Prepare for Bilbo-level comfort at Hobbiton
A ‘‘hole’’ new attraction is about to become reality at the Hobbiton film set.
The film location in Matamata, has been preparing to invite visitors behind closed doors for the first time in two decades.
Bagshot Row, as it’s called, features three Hobbit-hole house fronts nestled into the hillside. However, it’s all a facade.
To mark the 20th anniversary of tours, two will be excavated and fitted with fully themed interiors.
Hobbiton Film Set CEO Russell
Alexander said the project will take the experience to a whole new level.
‘‘We are very excited to begin this project which feels like the last piece of the puzzle for the ultimate Middle-earth tour experience,’’ he said.
When the development project is complete, visitors will be a given an up close and personal look inside two identical Hobbit-hole homes. Each will be kitted out with an entry hall, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, pantry and a parlour complete with a crackling fireplace.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogy director and coowner of the film set, Sir Peter Jackson was elated that visitors would be able to bask in the interior of a Hobbit home.
‘‘I am thrilled that we will finally be able to share with fans the experience of visiting a Hobbit’s home. Guests will see that, true to Professor Tolkien’s word, a hobbithole means comfort’’.
The project would see some tours impacted once work kicks off from April 2023 while construction was under way.
To date, the main visitor experience at the film set had been a two-hour, fully guided tour around the 41 Hobbit-hole exteriors, followed by a visit to The Green Dragon Inn. The film set was planning to continue providing tours while taking alternate routes around the construction zone.
The completion of the Bagshot Row project will see the tour experience increased to two and a half hours, with ample time to explore Hobbit-holes and additional time to relax at The Green Dragon Inn.
Staff at Hobbiton hope the renovations will create a unique and immersive experience for tourists.
‘‘Since we welcomed our first visitors in December 2002, we have always put the visitor first and focused on continual improvements to offer the best and most authentic experience we can,’’ Alexander said.
Canadian illustrator and concept designer John Howe had been involved in the concept design for the project, alongside project manager for Hobbiton Film Set, Brian Massey.
The new attraction will become a part of the Hobbiton Film Set from December 2023. Bookings for the new experience will be available from December 2022.