While the film version of the Shire sits in New Zealand, a real accessible version of the home of the Hobbits can be found in Montana. However, if you come to stay in this small house you’ll have to share it with fairies, trolls and dwarfs. The Shire of Montana includes not only a 1,000 square foot house built into a hillside, but also a Troll House and several fairy homes built into tree stumps.
This whimsical 20-acre property owned by Steven and Chris Michael is located near Trout Creek, Montana and is available as a private rental for lovers of Tolkien and the outdoors. The property contains a monolithic dome Hobbit house built into a hillside, a troll house in an old stump and various fairy homes dotted throughout the garden. The main house is 1,000 square feet and contains modern granite counter tops and etched glass windows, two bedrooms, a cozy kitchen, rustic woodwork and even the One Ring hanging from the ceiling.
When the home was being constructed, the owners found a 700 year old cedar stump with a roof and door in a nearby town and decided to make it into a home for trolls. Steven said that once the word got out about the Troll House, other residents of Middle Earth decided to move onto the property which includes the Elven Village and homes for dwarfs and fairies. Various regional artists worked on making the property a haven for these otherworldly creatures which includes waterfalls and creeks, murals, bird houses, a wishing well, a troll bridge and mine as well as a 2,000 lb. carved stone bench made from a rock from Bali that is rumored to have once been a troll.
Guests can stay in the Shire of Montana from spring to fall.
Photos by the Shire of Montana (photos have been removed because of copyright)
By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]
Amazing workmanship! Being a huge fan of Tolkien since I was 12, this is a delight. I always wanted to live in a Hobbit home- even now-45 years later.
My plans for vacation just changed.
Great job-Amanda
Love what you have done. Thanks, Ron
Fantastic! Love it all!!
Very well done!
I was all set to send this link to people I know who would dearly love to share their Tolkien passion with their kids in such an amazing environment. Went to the website. Adults only. My kids are grown but I would still never patronize a place that doesn’t allow children.
Does seem bit odd, considering. But I suppose it is their property to sell s they like…
I cannot speak for these people, but not allowing children is not always a choice. Sometimes it is an insurance issue. The liability required for children is significantly higher than it is for adults and can sometimes make it so that it become unfeasible.
These wonderful hobbit houses would be an inescapable attraction to children: they would be so enthralled! However, I believe it is discrimination to exclude children in rentals, but perhaps not holiday rentals. If so, the way around it is to limit the number of people staying. Having said that, with 2 bedrooms that probably doesn’t work. We have 2 holiday homes and I’ve discovered if there is damage it is usually caused more by children (hmmm, or their parents) than by the dogs we allow, and we can charge a fee for dogs but not kids. So, charge a high damage deposit, that is refundable if there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Certainly is legal in most states to restrict rentals regarding children and pets. In many ways pets may be less destructive than children because often in today’s times parents have no control over their children. I can see lots of places where children could be injured from climbing. Perhaps the owners have already had bad experiences. Also insurance may be a factor as someone else mentioned.
Absolutely magnificent! What an incredible imagination these owners have! In the future, I hope that I am able to come stay at this whimsical retreat even if it’s for 1 night.
LOVE!!!! <3 Is there a website with more pictures?
Magical…how charming…love love love it!!
Cute!
This is darling! So creative!
Love it. Is there a dragon lair nearby?