While theater goers are enjoying the movie, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey , one person keeps the fantasy alive in a personal “Hobbit House”.

Peter Archer of Archer & Buchanan Architecture in West Chester, Pa. has designed a “Hobbit House” that contains a world-class collection of Tolkien manuscripts and memorabilia.

The hideaway is an idyllic site tucked into a hill on the owner’s 26-acre-property. Traditional methods were used throughout to construct it. The timber frame was made locally and assembled using traditional joinery techniques. Stone masons harvested rocks from an 18th century stone wall on the property. The single-point iron hinge for the round door was designed and forged by hand. The butterfly window was hand made out of mahogany. Modern systems such as electricity and heat were carefully integrated so as to be minimally seen. Influenced by images from English gardens, an old world style fence was created from local branches.

The cottage is ideal for the owner’s incredible collection of J.R.R. Tolkien original manuscripts, books, illustrations, videos, figures and statues, with a desk to work at, shelves for display, and a very comfortable arm chair to relax in front of a fire. It is one person’s way to enjoy a passion and create a special hideaway suitable for dreaming.

Richard Buchanan co-founded Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd. in 1996 with the desire to focus on custom residential design and country property planning, including equestrian facilities. Since then he has expanded his repertoire to include the design of sporting pavilions, adaptive re-use of many types of buildings, restaurants, children’s recreation spaces, historic restoration and the design of iron and woodwork products. www.archerbuchanan.com.  Photo courtesy of Archer & Buchanan Architecture.

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