10 Bewitching Hobbit Houses Seemengly Inspired by Tolkiens Fantasy Novels

With so many of you in love with The Hobbit Movie and with the characters depicted by J.R.R. Tolkien, we decided to put together a special post. And because design and architecture is our thing, we made a list with some of the most striking architecture projects that resemble or are derived from the famous fantasy novels. Enjoy!

Simon Dale of Wales envisioned a sustainable woodland home in a hill on the countryside, which may be considered “cartoony” enough to match the small hobbit homes from the Lord of the Rings. The project is daring, highly practical and it only cost its owner £3,000 to build. A nice way to escape the hassle of monthly energy bills, wouldn’t you agree?

If it wouldn't have been built in 1975 (long before the movie itself), some would probably argue that this 3,500-square-foot multilevel home by Ian Morrison on top of a hill in Barbados, is definitely inspired by the Lord of the Rings movie. Built in a stunning setting with soothing interiors that seem to be brimming with green life, the house brings a relaxing atmosphere that you can "almost" feel.

The Hobbit scenes from Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy were filmed on a hillside lot in Matamata, New Zealand. Now the little Hobbit Homes have become a tourist attraction, but also they became homes for some of the sheep from a nearby farm. The interiors of these white structures were never finished because the scenes shot inside were actually filmed on a studio set. Although the place where these Hobbit houses rest under the sun are not an intimidating fun Disneyland-like  amusement park, one can visit the countryside and get a chance to learn more about the sheep raised here and even pet the lambs.

Even though architect William Morgan did not intend for the Dune House in Atlantic Beach, USA to resemble any fantasy dwelling, the project may strike some interesting correlations with Tolkien readers. Initially built in 1975, this original looking residence consists of two almost identical 750-Square-foot, each having a bedroom and a bathroom.

The unusual architecture display for this home was envisioned by SeARCH and Christian Muller Architects. This particular “hobbit home” includes all the facilities a common house has, such as a guest room, an entertainment area, but also "specialized" interiors like an underground pathway. The entrance is a wide oval opening that you are driven to by some traditional stairs made in stone. Large windows make it noticeable and draw attention to the inside decors.

 

Architect Peter Archer designed a perfect little retreat in rural Chester County, about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia, USA. "We wanted a single structure, a relaxing place that was diminutive in scale, for the owner to come and hang out and just be in solitude with his collection," explained the architect. The fantastic abode inspired by the two famous novels- “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings”- was built in collaboration with a team of craftsmen and it is not meant to be a Hollywood interpretation, but a timeless dwelling.

Displaying a charming undulating shingle roof, asymmetrical walls and even a water wheel, the home built by Chris Whited in Bainbridge Island, Washington meets our idea of a fairytale dwelling. The project has a total surface 1,200-square feet, is perfectly fit for human life and was built out of sheer passion, without the intension of making the headlines.

The Hobbit Villageis a real-life "Shire"-inspired place dedicated to Tolkien characters. During the spring and summer months, visiting hobbit enthusiasts can inhabit the village for prices beginning at $195 per night. It is here that we came across this charming hobbit house with an interior that does not lack the comfort of modern living.

Round windows and front door, earth walls and grass covering- now this is how a real hobbit home should look like! Admit it- you would love to inhabit a small home like this, even if it does require a little sacrifice. At least for a little while.

Last, but not least, check out Bilbo Baggins House at the Hobbit Village in Montana, USA. Particularly inviting, this picture perfect dwelling will probably not be as appealing to adults, as they can only take a peek inside and not actually…live inside it. Find it as pretty as the “real fantasy” version?

Victorian Villa Added an Origami-Like Extension: Lens House in London

Alison Brooks Architects completed the redesign and extension for a residence located in Islington, London, UK. Spread a total surface of 400 square meters (main building plus extension), Lens House displays an intriguing exterior. Its Origami-like extension consists of two irregular volumes, each having a well-defined functionality: “The first volume wraps around the brick walls at the side and rear of the house to create a home office, while the second volume extends out at the back to increase the size of the first floor living room“.

Large trapezoidal planes define the new interiors, which offer original perspectives both inside and out. According to the architects, to achieve the low profile of the ten-sided trapezoidal office extension, ABA “lowered the existing basement and excavated a new sunken courtyard to form a street-facing office entrance. This new lower ground floor level connects workspace and house. On the garden side, the building rests lightly on the ground with undercut walls to avoid the walnut tree's roots“. Enjoy the photos and let us know how you find this particular architecture approach.

Striking Four-Level Terrace House in Singapore by KNQ Associates

The interior design for this 4-level house in Singapore envisioned by designer Stanley Tham from KNQ Associates mixes contemporary design elements with glamorous accents, including reflective materials and luxe furnishings, to create a vibrant atmosphere. Having an insight into the family’s preferences (and becoming friends in the process) enlivens the interior scheme and adds the much needed ‘human spirit’ into the space. Understated grays and whites are interspersed with accents of bright colors for warmth in the living room. The reflection on a tall mirror wall gives a spacious look and doubles the image of the impressive light well, bringing plenty of daylight into the dining area.

The same design style continues in the bedrooms, but different accent colors in the furnishings are used to distinguish each room. In the children’s’ bedrooms, functionality is of utmost importance – to provide a conducive study corner and ample book storage for each child.As one moves up the stairs, artwork and photos hanging by the side walls provide a distinct visual experience – akin to walking through an art gallery with works that can only be curated by the home owners themselves. The family room on the 3rd story is a fully equipped entertainment suite suited for an incredible movie experience in full surround, as well as singing thousands of tunes through a massive karaoke song library.

On the roof garden, the original ceramic floor tiles have been overlaid with wood-grain homogeneous tiles to mimic timber plank decking yet ensuring easier maintenance. At the designated alfresco dining area, a newly carved planter is enhanced by dramatic up-lighting and the trickling sounds emanating from the water feature to provide a soothing dining experience during those breezy evenings. [Photos and information provided by KNQ Associates]