The best earth house rentals in Virginia

Whether you want to dive into Civil War history, follow in the footsteps of former presidents, or drive the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia rarely disappoints. The birthplace of America has thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline and more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. Still need convincing? Virginia’s 41 state parks boast more than 600 miles of trails and 1,800 state campsites, leading the way to forested mountains, rambling rivers, and beaches. Camping is a year-round affair, whether you prefer fall foliage hikes, pitching a tent on the beach, or snowshoeing from a cozy winter cabin.

100% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shireton

100%

(10)

1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA

Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.

Whether you want to dive into Civil War history, follow in the footsteps of former presidents, or drive the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia rarely disappoints. The birthplace of America has thousands of miles of Atlantic coastline and more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state. Still need convincing? Virginia’s 41 state parks boast more than 600 miles of trails and 1,800 state campsites, leading the way to forested mountains, rambling rivers, and beaches. Camping is a year-round affair, whether you prefer fall foliage hikes, pitching a tent on the beach, or snowshoeing from a cozy winter cabin.

100% (10)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Shireton

100%

(10)

1 site · Lodging · Arvonia, VA

Welcome to our charming hobbit house nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s mountains!***Before booking, please carefully review the full house description and rules***. By confirming your reservation, you acknowledge and accept the property and its features as they are. Please note, our solar panels may sometimes be unreliable, especially with high energy usage. The backup generator is there for that reason, and we do not offer discounts if it is needed during your stay. Located in a peaceful rural setting, our hobbit house offers a truly immersive experience in nature that makes you feel like you have entered Middle Earth. Enjoy the rustic charm of the round door, but be mindful that bugs may enter more easily due to the design. We want your stay to be enjoyable, so please come prepared for a natural, off-grid experience. Refunds will not be provided if the generator needs to be used. Step into the enchanting world of Tolkien with a stay in our cozy hobbit house, featured on Building Off the Grid (Season 13, episode 3, Virginia Underground Home ). The tiny house includes a Murphy desk Hideaway bed (queen size), a hobbit-style dining nook, and a charming bathroom with a large copper soaking tub. Our dining area is a cozy, minimalist space designed for simple meals. We do not have a mini-refrigerator at this time, please bring a cooler if needed. While we do provide a stovetop, please note that it may occasionally cause slight fluctuations in the electricity. We recommend treating this as a camping-style experience by bringing non-perishable items or exploring the delicious takeout options available in nearby Scottsville. Every corner is filled with whimsical touches, from handmade maps of the Shire to portraits of beloved characters from LOTR. Completely off the grid, our eco-friendly home runs on solar power and a well septic system. We encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world—there’s no TV or Wi-Fi—so you can fully embrace the natural surroundings. The property spans nearly 24 acres, with some hiking trails started and future plans for gardens, and archery targets. We also wanted to mention that if you are interested in a stay but have a larger family or group of friends, we are permitted to allow tents and campers.

Stories from the community

k

kelly

3 weeks ago

1 night at Shireton

This is a must for any Tolkien fans! It is beautiful with a great attention to detail.

Allie Jane

October 2025

1 night at Shireton

This beautiful piece of the Shire was so peaceful and gave my partner and i a wonderful getaway. We loved the little touches (hobbit garb, Middle Earth tarot cards, Tolkien-inspired pottery, flickering lanterns, etc!) and the beautiful craftsmanship of the whole home. We stayed during a cloudy period so relied on the generator for heat, which worked completely fine and the owner sent helpful instructions for using it ahead of time. Highly recommend this spot, it’s really sweet and magical!

