While the likes of a shed or a playhouse aren’t uncommon sights in your average garden, a Hobbit house might raise a few eyebrows.
But if one Teesside business has its way, these will soon be a quirky feature in houses all over the world.
North Shire near Liverton, in East Cleveland is already known far and wide for its Hobbit-inspired Shire House – a grass-roofed home which would not be out of place in a magical story book. But the business is set to expand – and selling these quirky houses is on the agenda.
This is the first of a Teesside company’s planned ‘Hobbit pods which they hope to sell to people up and down the country
The unusual buildings have been designed by Carol Cavendish who runs North Shire near Liverton, in East Cleveland
The new pods will be based on the Hobbit-inspired Shire House which is already available as an unusual venue for guests
‘We have designed the Hobbit pods ourselves,’ said owner Carol Cavendish.
‘They are able to be covered in earth and plug in like a caravan would.
They can sleep two, four, or six, and have a lounge, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
‘We plan to replace.’
Also on the agenda at North Shire is Harry Potter-themed accommodation and attractions, such as the Weasleys’ kitchen, which will be a feature at the holiday retreat’s existing Story Book Cottage.
There will also be Hagrid’s cottage, which will be holiday accommodation,
The North Shire is also set to undergo a massive expansion with the development of more Hobbit-themed attractions
The Green Dragon Cafe, which will be a medieval-style tavern, and The Enchanted Barn.
This will be a mix of The Great Hall and The Forbidden Forest, and will feature trees, chandeliers, and long tables. It could be used for various occasions such as weddings, parties, meetings, and charity events.
‘We already get visitors from around the world – with people coming from as far as New York, Florida, New Zealand and Canada to experience the magic,’ said Carol.
‘But the Harry Potter stuff will probably be even bigger than what we have done so far.’
North Shire, which is also set to include four more Hobbit houses, has applied to the RDPE Growth Programme for a grant to carry out the work. And having already got through the first stage, Carol is hopeful for what’s to come.
As a result, she is planning the new features will be ready in spring 2018.
The Hobbit houses will vary in size and price. Details and a launch date are yet to be confirmed.
Ms Cavendish said they hope to build four more hobbit-themed houses at the site early next year
Ms Cavendish said she also hoped that they would be able to develop some Harry Potter-themed attractions
Ms Cavendish said guests have visited from North Shire from New Zealand, Florida, New York and Canada
There are no prices available yet for the Hobbit pods, although more details should be available in the New Year
The unusual Hobbit pods have their own quirky design although they are also remarkably practical
Guests can squeeze themselves in to Hobbit-style beds, although they are large enough to accommodate an adult