Hobbit House pops up in Trout Creek

Fog rolled into the Whitepine Valley on Thursday, Oct. 7, shrouding the hills with a feeling of mystery and fantasy, perfect for the unveiling of the Hobbit House of Montana, a brand new lodging facility built by Steve Michaels of Trout Creek. People from all over gathered to see the brand new and very unique structure, and to share some delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared for the occasion. As night fell and attendants roamed around the Shire, tiny windows of hobbit and fairy houses lit up, and transported the whole event to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth.

The Hobbit House originally started as an escape for Michaels and his wife, Chris, one that would provide them with a nice place to stay, as well as somewhere to be protected from the elements in case of an emergency. So, Michaels contacted a contractor who build underground concrete buildings, and began construction on the hill overlooking his ranch. However, it quickly became clear to Michaels that his new escape would end up looking like little more than a concrete bunker. He began brainstorming ways to make the structure an enjoyable and attractive place for himself and his wife when he was inspired by one small comment.

“The contractor’s son said it looks like a hobbit house,” Michaels said.

Intrigued, Michaels sat down and reach J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” and found himself enchanted by the fantasy world created within the pages. When he thought again about the comment that the contractor’s son had made, a light bulb went off in his head, according to Michaels.

“I thought, ‘Gee, that’d look kind of neat,’” Michaels said.

From there, inspiration flowed, and Michaels found himself wrapped up in the creative process of designing the structure. The troll house, which is made from an old, very large stump, was something Michaels had already, so it went to good use early in the project. The model elf, fairy and troll houses that can be seen scattered about the grounds were created as a way to enhance the fantasy atmosphere of the retreat.

Michaels spared no expense in pursuing his creative inclinations, but he always wanted this project to be financially self-sustaining. So, instead of taking out a large loan from a bank, Michaels financed the venture himself, pausing construction for months until capital built back up. Since its completion, Michaels has been looking for a way for this investment to eventually pay him back, so he decided to start renting the house to adult vacationers. However, he definitely considers it a wise investment.

“It’s easier to rent a hobbit house than to rent a concrete bunker,” Michaels said.

Though it all, Michaels has been most rewarded by the opportunity to be imaginative and to let his creativity run free.

“I love doing this kind of stuff,” Michaels said.