Hobbit houses were once a thing of fiction.
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While earthen dwellings have existed for millennia, JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth of The Lord of the Rings fantasy series introduced a novel type of subterranean home.
A hobbit house, specifically.
These dwellings are constructed into hillsides and hillocks, designed to blend with nature. Rooms and windows are usually circular rather than square, home to cozy fireplaces and sitting areas.
Given their earthen nature, many hobbit houses are built from eco-friendly materials and run on renewable energy. Though fantastical, many are cutting-edge in terms of structure and functionality.
The best part? Despite being partly subterranean, most hobbit houses have ample light and modern amenities.
And while most feature a charming and cozy design reminiscent of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, that’s not the case across the board. There’s a hobbit house out there for just about every traveler.
Want a little bit of Middle Earth magic on your next vacation? If you like the Shire, you’ll love these hobbit house rentals from Airbnb.
[Or, if you want to hunt for the perfect hobbit house yourself, start here with Airbnb’s Earthen home category.]
Best hobbit houses in the US
Hobbit Style Underground Cabin
Broadway, Virginia
What’s better than getting to stay in a beautiful and hand-built hobbit home? Finding one that has views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is my top pick thanks to its unbeatable location. No matter the season, you’ll be treated to beautiful views and scenery.
In terms of interiors, too, it doesn’t get any better. Despite its bespoke features, this hobbit house looks like it was crafted by professional teams and craftspeople. I’m in love with the wooden features, in particular.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
The Bag Inn A Hobbit Home
Salem, Oregon
This is a luxury take on hobbit houses. With over 1,000 square feet of interior and 2.5 acres of sprawling forest to explore, it’s a grand escape.
Even the bathroom takes you into the lap of luxury, with cobbled walls, a freestanding soaking tub, and a massive walk-in shower.
If you’re a little shy about leaving your creature comforts behind to explore the world of Middle-earth, then start here.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
The Hideaway at Creekside Meadows
Clancy, Montana
I’ve been swept away with a few hobbit houses with stellar interior designs—but this is my favorite selection based on the organic and natural exterior.
With less fanfare than the others on this list, this dwelling literally looks like it’s something from a fantasy world. It looks so natural to its setting that it almost looks casual.
But the interior is austere—and on par with a boutique hotel. The coolest feature has to be the grand walk-in shower which is situated inside a large dugout tree trunk. A close second is the stacked bunk beds—all of which are built into their own cove.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
Forest Gully Farms
Santa Fe, Tennessee
Forest Gully huts are hobbit homes built into the earth at Forest Gully Farms—a largescale and eco-friendly operation, from what I can tell.
This family-owned establishment lets visitors rent out earthen homes while they stay on the grounds, exploring the orchards and nearby waterfall.
If you want to learn more about the basics of permaculture, I’d wager this is a great place to start. Or if you only want to kick back with your wooden pipe (it’s a hobbit thing), then the ample outdoor sitting areas and forest views should do you just fine.
With plenty of kid’s books and twin beds, this is a great choice for families with kids, too.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
Hobbit House – Welcome to the Shire
Greensboro, Georgia
Don’t let the official title of ‘Lizardsniffer’s Hobbit Hole’ throw you off. Middle Earth has a lot of personality, and hobbits are known for their adventurous endeavors.
This hobbit house has all the cozy comforts you’d expect in an Earthen stay, along with warm and bespoke features like a cobbled bar.
As a bonus, you also have the benefit of staying on a large plot of land. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can try out other activities like kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
Cedar Bluff Hobbit House
Fayetteville, Arkansas
This hobbit house is technically a geodesic dome, meaning there’s a large frame that the home is built around. While that makes it slightly less subterranean than other hobbit houses, it gives you the benefit of a large, clear dome top.
For anyone who likes star-gazing, that should be a plus. On top of its clear dome top, I also love the unique sitting areas and living room in this hobbit house.
The wooden and stone elements are organic, while many of the kitchen and bathroom features are modern. Just look out for the Golem plushies. They’re terrifying.
Make this hobbit house your hobbit home
Covington Hobbitlike House
South Sioux City, Nebraska
This delightful escape takes you straight into the world of bespoke hobbit homes. In this case, you’re in for a more rural and rustic experience.
There’s no TV on the premises—which invites you to soak up the surroundings and relax. The outdoor patio is picturesque, as is the fire pit area.
Just keep in mind that this rental isn’t a true two-bedroom. Though there are two sleeping areas, the interior has an open floor plan. It’s comfortable and cozy—so long as you’re okay sharing quarters.
