Post Falls, Idaho

When Sally and Jim Aucutt shopped for a home, eight years ago, they wanted more than just a river view. “We have a 1939, 48-foot wood boat,” Sally Aucutt said. “We moved to the river to be close to our boat.”

The boat’s size dictated where they would live. They needed deep water.

The couple bought a 1977 home on the Spokane River in Koonenai County. The 4,400-square-foot home had been remodeled several times, and they went to work adding their own stamp.

In addition to remodeling the kitchen and bath, they expanded the living area by enclosing the Florida room across the back of the house and enlarging the living room. A fireplace is centered in the windowed wall.

“The view is absolutely incredible,” Aucutt said. “We see upriver and downriver.”

The location is familiar to area wildlife, as well. “We have elk, and a bear came through several years ago,” she said.