Every "Lord of the Rings" fan who wants to live in the Shire doesn't need to go farther than Deadwood, South Dakota. Here, hotel operators Gordon and Audrey Mack built a Hobbit-themed treehouse next to their bed and breakfast called Chateau de Soleil.
The treehouse, with 400 square feet, is every inch a replica of Bilbo Baggins' home in the LOTR movies. On the entryway leading to the treehouse, there's a sign written in Elvish that reads, "Speak, friend, and enter." This was a famous riddle that Frodo solved in the movie "Fellowship of the Ring."
Once inside, familiar wooden decors greet the guests. There's a fireplace, giant cottonwood slabs as tables, and lots of LOTR memorabilia, including a Sauron mask. There are even hairy Hobbit feet slippers guests can use for the complete experience. But its most notable feature is the 5-foot circular door and matching windows, a trademark of any hobbit's house.
Gordon Mack, who has been in the hospitality industry for 20 years, told the Rapid City Journal that he and his wife bought the country home in 2012. He decided to build an additional treehouse after seeing the treehouse his brother-in-law has built for his kids. Being a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's world himself, he decided to model the treehouse after a hobbit hole, pushing the trend for alternative accommodations.
"Everybody today has stayed at a chain hotel. Now they want a unique experience that they will remember," he said. "I've been out here a few times when people were checking in. A van pulled up with a bunch of kids and they wanted to do nothing but get in that treehouse. The kids say, 'This place is mine. The adults have to stay in the big house.' One dad said it was better than Disneyland for his family."
The treehouse comes with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, fridge, and seasonal running water. Guests can stay here when they rent Chateau de Soleil for a minimum of three nights, at $675 per night. Combined, the property can accommodate up to 16 people.
