Hobbit houses take 'Lord of the Rings' fans to Middle Earth - in pictures

The circular door of this real-life hobbit house in Texas reflects Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins. Photo: Dasha Wright
The circular door of this real-life hobbit house in Texas reflects Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins. Photo: Dasha Wright
Formerly an old wooden shed, the hobbit house has been converted using all natural materials. Photo: Dasha Wright
Formerly an old wooden shed, the hobbit house has been converted using all natural materials. Photo: Dasha Wright
A wooden chair and table beneath a map of Middle Earth. Photo: Dasha Wright
A wooden chair and table beneath a map of Middle Earth. Photo: Dasha Wright
Furniture and accessories were sourced from flea markets and fairs across Dallas. Photo: Dasha Wright
Furniture and accessories were sourced from flea markets and fairs across Dallas. Photo: Dasha Wright
'People tell me that as soon as they open the door they enter into another reality,' says Maria Gold. Photo: Dasha Wright
'People tell me that as soon as they open the door they enter into another reality,' says Maria Gold. Photo: Dasha Wright
Cynthia and Pepper Clayton have created a Middle Earth home in the US. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
Cynthia and Pepper Clayton have created a Middle Earth home in the US. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The hobbit house in Vermont cost the couple $350,000 and 6,000 hours in labour. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The hobbit house in Vermont cost the couple $350,000 and 6,000 hours in labour. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The interior of the cosy bar. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The interior of the cosy bar. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The finished cottage boasts a full kitchen, dining room, lounge and library. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The finished cottage boasts a full kitchen, dining room, lounge and library. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
It is built into the hillside of their 5-hectare estate in Middletown Springs, Vermont. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
It is built into the hillside of their 5-hectare estate in Middletown Springs, Vermont. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The view from the circular front door across the Vermont countryside. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
The view from the circular front door across the Vermont countryside. Photo: Cynthia Clayton
'Lord of the Rings' fans can also stay in this real-life hobbit home in the UK countryside. Photo: Jaqulyn Hamilton
'Lord of the Rings' fans can also stay in this real-life hobbit home in the UK countryside. Photo: Jaqulyn Hamilton
Inspired by the 'Lord of the Rings' books, the Sussex hobbit house is both atmospheric and luxurious. Photo: America Brewer
Inspired by the 'Lord of the Rings' books, the Sussex hobbit house is both atmospheric and luxurious. Photo: America Brewer
The property took more than a year to build. Photo: America Brewer
The property took more than a year to build. Photo: America Brewer
The luxury abode sits on a vineyard in the English countryside and has impressive attention to detail. Photo: America Brewer
The luxury abode sits on a vineyard in the English countryside and has impressive attention to detail. Photo: America Brewer
The 'Middle Earth' home is nestled into a hillside and has a 300-kilogram round entrance door.
The 'Middle Earth' home is nestled into a hillside and has a 300-kilogram round entrance door.