The Hobbit House, Chedglow: Grade II Listed
The Hobbit House, also known as Colin’s Barn, in Chedglow was built by hand and took 11 years to complete.
It was built by a sheep farmer, so he had somewhere to sleep and it includes several rooms, corridors, turrets and dovecotes.
Colin Stokes then he “got a bit carried away,” and ended up with a castle that looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings.
Inspired by buildings he had seen over the years, Stokes started with a simple rectangular structure, put up with dry-stone techniques.
Then he just kept going…
He added turrets and dovecotes, stained glass windows featuring the seasons and the elements (which Stokes made himself), a spiral staircase, and beautiful arches.
All of it was done by hand, and with no plans drawn up in advance.
The Hobbit House has been abandoned since Stokes moved away in 2000 to avoid the noise of a forest marble quarry opening up nearby.
The barn, still in very good condition, is difficult to find, and it’s situated on private land - a sign discourages visitors.
Today, many birds have moved into the turrets and dovecotes (reportedly including owls), but the owner of the nearby quarry does not permit people to visit the barn.
The precarious tower containing the dovecotes is one of the most dramatic features of the house.
Since 25 Feb 2021, it has been a Grade 2 listed heritage building in England.
A Grade 2 listed building is defined as a UK building or structure that is "of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it".
Grade 2 is a classification that can be applied to a wide variety of buildings and other structures, in a range of ages, styles and locations.
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