Colin Stokes’ Hobbit House Castle in Chedglow

Colin Stokes simply had a modest dream, he wanted to construct a barn for storing hay and sheltering his sheep. However, his aspirations took him on an unexpected journey, and what began as a simple project evolved into a castle straight out of The Lord of the Rings.

This remarkable creation, known as “The Hobbit House” or affectionately as “Colin’s Barn,” can be found in Chedglow, England. Colin started this ambitious endeavor back in 1989, using rocks and stones from his own property along with concrete to piece it all together. The inspiration for his masterpiece came from various buildings he had encountered throughout the years.

Credtis to image owner

Initially, he set out to build a basic rectangular structure using dry-stone techniques. But he couldn’t stop himself from adding captivating features like turrets, dovecotes, handcrafted stained glass windows depicting the seasons and elements, a spiral staircase, and charming arches. Remarkably, he carried out this entire endeavor without any pre-drawn plans.

Throughout the construction, birds, including an owl, took up residence in the turrets and dovecotes. Although Colin built a room for himself on the second floor, he primarily resided in a nearby cottage.

While Colin intended for his creation to harmonize with its surroundings, it became widely known as the “Hobbit House,” a name that he didn’t entirely embrace. According to him, it was merely a barn, albeit one that resembled a hill more than a hobbit’s abode. The barn, though somewhat challenging to locate on private land, has withstood the test of time and remains in remarkable condition, a testament to Colin’s craftsmanship.

Before venturing to see this unique structure, it’s worth noting that the quarry owner, Chris Capper, is not too thrilled with curious visitors. He has even gone as far as waiting in his truck to ensure that unwanted trespassers don’t enter the property.