One house to rule them all... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mister Underhill*** · 05-24-2004, 02:57 PM

Here's a collectible for the truly dedicated Tolkienophile:

Quote:

(05-24) 12:22 PDT LONDON (AP) --

"Lord of the Rings" fans will soon have the chance to buy a home where part of the trilogy was written, as long as they have about $2.7 million to spare.

The house in north Oxford, where author J.R.R. Tolkien is believed to have written "The Hobbit" and begun the "Lord of the Rings," is set to go on the market next week.

The house was Tolkien's family home for 17 years during his time as a professor at Oxford University.

The six-bedroom property, where Tolkien lived until 1947, includes a drawing room that once was the author's study. When he moved out, the home was taken over by another academic who died recently.

Tolkien is one of Oxford's best-known 20th century literary figures and was, along with "Narnia" creator C.S. Lewis, a member of the Inklings group, which met in the local Eagle and Child pub.

The house is located in an expensive section of the city, which is home to Oxford University, one of the nation's best schools.

Real estate agents said the house, with its original features and large yard, should be a quick sell, even though it needs work.

***The Barrow-Wight*** · 05-24-2004, 04:21 PM

I will be taking donations to purchase this property. Send all contributions to my paypal account barrowwight@barrowdowns.com

Thanks

P.S. As soon as I purchase the house, there will be a biiiiiiggg party announcement.

Child of the 7th Age · 05-24-2004, 06:07 PM

Click here for a peek at the grounds and rooms of the house!

Actually, I would love to have a study like that.....only mine would look a bit messier.

Mad Baggins · 05-24-2004, 07:19 PM

What a gorgeous house...I wish I had $2.7 million. Time to start saving up.

The Only Real Estel · 05-24-2004, 09:03 PM

Very nice, although I have to admit I'd rather have the hobbit hole I'm hoping for...hopefully for somewhere around one-twenty-seventh that price

.

HerenIstarion · 05-25-2004, 06:36 AM

Well, I too wish I had that money. It would be nice...

But I would definitely remove that carpet (I have strong suspicions as to it being later addition by mentioned 'late academic' who moved in after Tolkien)

PS I have placed the study at my desktop, for the look of it

Gorwingel · 05-26-2004, 11:43 PM

That is one lovely house

When I first heard that it had came up for sale I thought it would be a lot smaller, but that is rather large. I love the study though, it looks so spacious, and the grounds look wonderful.

I wish they had more pictures.

But I would buy it, it would give me a reason to move to England

Lush · 05-27-2004, 10:31 PM

So after I rob a few banks/win the lottery/ sell some vital organs/brainwash Bill Gates into becoming my "benefactor", I shall have this house and fill it with pretty pretty Elf-like boys.

Saraphim · 05-31-2004, 08:29 PM

Awwwwwwwwwww. If someone from the Downs buys it I'm coming to visit. And if you're stingy, I'll give you 100 dollars to sit in the study for an hour.

Diamond18 · 06-03-2004, 11:29 PM

Quote:

I have placed the study at my desktop, for the look of it

That's an excellent idea. I did the same. Now when I write I can pretend that I'm seated in a spacious, beautiful study with a lovely view, rather than a corner of the living room near the front door.

Durelin · 06-05-2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

P.S. As soon as I purchase the house, there will be a biiiiiiggg party announcement.

What a thrill it would be to trash the house of grumpy old man, J.R.R. Tolkien for any true Tolkien fan.

*promptly clicks The Barrow-Wight's link*

***Mister Underhill*** · 06-05-2004, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diamond18

Now when I write I can pretend that I'm seated in a spacious, beautiful study with a lovely view, rather than a corner of the living room near the front door.

To me the best part is the fireplace. Now that I've seen it right there in the study, I can't imagine LotR being written without a fire crackling on the hearth. Ubercool.

Alatariel Telemnar · 06-05-2004, 07:49 PM

Wow.. *stares* 'Twould be spiff if someone from the movies bought it.. I mean, they ought to have enough money to..

*also sets as desktop*

*goes off to rob a bank*

Son of Númenor · 06-05-2004, 08:36 PM

If every member of the site donated ~$10,000, we'd be in business. Or...

...there has to be at least one multi-millionaire in the 3,000+ members of Barrow-downs. PM me if you qualify.

The Perky Ent · 06-05-2004, 10:57 PM

Wow! Dream House! Oh well! Time to start playing the lottery! Jackpot here I come!

Bombadil · 06-05-2004, 11:02 PM

I've got an idea! Start making all Barrow-Downers pay to be members! You know - except me- for coming up with the idea and all...

(obviously just kidding

)

But seriously, what a fantastic house! I could definitely see myself going there to get inspired!

Brinniel · 06-09-2004, 08:21 PM

Wow, that is a beautiful house. And the yard is absolutely gorgeous- it's so green. I already picked out my own little outdoor writing corner (it's way in the back among the trees

).

Now, I've just gotta get rich- fast.

