Welcome to Howard’s Hollow…
… a magical escape that will transport you right into the Shire. Nestled in a picturesque setting, this one-of-a-kind Airbnb goes beyond accommodation to deliver a full-on fantasy experience. Read along to find out all you need to know about Howard’s Hollow, and be sure to stick around to the end to learn more about the design process from owner and designer, Tiffanie Howard.
What is Howard’s Hollow?
Howard’s Hollow is an amazing Halfling House built into the side of a rolling hill in the Forgotten Forest community of vacation rentals. It is a 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom house that can sleep up to 8 guests. It’s an incredibly unique vacation destination that fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series will absolutely love. The property is designed to delight fans and inspire imaginations, blending Tolkien’s timeless fantasy with modern amenities. Whether you’re marveling at the craftsmanship, relaxing in the hot tub, or venturing along the themed trails, every moment feels like stepping into Middle Earth itself.
Where is Howard’s Hollow?
Howard’s Hollow is in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, just north of Sevierville in the quaint town of Kodak. Being just minutes from all the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, yet tucked away, makes Howard’s Hollow a great homebase for your trip to anywhere in the area. Not only are you close to all the well known Smoky Mountain attractions, but also the legendary Smoky Mountain National Park. The Hollow itself is located in the Forgotten Forest, a community of other magical homes including a Wizard’s Trolley, a Groundskeeper cottage, and a medieval castle. It is also super close to interstates 40 and 81 so it would be the perfect place to rent for a visit to Knoxville as well.
The Theming at Howard’s Hollow
Every detail is thoughtfully designed, from round doorways reminiscent of hobbit holes to rustic woodwork and fantastical decor. You will find whimsical lanterns, a cozy candle chandelier, and hidden nooks that evoke the enchanting landscapes of Middle-earth. You’ll discover treasures like decorative swords adorning the walls, cozy smoking pipes ready for a fireside Instagram moment, and even an elegant Elvish-inspired room, with flowing designs and an ethereal glow. At Howard’s Hollow, you’re not just staying overnight—you’re stepping into an adventure worthy of the Fellowship itself.
How did we like our stay at Howard’s Hollow?
In a word, our stay at Howard’s Hollow was brilliant. We have lost count of how many Airbnb rentals we stayed in, but this one is absolutely near the top of the list due to it being one the most unique, well appointed, comfortable, and clean places we have ever stayed in. In total, we were a party of four, two toddlers and two adults and we felt there would have been room for plenty more. Everything was in working order and the hot tub was a very welcome touch. It was really fun to walk around the property and check out the other themed rentals, as well as the fantasy inspired walking paths.
The Special Touches…
This Airbnb is loaded with special touches that you just don’t see in other vacation rentals. Howard’s Hollow truly is a place for families. In the Hollow there is everything that everyone needs to have a great vacation. The kitchen is stocked full with appliances, state of the art cookware, toddler tableware, even cool things I don’t have at home - hello immersion blender! There are tons of unique board games, children’s building blocks, hotel style bathroom amenities, and plenty of extra (and super comfortable) blankets. As parents of two small children, we were super impressed that the Hollow even provides pack and plays for your littles. Howard’s Hollow was even thoughtful enough to include closet organizers - this might be the first Airbnb I have truly unpacked in. The little touches of home really put Howard’s Hollow over the top.
But enough from us, we just know that you are excited to get to Howard’s Hollow and see this magical escape for yourself! All you have to do is head over to their Airbnb page, enter the dates you want to go, and boom - you can go ahead and start dreaming about your stay here! To learn more about all the special touches and meticulous design that went into craft Howard’s Hollow, read on to check out our interview with owner and designer, Tiffanie Howard!
1. The Smoky Mountains are a wonderful vacation spot for families, but Howard's Hollow is almost a destination in itself. It is a much more unique place to stay than a regular cabin or hotel room. Tell us how you got started! Where did the idea come from?
Ever since we can remember, our family's dream has been to build a hobbit house—a cozy, magical retreat inspired by the enchanting world from the stories we all love and cherish. The idea of creating a space that feels connected to nature, tucked away in a hillside, and full of charm has always captured our imaginations.
We envision a place where the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly, with round doors, lush greenery, and a warmth that invites loved ones to gather and share stories. It’s a dream rooted in our love for adventure, creativity, and the comforts of a simpler, peaceful life. As a family, we've spent countless hours dreaming, planning, and hoping for the day we can bring this vision to life—a place not just for us but for others to experience and share the magic we've always dreamed of.
2. What inspires you?
We are inspired by the love of living and embracing the halfling lifestyle—a way of being that is relaxed, deeply connected to nature, and grounded in simple joys. It’s a celebration of cozy spaces, meaningful moments, and the natural world that surrounds us, all while cherishing the bonds of family and community. This philosophy fuels our passion and purpose, reminding us to slow down, savor life, and live with heart.
