Experience the Maker’s Mark Hobbit Houses

Get ready to open the doors (oversized, round, and wooden) to a “Lord of the Rings”-inspired retreat in Richmond, Rhode Island. The Maker’s Mark Hobbit Houses are two hillside escapes located on the bucolic grounds of a sporting club and estate. These enchanting structures draw inspiration from the beloved works of J.R.R. Tolkien and invite guests to indulge in their Middle Earth fantasies at The Preserve Sporting Club & Residences.

A Storybook Experience

Upon walking down a flower-lined path, guests are transported to a storybook world within the cozy dining abodes. Each charming house features architectural elements like tree trunks, a grass roof, and sturdy stone walls. To further enhance the atmosphere, there’s a welcoming fireplace and overhead skylights, setting the perfect backdrop for a unique culinary adventure served at a custom wooden table crafted from upcycled Maker’s Mark barrels.

Exclusive Celebrations

Ideal for secluded celebrations, each house permits only one reservation per lunch or dinner seating, ensuring an intimate getaway. During your culinary experience, every course is thoughtfully paired with sipping bourbons, including the exclusive Preserve Reserve, along with options of red or white wine. Furthermore, the comfortable chairs come with pillows and faux fur blankets, allowing you to relax beside the flickering candlelight and crackling fire. For a delightful twist, guests can step outside and enjoy a bourbon cocktail next to their private fire pit.

Seasonal Culinary Delights

Guests can anticipate a menu that evolves with the seasons, featuring delectable choices such as Hudson Valley duck breast served teriyaki-style with butternut squash slaw, pomegranate-molasses glazed salmon, and a bittersweet chocolate bread pudding topped with caramel hard sauce and Chantilly cream, all generously splashed with Maker’s Mark Preserve Reserve.

Authentic Middle Earth Escape

For diehard LOTR fans, the property has gone to great lengths to ensure that this vision feels authentic, thanks to a collaboration with Ocean House Collection and Maker’s Mark. “Our Hobbit Houses are very authentic — all stones and materials are sourced right on the property, from our 3,500 acres, with adornments changing seasonally,” said Preserve founder and chairman Paul Mihailides. He also mentioned that, due to the houses’ popularity, a third house is currently in the works.

Planning Your Visit

At present, rates for the Hobbit Houses are as follows: $726 for up to four guests, $1,089 for up to six guests, and $1,452 for up to eight guests (plus a 22 percent service charge and 8 percent tax). You can explore the opportunity to reserve your experience here. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, all those who wander should spend some time exploring this magical retreat.