*tries out for American Idol* (maybe I'll end up like William Hung

)

Orominuialwen · 06-12-2004, 03:11 PM

Nooo! My evil computer won't let me see the site, although I'm sure it's lovely. Time to make a trip to the bank!

**The Saucepan Man** · 10-06-2004, 05:44 PM

... for £1.2 million.

So the paypal donations came up trumps then, BW?

Oh, and when's that house party?

Zebedee · 10-06-2004, 07:43 PM

Wish I could have bought it.

Evisse the Blue · 10-07-2004, 05:43 AM

So who did buy it?

Carnimírië · 10-07-2004, 04:18 PM

Too bad a Downer didn't buy it...(I think

) I still have it as the desktop background on the computer I use.

Lalwendë · 10-08-2004, 06:55 AM

I saw this thread yesterday and went into the link which shows you the photos and the estate agent leaflet, where you can see the 'layout' of the house. Looking at it, it was obvious that the room shown in the photo as 'Tolkien's Study' is the largest of all the reception rooms, now the drawing room (or 'front room' to those of us Oop North).

If the photo did correctly identify Tolkien's study, then it amuses me to think that he had so many books that his wife let him have the biggest, and best room for them! Perhaps it was also a question of allowing him a room which caused little disturbance. I can just imagine him creeping in through the front door at midnight after a session in 'the bird and baby', trying to be quiet but failing (as we all know, the volume on life is turned up when we have had a drink

), and retreating into his huge den to write about Middle earth...

Neferchoirwen · 10-08-2004, 07:34 AM

Haunted. Not that I'm afraid of ghosts or anything, it's just an idea to humor me. Imagine the ghosts of Oxford scholars past living in there.

That study is absolutely stunning. I imagined it to be a bit dark and warm, but the brightness of the room reminds me of Rivendell. Too bad no one I know owns it.

Lalwendë · 10-08-2004, 09:33 AM

Quote:

That study is absolutely stunning. I imagined it to be a bit dark and warm, but the brightness of the room reminds me of Rivendell.

Despite it being so light, it would also be cosy with all those shelves of books. Just imagine all the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams coming through the windows...

I think it is time for me to head home now!

Neferchoirwen · 10-08-2004, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Despite it being so light, it would also be cosy with all those shelves of books. Just imagine all the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams coming through the windows...

Oh, those kinds of motes are the only kind that are welcome in any study I'd own!

Not that I'd not care to clean that particular study...

05-24-2004, 04:21 PM	#2
*The Barrow-Wight* Night In Wight Satin Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,043	I will be taking donations to purchase this property. Send all contributions to my paypal account barrowwight@barrowdowns.com Thanks P.S. As soon as I purchase the house, there will be a biiiiiiggg party announcement. __________________ The Barrow-Wight

05-24-2004, 06:07 PM	#3
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Click here for a peek at the grounds and rooms of the house! Actually, I would love to have a study like that.....only mine would look a bit messier. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.

05-24-2004, 07:19 PM	#4
Mad Baggins Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: A place where after thunder golden showers come falling like a rain of flowers. Posts: 371	What a gorgeous house...I wish I had $2.7 million. Time to start saving up. __________________ I like buying snacks from a vending machine because food is better when it falls. Sometimes at the grocery, I'll drop a candy bar so that it will achieve its maximum flavor potential.

05-25-2004, 06:36 AM	#6
HerenIstarion Deadnight Chanter Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,244	Desperate need of 5 million bucks Well, I too wish I had that money. It would be nice... But I would definitely remove that carpet (I have strong suspicions as to it being later addition by mentioned 'late academic' who moved in after Tolkien) PS I have placed the study at my desktop, for the look of it __________________ Egroeg Ihkhsal - Would you believe in the love at first sight? - Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time!

05-26-2004, 11:43 PM	#7
Gorwingel Beholder of the Mists Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Somewhere in the Northwest... for now Posts: 1,419	That is one lovely house When I first heard that it had came up for sale I thought it would be a lot smaller, but that is rather large. I love the study though, it looks so spacious, and the grounds look wonderful. I wish they had more pictures. But I would buy it, it would give me a reason to move to England __________________ Wanted - Wonderfully witty quote that consists of pure brilliance

05-24-2004, 09:03 PM	#5
The Only Real Estel Raffish Rapscallion Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Far from the 'Downs, it seems :-( Posts: 2,835	Very nice, although I have to admit I'd rather have the hobbit hole I'm hoping for...hopefully for somewhere around one-twenty-seventh that price .

