Hobbit-Hole Vacation Rental
In a hole in the ground there lived...a host with an enterprising spirit and keen eye for design. This Hobbit-Hole Cottage, a vacation rental in the Columbia River Gorge region of Washington state, is one of the finest replicas of Tolkien's iconic abodes I've seen. And that includes the Hobbiton built in New Zealand for the Lord of the Rings film series, because you can't even go inside most of those, much less spend a secluded weekend in one.
The Hobbit-Hole Cottage has been built into a mountainside amidst the birds and the trees, the deer and the river of Tolkien dreams. Anyone renting one will enjoy complete privacy and isolation from the rest of the human world. Perhaps the ultimate honeymoon gift for geeks, the rental has 1 queen bedroom, a full bath, and a living area that all keep with the hobbit tradition down to the smallest details. Round doors and doorways throughout, locally made woodworking bench and whittling tools, chest board carved out of a tree trunk.
This hobbit-hole's built-in insulation keeps it around 55 degrees year-round. In the summer, you'll probably like that. In the winter, a propane stone fireplace will heat things up. As will the glorious wood shower / bathtub combo.
Hobbit-Hole Cottage bookings are available online but, as you might guess, you have to book way in advance to score a stay. Also keep in mind that if you go in winter, you'll want to drive a vehicle that can handle conditions reflected in that last photo in the Hobbit-Hole image gallery above.
/underhill-home-luxury-23287.jpg?mode=crop "Underhill Home - Luxury Hobbit-Hole")
Underhill Home - Luxury Hobbit-Hole
Now that the British Pound has taken its first real hit in recent memory, you might start thinking about buying up some real estate in England. This 4-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot home called Underhill is a steal at $917,000...
/handmade-wooden-beer-mugs-38558.jpg?mode=crop "Handmade Wooden Beer Mugs")
Handmade Wooden Beer Mugs
Day of the Dad is coming up, and OakWoodWork has some fine handmade wooden beer mugs for the responsible, go-getter sons and daughters out there. The ones who both want to buy thoughtful gifts for Dad, and to get it taken...
The Hobbit: Ring of Thorin Oakenshield
Planning to ring in 2013 with a dissociative fugue wherein you assume the life of a JRR Tolkien character? Hey, me too! I'm going with Thorin Oakenshield, King Under the Mountain. I've already booked my ticket to New...
/juniper-books-lord-of-the-55466.jpg?mode=crop "Juniper Books Lord of the Rings: The Complete Writings")
Juniper Books Lord of the Rings: The Complete Writings
What's in a name? When you're talking Lord of the Rings, years of work, millions of fans, and billions of dollars in book and film revenue. And when you're talking Juniper Books? Dust jackets...
/sword-keys-27128.jpg "Sword Keys")
Sword Keys
It's dangerous to leave the house without a key! Take this set that will also serve as your sword and shield if the gangs...of ants...attack. The Key Armory stocks up fantasy and gaming fans' keychains with iconic swords...
/lord-of-the-rings-underwear-2364.jpg?mode=crop "Lord of the Rings Underwear")
Lord of the Rings Underwear
Balrogs and horndogs beware! These gold-emblazoned ladies' hot shorts guard the Secret Fire and they will not avail your advances! Undies are American Apparel brand, and come in S, M & L. Check out the size guide photo...
/eye-of-sauron-fire-pit-26916.jpg "Eye of Sauron Fire Pit")
Eye of Sauron Fire Pit
I bet this fire pit knows some good ghost stories. What I didn't bet was that Sauron moved his Dark Tower to Canada, where he and his Evil Eye now mostly roast marshmallows and try to taunt Canadians into saying something...
The Hobbit Trailer
Due for release Christmas 2012 is still in existence, The Hobbit has released it's first theatrical trailer over a year in advance. I'd say there is some hefty anticipation for this movie, the 4th in the LOTR series and...
Middle Earth Map Leggings
Control Middle-earth--and likely all male Elves, Wizards, Orcs, Dragons, Dwarves, Ents, and Hobbits--for under $100. You don't even have to enter into battle or acquire Rings of Power. Leave it to Black Milk Clothing...
/montana-magica-lodge-19189.jpg?mode=crop "Montana Magica Lodge")
Montana Magica Lodge
Hobbiton meets Harry Potter meets sustainable tourism. Montana Magica is a fantastical mossy lodge situated in a rainforest on the Chilean side of Patagonia, just under the Andes Mountains. It is one of several rental...
Lord of the Rings Sauron Armor Set
Antagonist. Necromancer. Lord of the Rings. SRG Armoury brings the darkness and malevolence of Tokien's Sauron to life in this custom-made Full Plate Armor Set. Constructed from 16 - 18 gauge mild steel, all suits are...
Elf Ear Cuffs
Ladies, if you're wondering what dudes will say when you enter the room wearing a pair of Alanya Divine's custom-made silver elf ear cuffs, the answer is, "Yes, please." You like them for their craftily shaped argentium...