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Cosy Hobbit House
Cosy Hobbit House - where would you expect to find a Hobbit's home? Under the ground, under the hill, in the Shire, of course! On an earth bank, in a hillside, snuggled into the earth. Hobbit homes are comfortable, full of the good things in life; books, fireplaces, larders full of food, wooden furniture and home-loving Hobbits. There is no doubt you could get a warm welcome and a good cup of tea in a Hobbit house.
JRR Tolkein wrote 'The Hobbit' for children, in 1937, and went on to write 'The Lord of the Rings', in 1954, based in 'Middle Earth', the world he had created in his first novel. Tolkein was an English writer, a linguist and scholar, focused on the folk history of England. He grew up in Wales and lived in Oxfordshire, which are farming regions full of rolling green hills, small villages and abundant farms. I have no doubt that this is the background for 'The Shire' of his imagination.
Folk tales of small 'halflings' that disappear quickly, light on their feet, with an affinity with the earth and its creatures, were common in British heritage. As were stories of faeries, dwarfs, goblins and elves. All of these rolled together beautifully to create the cultures of Middle Earth. I loved these stories as a child and continue to enjoy them as an adult. They light up my imagination.
Cosy Hobbit House - in 2001, a film of 'The Lord of the Rings' was released. This film had been made primarily in New Zealand, with that country's magnificent landscapes contributing as The Shire, and many other locations in Middle Earth. The little spot that was made into Hobbiton, the home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, was actually on a sheep farm, in Waikato in the North Island. The choice of location was very much dependent upon the magnificent tree which could represent the 'Party Tree'. Luckily for all of us, the team found the most magnificent valley and created the cosiest, most inviting and charming village which, after a few years and some more movies of 'The Hobbit', was left to become a wonderful permanent representation of a Hobbit village. Every detail is so beautifully presented. But sadly, no, you cannot stay here.
You can visit Hobbiton village near Matamata. Visit the 'Party Tree' and the 'Green
Dragon Inn'. See the beautiful bucolic Hobbit village up close. Visit
the movie set, as a beautiful calm village. Visit with a guide for the set
tour, add second breakfast, or lunch, or a banquet. Drink the exclusive
Southfarthing ale at the Green Dragon Inn. A must for lovers of the
Middle Earth world.
So, if you haven't read 'The Hobbit' by JRR Tolkein, here is how it starts...
“In a hole in the
ground there lived a Hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends
of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it
to sit down on or to eat: it was a Hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”
Door to a Hobbit house in Hobbiton New Zealand
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Shire's Rest - 501 Buckland Road - Hinuera - Waikato - New Zealand
Meet at the Shire's Rest and be taken to the village with a knowledgeable guide. Wander the rambling paths of The Shire and see the Hobbit dwellings in the rolling hillsides. Follow your guide around the set as they show you the most famous locations and explain how the movie magic was made. Walk around the 12-acre set, see Hobbit houses and the Millhouse. 2.5 hours.
Rated 4.8 / 5 (3825 reviews)
'Incredibly well organised bearing in mind the number of people visiting. Excellent tour guide. Did not feel rushed, plenty of photo opportunities. Complimentary drink at the Green Dragon pub very welcome. Excellent experience.'
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Transfers from Matamata - Meet at town centre - Waikato - New Zealand
Get picked up from the Hobbiton-themed Matamata i-SITE Gatehouse and taken by coach to the Shire's Rest. From there you will take the set tour, with an experienced local guide and see all the most beautiful parts of the village. Wander around and take photos in front of the most idyllic Hobbit doors and gardens. Have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Then take a comfortable coach ride back to Matamata. 3 hours.
Rated 4.9 / 5 (306 reviews)
'A day in the Shire! We were very impressed with the extent of the site, the perfection of the sense you were among Hobbits, and the attention to fine detail in the gardens, Hobbit holes, pond and general topography. The walk through of a dwelling left no doubt the residents had just stopped out for elevensies and would soon return. Informative guide, moved along but we didn't feel rushed at all. Having her stand us to a pint of ale at the Green Dragon Inn was an unexpected delight. Highly recommended for anyone familiar with Tolkien.'
Hobbiton Second Breakfast Tour - Shire's Rest - 501 Buckland Road - Hinuera- Waikato - New Zealand
Walk through the 12-acre village with a welcoming guide full of Hobbit knowledge and know how. Be amongst the first to visit for the day. Visit the interior of a Hobbit house to build up your appetite. Visit the Green Dragon Inn, try a Southfarthing ale, then head over to the Millhouse for a sumptuous 'Second Breakfast'. No filthy wargs or orcs to kill to earn your breakfast, either. 3.5 hours.
4.8 / 5 (2514 reviews)
'Not to be missed!! Admittedly I'm a huge fan but you won't be disappointed regardless. It was great to witness the beautiful attention to detail across the site, to relive many moments in the movies and the second breakfast feast was sensational!'
Stay in a Hobbit House - Waikato - New Zealand
Cosy Hobbit House
New Zealand is rich in green fields, rivers, mountains and dales, it is like 'The Shire'.
Ready for an adventure?! Pack your handkerchief. Waikato is in the North Island, with incredible scenery, luscious forests and rolling sheep farms. In this region, visit glow worms and the beautiful conservation parks of Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari. These parks are fenced and home to precious New Zealand wildlife such as Kiwi, Kakapo Parrot, North Island Kaka and the splendid Tui birds.
