“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.” – Opening from “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
The same comfort Tolkien painted with his magical novels about Middle Earth can be found in the northeast corner of the United States. Situated east of Seattle, just east of the Wenatchee National Forest and near the bank of the Columbia River, is Orondo WA. Here you will find the underground hygge (‘hue-guh’ – Danish word for cozy) built by Kristen Wolfe. Nestled on 5.5 acres of breathtaking views and natural beauty is her Hobbit House.
The one bedroom, one bath rustic home is built into the side of a small hill. Completely off the grid, the home relies on solar power and trucked in water which is stored in a nearby 2,000-gallon water tank and piped into the home. As this small hygge is built into the hillside and surrounded by dirt on three sides, a natural insulation maintains an average temperature of 55 degrees year ‘round. There’s a propane fireplace available for added heat if desired.
No telephones or televisions, just a magical escape into the hillside with spectacular views of the mountains – the perfect escape from today’s tech-heavy times.
This quaint cozy compact hillside treasure is listed on Air BnB and rents for $200 per night, accommodating up to two guests. It is recommended to travel between April and December. Otherwise, the pipes risk freezing and an outhouse is used instead of the indoor bathroom. There is no kitchen, but drinking water is available. An outdoor communal kitchen is planned for the future, as are two more Tolkien inspired tiny cottages.
Click here for more info or to book your “greatest” adventure via Airbnb.
“This inspired dwelling nestled right into the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge mountainside. Reverently framed by the iconic round doorway, the wondrous views will entrance your imagination and inspire an unforgettable journey. Every nook of this little habitation will warm your sole, every cranny will charm your expedition of repose. Up the pathway, tucked into the earth, an unbelievable adventure awaits!” Air BnB
Source: Air BnB listing; Youtube