Ever since I first read the Hobbit as a child I’ve been in love with Tolkien’s world and especially the Hobbits and The Shire. In recent years my love for the films, additional literature and other media surrounding this world has only grown and so I was taken on a surprise holiday to my very own Hobbit House here in the UK.
Tolkien based a lot of his work on his surroundings and this included many areas of the English countryside. Whilst many think of only New Zealand when they think of Middle-Earth scenery, you can find your very own the Shire in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Whilst a bit further south than where Tolkien resided, it still holds many of the features you come to love in his work. So in Rother Valley, this Hobbit House is within walking distance of historical sites such as Bodiam castle and lovely local pubs and restaurants for those many Hobbit meals.
The home is based on a vineyard and built into a woodland hill, with a sense of quiet and remoteness that allows for a relaxing few days. The well-crafted home is intricate in details and makes you wish for food and good company too. A short walk over the countryside, or a quick drive brings you to many other activities if you’re looking for a more active holiday. There’s the local steam railway, local pubs and activities such as kayaking at the bottom of the farm, cycling at Bedgebury, visits to Rye and Winchelsea and the beach at Camber. On top of this, there’s Vineyard tours and tastings on the same land.
Arriving you drive along the single driveway through the Vineyard, surrounded by colour and nature. Then you come up to the home and it’s almost awe inspiring with how true to the book it feels. You’ll feel transported away from all the stresses of your life. It being remote in the Sussex countryside, as well as on the vineyard means that it’s super quiet and you’re ready to relax immediately.
Whilst the home brings a sense of an older home, the house has many amenities that give it modern comfort. With underfloor heating you can feel cosy all day long, although if you’re still a bit chilly there’s a wood-burning stove and basket of logs provided. Curl up in comfort with some well themed DVDs and books to re-live the exciting adventure’s of hobbits who you’ll soon believe are dumb to leave their Hobbit homes.
If you start to feel stuck in the house, there’s also a lovely hot tub right outside your door. So you can turn up the heat and relax in comfort whilst admiring the Hobbit house and the surrounding views. There’s also the vineyard tours and tasting session which takes place just round the corner from the house.
For sleeping arrangements there’s two double bedrooms so you fit yourself and 3 hobbit friends. Both bedrooms contain king size beds and ensuites, giving you your own space as well as the communal areas. This includes a open plan living room, which has a higher ceiling than maybe expected (no hitting your head like Gandalf for your trip here). There’s also a large kitchen and dining area ready to prepare all your meals for the day if you wanted to.
The Hobbit House is owned by America, who is a wonderful host, and her family. Living just along the road but still on the vineyard, America is always happy to help if you need advice on what to do for the day. There’s also a load of information in the house booklet about the local area and activities you can do.
If you’re looking for the full package of Vineyard sessions and Hobbit House you can book through their website. But the home is also available on AirBNB. I visited back in September time when it was just cooling off after the warm summer, but the home would be a gorgeous holiday all year round.
If you enjoy content on Uptown Oracle consider supporting us:
Ko-fi | PayPal