Iconic Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings listed on Airbnb for first time
Hobbit fans can journey to Middle Earth and stay the night in the iconic Hobbiton film set in New Zealand, which is now available on airbnb for the first time ever.
The opportunity comes in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the first The Hobbit film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The film was a prequel to the Lord of The Rings film trilogy, and based on The Hobbit book written by J.R.R Tolkien in 1937.
Airbnb Host, Russell Alexander, will be opening up his family's property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton. The 12-acre set has previously been open to visitors since 2001 for tours, but not to overnight guests.
To be in with a chance of the once-in-a-lifetime behind the scenes film set experience, enthusiasts will need to make a request to stay when bookings open on December 13th at 9pm GMT.
Russell will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests, at a cost of NZD $10 (£5.20) per night (plus taxes and fees). Stays will take place over 2nd -4th March, 9th - 11th March and 16th - 18th March 2023.
The accommodation has been left exactly as it was during the filming, so you'll feel exactly as if you're in the film, with wooden beams and furniture, a warming fire and rustic feel. It features two bedrooms, one with a queen bed, and the other two king-singles.
During the stay, guests will be taken on a journey to Middle Earth for an experience unlike any other, with access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other beloved locations.
With sweeping views of The Shire, guests will enjoy:
Cosy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey, including a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins at The Millhouse
Private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, set up for relaxing moments of Preciousss™ downtime and afternoon tea
An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast™ and Elevenses™ served daily
A behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton Movie Set
As with any airbnb listing, there are some 'house' rules, although these have been given a suitably Hobbit-esque twist:
No unexpected parties, please – unless with Gandalf and company
Bare feet are allowed, but wipe them first
Magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe
Pony parking is provided only at The Green Dragon Inn
Straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late
No pets are allowed, except Pickles the resident Hobbiton cat
Hobbiton is found in the rolling hills of the naturally beautiful Waikato region in New Zealand, within the 2,500 acres working farm. It magically captured the attention of film director Sir Peter Jackson's film scouts more than two decades ago. Since then, the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films legacy accounts for hundreds of thousands of tourists still visiting Hobbiton each year.
"For more than two decades, we've welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth," Russell said. "I am delighted to share the beauty of my family's farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on airbnb for fans from around the world."
Booking requests open on airbnb on Tuesday 13th December at 9pm GMT. To book, guests must have a verified airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+.
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