One short-term rental platform to rule them all.
Although it remains true that one does not simply walk into Mordor, one can now simply rent the original Hobbiton movie set.
Although fans have been visiting this famed farm for more than two decades, this is the first time the owner of the New Zealand property — where significant portions of “The Lord of the Rings” film adaptation were shot — is inviting guests to spend the night.
“Back when ‘The Lord of the Rings’ location scouts first discovered our working farm, we were only too welcoming to allow the Hobbits and their friends to set up home in our hillside oasis — and they obviously loved it so much they never left!” reads the host, 2,500-acre farm owner and Hobbiton co-founder Russel Alexander’s bio on the Hobbiton’s Airbnb listing. “Now we’re inviting you to come and join the magic for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Located in New Zealand’s pastoral, Shire-like Waikato region, the property promises guests private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, and behind-the-scenes tours of the set including a look around the Millhouse and other beloved recreations of landmarks from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale. As well, there will also be an evening banquet at 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,” according to the not-yet-live Airbnb.
“Since that fateful knock at the door in 1998, to the permanent reconstruction in 2009, every detail of the 12-acre movie set is lovingly maintained, creating the experience that exists today,” according to press materials for the rental.
Interested? Three two-night stays for up to four guests will be available to book online beginning Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. EST. All stays are for March 2023 and cost just $6 a night (plus taxes and fees), the hugely discounted price “courtesy of Airbnb.”