3. Was it hard to combine the style with practical functionality?
When you love living the life of a halfling, it's easy to envision how to build a functional hobbit house that's as cozy and inviting as it is practical. Welcome to our enchanting hobbit house, where fantasy meets functionality! Nestled in a tranquil setting, this charming retreat is designed to transport you straight into the enchanting magical world where hailing’s live. With its whimsical architecture and earthy details, the hobbit house brings your favorite stories to life. Yet, it’s not just a magical experience—it’s a fully equipped and cozy home, offering everything you need for comfort and convenience. Whether you're unwinding by the cozy fireplace, enjoying the beautiful outdoors surrounding the house, or simply marveling at the details that evoke the Shire, every corner of this space is crafted to delight. Experience the perfect balance of imagination and practicality—a stay here isn’t just a visit; it’s a journey into a world of wonder.
4. When you were planning Howard's Hollow, what went into that process?
Planning and building our hobbit house has been a dream come true—something we’ve imagined for a lifetime. We poured our hearts into every detail, drawing inspiration from the halfling way of life that resonates deeply with our love for nature, family, and food.
Every element of the design is crafted to capture the joy of simple pleasures: a warm hearth for gathering, lush gardens to nurture, and cozy corners for storytelling and laughter. Rooted in harmony with the earth, this space embodies the halfling spirit of connection, kindness, and comfort.
This isn’t just a house—it’s a reflection our lifelong journey to create a haven where life's moments, big and small, are cherished and celebrated. It’s a dream that blends a love of adventure with the gentle reminder that "there's no place like home."
5. What was the most frustrating aspect of putting together Howard's Hollow? What was the most rewarding?
Building our hobbit house was a labor of love, but it didn’t come without its fair share of challenges—especially navigating the process during the COVID pandemic. What was meant to be an exciting and fulfilling journey quickly turned into a test of patience and perseverance. The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing delays in materials that were critical to the build. Each week brought new uncertainties about whether we could get the supplies needed to move forward.
Adding to the frustration, our builder also faced significant challenges, with restrictions and health concerns making it difficult to maintain a consistent pace. At times, progress came to a grinding halt as we waited for everyone involved to have the availability and resources to continue. What should have taken a year stretched into three, and the prolonged timeline was both emotionally and financially taxing.
Through it all, however, we held onto our vision, drawing inspiration from the hobbit philosophy of resilience and appreciation for life’s simple joys. While the waiting and unexpected hurdles tested our resolve, completing the house after years of anticipation made the reward all the sweeter. That first moment stepping into the finished space—a physical realization of our dream—washed away the frustration and reminded us why we embarked on the journey in the first place.
6. What is your favorite design element in Howard's Hollow?
It’s impossible to pick just one favorite design element of our hobbit house—there are simply too many to mention! From the lush, grassy rooftop that blends seamlessly with nature, to the cozy yet spacious quarters that make it feel like a true home, to the carefully curated decor that brings the entire space to life, every detail holds a special place in our hearts. Each element works together to create the warmth, charm, and magic that makes this little retreat so unique.
7. Your attention to detail is incredible - are you all huge fans of the source material?
We are true fans of all things related to the halfling lifestyle, hobbit houses, and the enchanting stories that bring it all to life. From the cozy charm of hobbit homes nestled into the earth to the warm, welcoming spirit of a halfling's way of life, we embrace the values of comfort, nature, and simple joys. The stories of these beloved creatures inspire us to cultivate meaningful spaces and live with intention, blending rustic beauty with the essence of home. For us, the halfling lifestyle is more than just a theme—it's a celebration of everything that makes life beautiful and bring the storybook fictional characters and world to life.
8. Let's say you had an unlimited budget, and no one could say no to your designs, what would you build next?
If money were no object, we would bring to life an entire community of hobbit houses, each one as unique and magical as the world they represent. Inspired by our first true love, Howard’s Hollow, this dream community would be a celebration of nature, family, and the simple joys of life. A place where every home reflects the charm, warmth, and storybook wonder that started it all. One day, perhaps!
9. Speaking of the future - do you have any more plans for more earth homes, or any other special places we can share with our readers?
We have truly fallen in love with the Smoky Mountains, a love that all started with our cabin tucked away in Townsend, the quiet side of the Smokies. From the moment we arrived, it was as if the peaceful beauty of this place captured our hearts. The tranquility, the breathtaking views, and the natural wonders have made it impossible not to embrace the lifestyle here. Our cabin has become a home away from home, offering solace and inspiration while we explore this enchanting mountain paradise. What began as a retreat has grown into a deep connection to this special part of the world, one we cherish with each visit. Please check it out here: https://www.airbnb.com/h/lonestarcabby
There you have it! Everything you need to know about Howard’s Hollow! What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your dates before anyone else grabs them! Make sure that you are following us on Facebook to see more amazing places to See, interesting things to Seek out, and the most unique places to Sleep every single day. Browse through more of our articles below:
