not disappoint. His kitchen is fully functioning with a double sink and the original stove and refrigerator that still gets the job done perfectly to this day.
A Space for Everyone When Glamping in Montana in this Silverstream
Just as unique and practical as Watsons’ namesake, so are the unique and practical twin beds that help define this Airstream cousin. It wasn’t uncommon in the 60s and 70s for Streamline campers to be made with twin beds opposite each other. Both beds present an inviting space, complete with Streamline genuine lighting fixtures, alongside expansive windows allowing the warmth of the new day to revive you for the adventures ahead. This is Montana glamping at its finest.
The Paper Chase Mystery in Watson’s Bathroom
And staying true to character, both Watson’s and your hosts’, the bathroom is where you’ll find that perfect bit of quirky charm. Don’t worry, everything in here is functioning properly from the modern camper toilet to the original shower and sink, including the lighted mirror above to ensure you’re ready to face the world.
But as in all of the campers and cabins at Flathead Lake Resort, there are stories abound. Little tidbits of fun memories from your hosts of days gone by. And Watson is no different. The reading material in this bathroom is creatively painted onto the bathroom cabinet, referencing the 1970s movie, Paper Chase.
If you want to unravel the mystery of why, channel your inner Watson and seek out your hosts. They’ll tell you the story and quite possibly invite you to an evening campfire on the beach for many more.
Nothing is Left to Chance - Everything is Intentional
In Watson, and every camper and cabin at Flathead Lake, you’ll find even more magical touches coming in forms of organic and environmentally friendly toiletries, including the sheets and pillowcases that you snuggle up with every night.
Nothing here is left to chance. From the initial contactless check-in system to the personal invitation to join us by the lakeshore for a group campfire and smores. When you visit Flathead Lake Resort, you’re not staying in a hotel, you’re staying with family.
It’s elementary. Watson is family, and he welcomes you home.
”I know my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life.”
(Sherlock Holmes in The Red-Headed League)
Flathead Lake Resort's "3for2" Deal is Back!
Get three nights for the price of two. Along with our cabins for rent, we also now have FIVE vintage Airstreams on site so you can Glamp out in style by Flathead Lake. It's quite simple. Book 3+ nights in May and get 1 night free. Click here to get started. Then use the promo code "3for2" at checkout. Voila! Your third night is on us!
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Are you ready for the fine print? There's always fine print.
Valid 4/29-5/5 & 5/9-5/26
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