"You are in New Zealand? a friend from New Zealand enthuses me in my latest blog post. Instagram . It seems so, but no: I am less than two hours drive from London , in a cellar of the Rother Valley in East Sussex . However, it was not the photos of the came or of the vineyards the ones that made her think that he had flown to the other side of the world for the weekend, but the accommodation.
We know that on Airbnb you can find great accommodations Y for all budgets , but lately they have joined the platform unique properties and locations , from creative spaces to caves, national parks, houseboats… and now you can also find a hobbit hole in Airbnb , one of the characteristic little houses of the small protagonists of The Lord of the rings , which until now could only be found in New Zealand, where it was the set of Hobbiton for the recording of the film based on the universe of Tolkien.
The fields and vineyards on the other side of the lodge's wooden fence.
THE FIRST IMPRESSION
After a two-hour drive from London, we arrived at winding road cellar , in which we are received by a tractor . at the wheel was America Brewer , a vivacious Brazilian who gave us a warm welcome and left us speechless when we realized that she drove the tractor in some sky high heels . America owns the vineyard Oastbrook Estate , where she lives with her husband Nick, a British national, and her adorable golden retriever Laura, who greets us obediently at the door of hobbit-house.
Hobbit House, the impressive hobbit hole in Airbnb in East Sussex (United Kingdom).
THE ENVIRONMENT
The concept of a hobbit hole in Airbnb may sound a bit geeky, but the accommodation, with its sumptuous meadow on the roof, feels more like something out of an episode of The World's Most Extraordinary Homes . The bell doors are made to measure and the stars on the ceiling of the blue dome are hand-painted.
surprise what spacious what is it, with a living room , a dinning room and one round and open kitchen , flanked by two bedrooms with generous bathrooms on each side. Everything is comfortable and well cared for, from the toiletries in the bathrooms to a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine. The complex is ideal for a family, or two couples who want to share accommodation.
The living room features a blue dome ceiling with stars, bell doors, comfortable sofas and a hanging ceiling light.
If the weather is good, you will spend much of the time in the front garden , in which there is a dining table , in addition to a barbecue and one hot tub overlooking the sea vineyard , all wrapped in the sound of birdsong. It is also the perfect place to taste the welcome basket with biscuits, local cheeses and of course a bottle of Oastbrook sparkling wine.
Avalon House, vineyard property overlooking a natural pond.
Also on the property is the newly opened Avalon House , a Scandinavian-style lake house overlooking a natural pond. The space is new, so the interiors are minimalist, but it can comfortably accommodate a family of four. The main attraction is, without a doubt, the front terrace with jacuzzi.
THE HISTORY OF THE PLACE
If you dare to make the famous local wine tasting (and you should), you will be able to know in great detail the lively history of america , How do I get to United Kingdom and ended unexpectedly in the sussex countryside , working in the vineyards and without getting off those very high heels. The farm was originally owned by Guinness and dedicated to the cultivation of hop , and the house America and Nick live in was then the oast house , the place where hops were allowed to dry as part of brewing.
The hobbit house story it also has its grace and shows that same spirit of letting oneself be carried away by life's surprises: initially they wanted the accommodation to be a treehouse , but they didn't get the permits they needed to build it. As an alternative, the couple then suggested building a earth house that could be integrated with the landscape in a more harmonious way. The rest, as they say, is history..
Local wines accompanied by cookies, cheeses and grapes in the tasting.
FOOD AND DRINK WORTHY OF A HOBBIT
As all lovers of the most famous fantasy saga in the world know, food and drink is serious business for hobbits, and it's something they share with the owners of Hobbit House. The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for those who love cooking , who will not want to miss the opportunity to start it. If you are more of eating at a set table, in Bodiam you can find many pubs where you eat very well.
A visit to the vineyard with tasting can be booked by €36 per person, during which you will enjoy very generous glasses of their rosé, sparkling wine, pinot grigio and pinot noir , plus the opportunity to take bottles home with you at a discount. Tastings take place on weekends from April to October, and also on weekdays between July and September 3.
WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?
If you go on Sunday, take the opportunity to visit the Bodiam Castle in the morning and closes the visit with the wonderful roast of Castle Inn , across the road.
Address: Junction Road, Bodiam, Robertsbridge TN32 5XA
Price: from €461
This report was published in May 2022 in Condé Nast Traveler UK.