By: Joann Loviglio, Associated Press via Art Daily Newsletter
CHESTER COUNTY (AP).- Worlds away from the Shire, a stone cottage tucked into the Pennsylvania countryside would make Bilbo Baggins feel like he was back home with his Hobbit friends in Middle-earth. Nestled in a part of Chester County dotted with picturesque barns and rolling fields surprisingly close to Philadelphia, this Hobbit house belongs to a lifelong fan of author J.R.R. Tolkien who wanted a worthy — and private — repository for the rare books and Tolkien-inspired memorabilia he has collected in 30 years of travel in the U.S. and abroad. The 600-square foot building is a short walk from his main house, on a flat stone path and through an English-style garden. "We wanted a single structure, a relaxing place that was diminutive in scale, for the ... More