P

Paul

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Shireton

Shireton was very quiet throughout the stay. It was a surprise to see such amazing craftsmanship and detail that went into the house. The décor was pinpoint accuracy as if you stepped right in to Middle Earth. The bow and arrows provided were spot on accurate hitting the target with every release. We loved the floor plan and setup especially the Murphy bed and door. The huge copper tub is excellent for relaxing bath. Everything was simple and not complicated. The instructions provided were detailed and easy to follow. There were no lights (other than house) to interfere with the stargazing. This is the perfect place to escape from the madness and experience peace and quiet. The house is a short drive from Scottsville, VA which is rich with history. We did visit a few vineyards one of which was Hardware Hills Vineyards approx 20 min away It was a very warm and inviting place from the staff to the two dogs Sam and Lucy. Overall, I would highly recommend Shireton to anyone that wants to try something different or go on an adventure there and back again. Looking forward to book another trip, maybe during the colder months just because it seems as though I should. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. Thank you, Jessica and Mat, for not only hosting but more importantly sharing this experience with us. Well done.

S

Shubham

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Shireton

Amazing place. Nicely done with good attention to detail. Host was helpful in answering any questions. I highly recommend this place to any LOTR fans. Definitely coming back!

Shelby

August 2025

1 night at Shireton

Such an incredible and unique stay! Jessica was very friendly and quick to respond. She sent us clear instructions on where to go / how to turn on the generator. We loved getting to unplug from the world and tap into a fantasy filled night away with table top games and land to explore. So many awesome little details, its obvious a lot of hard work and love went into creating this hobbit home. Super cozy and a perfect place to curl up and read. Hope to visit again!!

G

Gregg

July 2025

3 nights at Shireton

I loved the idea of staying in a hobbit home. They have done a great job replicating a home of the Shire. It added an element of fun to my recent adventures,

M

McKenzie

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Shireton

I can't believe how perfect and charming Jessica's hobbit hole was! I took my New Zealander husband here, and we had a great time during our stay. Every single detail and easter egg was perfectly designed. The Murphy bed setup was clever and easy to assemble. We made a fire in the fire pit and cooked over it, and went on a small hike in the woods on the property. This was a perfect little getaway only an hour and a half from Richmond!

D

Dana

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Shireton

We enjoyed spending the night at Shireton. We loved the privacy, fire pit and I enjoyed practicing archery. Scottsville was close by so we were able to go out to dinner and breakfast in the morning. The house was set up well with many items just like the movie! We had a great time!

N

Noah

May 2025

3 nights at Shireton

I booked this trip to surprise my girlfriend who is a huge lord of the rings fan. I couldn’t not recommend this stay enough. The house and surrounding area are beautiful and the host was nothing short of amazing.

J

Justin

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Shireton

Such a great place! Incredible authentic visit to the shire. Kept my eye out for that trouble maker Gandalf while we were there! I have to go, time for second lunch!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best earth houses in Virginia guide

Where to go

Central Virginia

Gleaming lakes and pine-clad foothills characterize the central Piedmont region, known for its lakeside camping, canoe and kayak trails, and Civil War sites. Pocahontas State Park is just a half-hour drive from the state capital, Richmond, where multi-use trails are popular for biking and horseback riding. Also within a short drive, Bear Creek Lake State Park offers easy access to Cumberland State Forest trails, while James River State Park has RV, tent, and canoe-in campsites.

Atlantic Coast & Chesapeake Bay

Wide beaches and fishing villages pepper the coast of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia’s top choice for beach lovers. You can pitch your tent right on the beach at First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, camp on the grounds of Chippokes Plantation State Park, or get on the water at York River State Park.

Shenandoah Valley & The North

The dense woodlands are the star attraction in Shenandoah National Park and along its renowned Skyline Drive. The closest state campgrounds can be found in Shenandoah River State Park, a popular spot for summer hiking, canoeing, and picnicking, while further south, Douthat State Park has a swimming beach, waterfall hikes, and mountain biking trails.

Appalachian & Blue Ridge Mountains

The rugged Appalachian Mountains fringe Virginia’s southwestern borders, merging into the wooded slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grayson Highlands State Park is the gateway to the region’s two most popular hikes: the Appalachian Trail and Mount Rogers. Alternatively, paddle the scenic waterways of New River Trail State Park, book a cabin in the woods in Hungry Mother State Park, or escape the crowds at Clinch River State Park.