When you visit, stay in lovely cottages nearby to Hobbiton, including a nearly-hobbit-house.
Underhill Valley - Waikato - New Zealand
This special family has created a masterpiece of which any hobbit could be proud. You can really stay here. It is a cosy, comfortable and hobbity haven for two. This self-catering home has a wood fire stove and an outdoor BBQ. Only 5 minutes from the market but a world away from stress and modern life. Sit and relax next to the pond in complete privacy. Located just a little west of Hamilton in Waikato, a leisurely 45 minute drive to Hobbiton Movie Set.
'Underhill Valley is unlike any place I've ever stayed. It is truly magical and I wish I could have stayed longer.'
Cosy Hobbit House - Stay Near Hobbiton - Matamata New Zealand
Cosy Hobbit House - these cottages are charming above ground homes but they meet the essential hobbit desire for comfort. Historic and unique retreats from which to explore Waikato and to visit the Hobbit Village. Visit Bag End, Bagshot Row and see the charming village gardens, take a disappearing photo under the 'Party Tree'.
Bryce Cottage - Cambridge - Waikato - New Zealand
With 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and comfort for 6 guests, this lovely cottage offers a full kitchen and BBQ, outdoor area, garden and air conditioning. Cambridge is a lovely 2 hour drive from Auckland and only 30 minutes to the Hobbiton village.
'It is a heritage beauty in a great location to explore the area. A lovely heritage-style home located in a quiet street in Cambridge, it is a convenient short walk to the town centre. The house is light, airy and spacious, with quality decoration. It was a wonderful place to stay while exploring the Waikato region.'
The Wash House - Historic Cottage - Matamata - Waikato - New Zealand
Located in the countryside just outside of Matamata, this historic cottage Bed and Breakfast is a charming place to explore the Hobbit village and the lovely scenery of 'The Shire' of Waikato. This is a 1 bedroom home for 2 people with 1 bathroom, kitchenette and patio. Close to cafes and restaurants, and only 16 km or 10 miles to Hobbiton village.
'Charming country retreat. The owners have pin pointed every detail of a perfect stay. Truly one of the most charming, welcoming B&B's I’ve ever been to. The property is private and stunning. What a treat. Wish we could have stayed longer…heck. Wish we could live there.'
Hawthorn Cottage - Tamahere - Waikato - New Zealand
This is an upmarket private guesthouse with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom ideal for couples. Set on a hillside overlooking the Waikato River, this is an ideal Hobbity way to start and end your day in Waikato. Located between Cambridge and Tamahere, not far from Hamilton and 35 km or 22 miles to Hobbiton village.
'Exceptional. This was such a beautiful little spot!! So peaceful and quiet, yet only a short drive from town. Beautifully decorated and so comfortable.'
Hobbit Houses Around the World
Cosy Hobbit House - so many like-minded people around the world have loved Tolkein's novels and the world he created. Many, many have also loved the two sets of movies 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit', which were so beautifully made and included designs and crafts made by teams in New Zealand.
Around the world, imaginations have soared and you can stay in a Hobbity house somewhere near you. I have included a couple of them here, and there are more to come, celebrating the cosy Hobbit house. Let's start in the United Kingdom, true home of The Hobbit.
Vineyard Hollow - Bodiam - East Sussex - UK
Welcoming, inviting, cosy and stylish, this Hobbit home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a patio and a fireplace. Add to that the pretty design elements, quiet countryside and location on a vineyard and you are in luxury Hobbit heaven. Located at Oastbrook Estate winery, in the High Weald National Landscape and just a few minutes from the 14th Century Bodiam Castle.
'Amazing, better than the pictures! Lovely hosts, great vineyard tour, beautiful wine! Everything was perfect, we loved all the small details and extras the hobbit house had to offer and had everything we needed and more. It’s absolutely stunning! And the wine was amazing too.'
Pod Hollow - West Stow Pods - Bury St Edmonds - West Suffolk - UK
Choose from a variety of accommodation on this glamping campsite, including a Hobbit-style home called 'Pod Hollow', with an earth roof, round door and all the comforts of home. 2 double bedrooms give room for 4 guests with 1 bathroom. Comfortable, fully fitted out kitchen. Sits in private woodland surrounded by farmland just 9 km or 6 miles to town.
'A fantastic retreat! Can't wait to be a Hobbit again. We adored the whole concept and the attention to detail. It's warm and comfortable. It's a brilliant experience!'
Plan Your Path
Cosy Hobbit House - here's how to start your adventure - no contracts to sign, no smelly, grumpy dwarfs to camp with and definitely no dragons need slaying.
To get to Matamata in New Zealand
- Arrive at Auckland Airport AKL
- Drive 148 km or 92 miles to Matamata
- The Shire's Rest is 16 km or 10 miles from Matamata
To get to Sussex in United Kingdom
- Arrive at London Heathrow Airport LHR
- Drive 120 km or 74 miles to the village of Bodiam
To arrive at Suffolk in United Kingdom
- Arrive into London Stansted Airport STN
- Drive 80 km or 50 miles to Bury St Edmund town
Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.
By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.
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