Sidney Woman Builds New Home To Honor Memories

Janet Martineau downsizes to a smaller home but keeps the same design and feel as her previous house.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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When Janet (Jan) Martineau decided to move into Sidney, Montana, she knew she wanted to build a smaller version of the home she and her late husband, Paul Martineau, had built in 2008. Her new 3,273-square-foot residence features an open concept layout, a sunroom, a two-car garage, and many design elements from their previous home to honor her husband's memory.

Why it matters

This story highlights how a grieving widow was able to downsize to a new home while preserving the cherished memories of her life with her late husband. It showcases how thoughtful design and working with trusted local contractors can help create a space that feels like home, even after a major life transition.

The details

Jan's new home has three bedrooms, one used as an office, and two bathrooms. It features the same cedar-colored siding, a "copper penny" steel roof, and Corian countertops as her previous house. The home was designed with an open concept layout, a sunroom, and easy-maintenance features like luxury vinyl flooring and pocket doors. Jan incorporated elements from her old home, including wooden ceilings, cat perches, and custom built-in storage and shelving.

  • Building began in April 2025 after B&B Builders used warming blankets in March to dig the foundation.
  • Jan was able to move in in October 2025 and celebrated her first Halloween handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

The players

Janet (Jan) Martineau

A widow who decided to downsize to a smaller home in Sidney, Montana, while preserving the design and feel of the home she shared with her late husband.

Paul Martineau

Jan's late husband, with whom she had previously built a home in 2008.

B&B Builders

The general contractors who built Jan's new home.

Brenda Larson

The designer from Creative Solutions who worked with Jan on the home's cabinets, countertops, flooring, closets, and other features.

Kelly Alvstad

The Sidney High School Ag Educator who received many of Jan's plants that she could not fit in her new home.

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What they’re saying

“I love the high windows. I can look out and see the trees and it's like living in a forest. I can't wait for the birds.”

— Janet (Jan) Martineau

“It was such a fun project! Jan is so gracious and thankful for the work everyone did. She is to be commended for buying everything possible locally. I thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone.”

— Brenda Larson, Designer, Creative Solutions

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how thoughtful design and a commitment to preserving cherished memories can help ease the transition to a new home, even after the loss of a spouse. Jan's new house not only meets her practical needs but also serves as a living tribute to the life she shared with her late husband.