One house to rule them all...

[Mister Underhill]

Here's a collectible for the truly dedicated Tolkienophile:

(05-24) 12:22 PDT LONDON (AP) --

"Lord of the Rings" fans will soon have the chance to buy a home where part of the trilogy was written, as long as they have about $2.7 million to spare.

The house in north Oxford, where author J.R.R. Tolkien is believed to have written "The Hobbit" and begun the "Lord of the Rings," is set to go on the market next week.

The house was Tolkien's family home for 17 years during his time as a professor at Oxford University.

The six-bedroom property, where Tolkien lived until 1947, includes a drawing room that once was the author's study. When he moved out, the home was taken over by another academic who died recently.

Tolkien is one of Oxford's best-known 20th century literary figures and was, along with "Narnia" creator C.S. Lewis, a member of the Inklings group, which met in the local Eagle and Child pub.

The house is located in an expensive section of the city, which is home to Oxford University, one of the nation's best schools.

Real estate agents said the house, with its original features and large yard, should be a quick sell, even though it needs work.

[The Barrow-Wight]

I will be taking donations to purchase this property. Send all contributions to my paypal account barrowwight@barrowdowns.com

Thanks

P.S. As soon as I purchase the house, there will be a biiiiiiggg party announcement.

[Child of the 7th Age]

Click here (http://www.tolkienhouse.com) for a peek at the grounds and rooms of the house!

Actually, I would love to have a study like that.....only mine would look a bit messier.

[Mad Baggins]

What a gorgeous house...I wish I had $2.7 million. Time to start saving up.

[The Only Real Estel]

Very nice, although I have to admit I'd rather have the hobbit hole I'm hoping for...hopefully for somewhere around one-twenty-seventh that price :eek: :p.

[HerenIstarion]

Well, I too wish I had that money. It would be nice...

But I would definitely remove that carpet (I have strong suspicions as to it being later addition by mentioned 'late academic' who moved in after Tolkien)

PS I have placed the study at my desktop, for the look of it :)

[Gorwingel]

That is one lovely house

When I first heard that it had came up for sale I thought it would be a lot smaller, but that is rather large. I love the study though, it looks so spacious, and the grounds look wonderful.

I wish they had more pictures.

But I would buy it, it would give me a reason to move to England ;)

[Lush]

So after I rob a few banks/win the lottery/ sell some vital organs/brainwash Bill Gates into becoming my "benefactor", I shall have this house and fill it with pretty pretty Elf-like boys.

[Saraphim]

Awwwwwwwwwww. If someone from the Downs buys it I'm coming to visit. And if you're stingy, I'll give you 100 dollars to sit in the study for an hour.

[Diamond18]

I have placed the study at my desktop, for the look of it

That's an excellent idea. I did the same. Now when I write I can pretend that I'm seated in a spacious, beautiful study with a lovely view, rather than a corner of the living room near the front door. :)

[Durelin]

P.S. As soon as I purchase the house, there will be a biiiiiiggg party announcement.

What a thrill it would be to trash the house of grumpy old man, J.R.R. Tolkien for any true Tolkien fan.

*promptly clicks The Barrow-Wight's link*

[Mister Underhill]

Now when I write I can pretend that I'm seated in a spacious, beautiful study with a lovely view, rather than a corner of the living room near the front door. To me the best part is the fireplace. Now that I've seen it right there in the study, I can't imagine LotR being written without a fire crackling on the hearth. Ubercool.

[Alatariel Telemnar]

Wow.. *stares* 'Twould be spiff if someone from the movies bought it.. I mean, they ought to have enough money to..

*also sets as desktop*

*goes off to rob a bank* :rolleyes: ;)

[Son of Númenor]

If every member of the site donated ~$10,000, we'd be in business. Or...

...there has to be at least one multi-millionaire in the 3,000+ members of Barrow-downs. PM me if you qualify.

[The Perky Ent]

Wow! Dream House! Oh well! Time to start playing the lottery! Jackpot here I come!

[Bombadil]

I've got an idea! Start making all Barrow-Downers pay to be members! You know - except me- for coming up with the idea and all...

(obviously just kidding :D )

But seriously, what a fantastic house! I could definitely see myself going there to get inspired!

[Brinniel]

Wow, that is a beautiful house. And the yard is absolutely gorgeous- it's so green. I already picked out my own little outdoor writing corner (it's way in the back among the trees :) ).

Now, I've just gotta get rich- fast.

*tries out for American Idol* (maybe I'll end up like William Hung ;) )

[Orominuialwen]

Nooo! My evil computer won't let me see the site, although I'm sure it's lovely. Time to make a trip to the bank! ;)

[The Saucepan Man]

... for £1.2 million.

So the paypal donations came up trumps then, BW?

Oh, and when's that house party? :smokin: :D

[Zebedee]

Wish I could have bought it.

[Evisse the Blue]

So who did buy it? :p

[Carnimírië]

Too bad a Downer didn't buy it...(I think ;)) I still have it as the desktop background on the computer I use.

[Lalwendë]

I saw this thread yesterday and went into the link which shows you the photos and the estate agent leaflet, where you can see the 'layout' of the house. Looking at it, it was obvious that the room shown in the photo as 'Tolkien's Study' is the largest of all the reception rooms, now the drawing room (or 'front room' to those of us Oop North).

If the photo did correctly identify Tolkien's study, then it amuses me to think that he had so many books that his wife let him have the biggest, and best room for them! Perhaps it was also a question of allowing him a room which caused little disturbance. I can just imagine him creeping in through the front door at midnight after a session in 'the bird and baby', trying to be quiet but failing (as we all know, the volume on life is turned up when we have had a drink ;) ), and retreating into his huge den to write about Middle earth...

[Neferchoirwen]

Haunted. Not that I'm afraid of ghosts or anything, it's just an idea to humor me. Imagine the ghosts of Oxford scholars past living in there. :p

That study is absolutely stunning. I imagined it to be a bit dark and warm, but the brightness of the room reminds me of Rivendell. Too bad no one I know owns it.

[Lalwendë]

That study is absolutely stunning. I imagined it to be a bit dark and warm, but the brightness of the room reminds me of Rivendell.

Despite it being so light, it would also be cosy with all those shelves of books. Just imagine all the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams coming through the windows...

I think it is time for me to head home now! ;)

[Neferchoirwen]

Despite it being so light, it would also be cosy with all those shelves of books. Just imagine all the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams coming through the windows...

Oh, those kinds of motes are the only kind that are welcome in any study I'd own!

Not that I'd not care to clean that particular study...