Hobbit houses have become far more popular than anyone could have anticipated in the past few decades, but that has as much to do with their architectural properties as the connection to Tolkien’s world. One such hobbit house is in River Falls, Wisconsin, that balances both ends of the scale. The underground home has many attributes of the hobbit house, while the interior is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Known as the Wisconsin Hobbit House, this Middle-earth-inspired rental home has a live roof with five domed skylights and seamlessly blends with the surroundings. Designed by local architect Michael McGuire, the earth-sheltered dwelling was part of the 1970s design-conscious movement at the height of the energy crisis.
The Hobbit house spans over 2,236 square feet and was designed to reduce heating and cooling costs. Made from two Quonset huts (lightweight, prefabricated structures with distinct semi-circular arches), the interior features spray foam, which is now used for insulation. The entire interior of the underground home is coated in spray foam, molding the walls and sculpting the layout.
According to Realtor, the two-bedroom, two-bath home – dubbed the Clark Nelson home after its first occupants – has changed a couple of owners since its construction. It features two-bedroom suites with attached bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, an open concept living room/dining room, and modern amenities including a laundry room.
There are three wood-burning fireplaces to keep the space cozy, although in a video tour of the Wisconsin Hobbit House, YouTuber Levi Kelly said the fireplaces are not functional anymore. The banquette seating in the living room is a tribute to Frank Lyod Wright’s residential designs. Each bedroom suite opens directly to the outdoors with lounging areas for two.
Also Read: This Quaint Hobbit House Vacation Rental in New York Brings Tolkien Magic to Life
The five massive skylights bring a lot of sunlight inside. With the sun’s changing positions throughout the day, each area gets illuminated dramatically. The fully equipped kitchen lets you enjoy home-cooked meals during your stay here.
The Wisconsin Hobbit House is nestled on 3.5 acres of picturesque bluffs. The bermed earth home offers an interactive kaleidoscope with the sky and wilderness, where deer, eagles, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, and coyotes are frequent visitors.