05-27-2004, 10:31 PM	#8
Lush Fair and Cold Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the big onion Posts: 1,770	So after I rob a few banks/win the lottery/ sell some vital organs/brainwash Bill Gates into becoming my "benefactor", I shall have this house and fill it with pretty pretty Elf-like boys. __________________ ~The beginning is the word and the end is silence. And in between are all the stories. This is one of mine~

05-31-2004, 08:29 PM	#9
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	Awwwwwwwwwww. If someone from the Downs buys it I'm coming to visit. And if you're stingy, I'll give you 100 dollars to sit in the study for an hour. __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

06-05-2004, 07:49 PM	#13
Alatariel Telemnar Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: watching the ants closing in Posts: 292	Wow.. stares 'Twould be spiff if someone from the movies bought it.. I mean, they ought to have enough money to.. also sets as desktop goes off to rob a bank __________________ -Ever wonder whats beyond those trees? -More trees. 'Poor ye. Ye're tied to someone who's been photographed trying to shave their hand... My condolences.'

06-05-2004, 08:36 PM	#14
Son of Númenor A Shade of Westernesse Join Date: May 2004 Location: The last wave over Atalantë Posts: 515	If every member of the site donated ~$10,000, we'd be in business. Or... ...there has to be at least one multi-millionaire in the 3,000+ members of Barrow-downs. PM me if you qualify. __________________ "This miserable drizzling afternoon I have been reading up old military lecture-notes again:- and getting bored with them after an hour and a half. I have done some touches to my nonsense fairy language - to its improvement."

06-05-2004, 10:57 PM	#15
The Perky Ent Maniacal Mage Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Setting sail for Umbar, with Firefoot at my side! Posts: 3,297	Wow! Dream House! Oh well! Time to start playing the lottery! Jackpot here I come! __________________ 'But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.'

06-05-2004, 11:02 PM	#16
Bombadil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Old Forest Posts: 488	I've got an idea! Start making all Barrow-Downers pay to be members! You know - except me- for coming up with the idea and all... (obviously just kidding ) But seriously, what a fantastic house! I could definitely see myself going there to get inspired! __________________ "'Eldest, that's what I am... Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn... He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.'"

06-09-2004, 08:21 PM	#17
Brinniel Reflection of Darkness Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Polishing the stars. Well, somebody has to do it; they're looking a little bit dull. Posts: 2,983	Wow, that is a beautiful house. And the yard is absolutely gorgeous- it's so green. I already picked out my own little outdoor writing corner (it's way in the back among the trees ). Now, I've just gotta get rich- fast. tries out for American Idol (maybe I'll end up like William Hung ) __________________ Nolite te bastardes carborundorum

06-12-2004, 03:11 PM	#18
Orominuialwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: May 2003 Location: Umbar, but before the corsairs took over. (Ave Maria University, FL, USA) Posts: 632	Nooo! My evil computer won't let me see the site, although I'm sure it's lovely. Time to make a trip to the bank! __________________ Gone for lentSeeyou at Easter! (And on Sundays too, maybe.)

10-06-2004, 05:44 PM	#19
The Saucepan Man Corpus Cacophonous Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A green and pleasant land Posts: 8,390	It's been sold ... ... for £1.2 million. So the paypal donations came up trumps then, BW? Oh, and when's that house party? __________________ Do you mind? I'm busy doing the fishstick. It's a very delicate state of mind!

10-06-2004, 07:43 PM	#20
Zebedee Haunting Spirit Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 61	Wish I could have bought it. __________________ If at first you don't succed, then skydiving isn't for you.

10-07-2004, 05:43 AM	#21
Evisse the Blue Brightness of a Blade Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: wherever I may roam Posts: 2,685	So who did buy it? __________________ And no one was ill, and everyone was pleased, except those who had to mow the grass.

10-07-2004, 04:18 PM	#22
Carnimírië Wight Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Avalon Posts: 211	Too bad a Downer didn't buy it...(I think ) I still have it as the desktop background on the computer I use. __________________ "When you talk, people can't tell if you're spelling the words right." Sister of The Elf Warrior

10-08-2004, 06:55 AM	#23
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I saw this thread yesterday and went into the link which shows you the photos and the estate agent leaflet, where you can see the 'layout' of the house. Looking at it, it was obvious that the room shown in the photo as 'Tolkien's Study' is the largest of all the reception rooms, now the drawing room (or 'front room' to those of us Oop North). If the photo did correctly identify Tolkien's study, then it amuses me to think that he had so many books that his wife let him have the biggest, and best room for them! Perhaps it was also a question of allowing him a room which caused little disturbance. I can just imagine him creeping in through the front door at midnight after a session in 'the bird and baby', trying to be quiet but failing (as we all know, the volume on life is turned up when we have had a drink ), and retreating into his huge den to write about Middle earth... __________________ Gordon's alive!

10-08-2004, 07:34 AM	#24
Neferchoirwen Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: RtR: 483.3 miles, Fords of Bruinen Posts: 512	I bet it's Haunted. Not that I'm afraid of ghosts or anything, it's just an idea to humor me. Imagine the ghosts of Oxford scholars past living in there. That study is absolutely stunning. I imagined it to be a bit dark and warm, but the brightness of the room reminds me of Rivendell. Too bad no one I know owns it. __________________ On really romantic nights of self, I go salsa dancing with my confusion. ~Speed Levitch http://crevicesofsilence.blogspot.com/