"Sunset Shire" 2BR Cottage and add-on Hobbit House

A one-of-a-kind Tolkien-inspired retreat on 3 private acres of Bainbridge Island: a warm craftsman cottage with full kitchen and fire pit, plus the option to add our legendary hand-built Hobbit Hole.

Full Description
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.” -J.R.R. Tolkien

Sunset Shire has grown!

What began as our famous Hobbit Hole is now a full Shire experience. The centerpiece is a warm, character-filled 2-bedroom craftsman cottage, complete with vaulted ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, arched doorways, a full farmhouse kitchen, and a covered rear deck facing west with long afternoon and evening sun across open meadow. And yes - the Hobbit Hole is still here, built into the hillside right outside, available as an add-on for guests who want a third room or simply can’t resist sleeping in Middle-Earth.

We’re 3 miles from the Bainbridge Ferry Terminal and Winslow eateries and shops, a 10-minute walk to Manitou Beach, and a short 1 mile to Rolling Bay and more shopping! The Kitsap Transit bus route runs right in front of the house to take you around the island. Find more about bus schedules and routes on the Kitsap Transit website.

The Cottage — Your Home in the Shire

The Cottage is a fully equipped 2-bedroom craftsman house with vaulted ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, arched doorways, a farmhouse kitchen, and a covered rear deck facing west across open meadow, expect long afternoon and evening sun throughout summer. Outside: a fire pit with cooking grate, disc golf, and three private acres of Pacific Northwest gardens, orchard, meadow, and forest. It’s warm, whimsical, and full of character.

• Living room with vaulted ceilings, recliner sofa, streaming TV, WiFi available.
• Farmhouse kitchen: full size refrigerator and range, dishwasher, farmhouse sink, butcher-block counters
• Dining table seats 4
• Bedroom 1: full-size bed, garden windows, wall closet
• Bedroom 2: single bed, chair, wall closet — best for a solo traveler, child, or third guest. Note: this cottage is not configured for two couples.
• 1 full bathroom with tub/shower
• Private, covered front door + rear porch, facing west with meadow views and afternoon/evening sun

Add the Hobbit Hole — Optional Third Room

Down the hillside path, the Hobbit Hole is available to add to your booking.

Hand-built by local artisans, nestled into the hillside steps from the cottage, with a grass-covered arching roof, a round door with golden heart, and lantern sconces. Inside: a full wall of Tolkien artwork from past guests, hand-painted furniture, and a cozy fireplace. Tolkien books, games, and a kettle for tea round out the experience. It’s an immersive Middle Earth experience, not just a room. Guests add their names to a guest book that has collected handwritten notes and sketches from visitors for years. Hobbit Hole guests also use the cottage’s full kitchen and bathroom.

• This one room Hobbit Hole has everything in its 7.5x15.5' space (cozy): Comfy convertible queen-sized bed/couch complete with sheets, comforter, and extra blanket, a small table with 2 chairs for playing games and eating, puzzles, games, snacks, hot water kettle, electric fireplace
• A note on the bathroom: the hobbit hole is small and has no plumbing. The Hobbit Hole guests use the cottage bathroom and kitchen.
• To use the hobbit house for additional guest(s), add $75/night weekdays, $85/night weekends (+$10 in high season, June–August); plus additional $30 cleaning fee.
• Please contact us to add the Hobbit House to your booking or with any questions!

Your Outdoor Shire
• Territorial views of the tree line and sunset views to die for! 3 acre property.
• An outside combination fire pit and charcoal barbecue with a grill top and s’mores sticks provided so you can cook over a wood fire or coals. (firewood available to purchase $10/bundle)
• Gas BBQ
• Private area of the yard with plenty of room to relax.
• We have a disc golf goal and discs to use as well.
• 2 parking spaces


Other Things to Note
• Hobbit Hole featured on King 5 Evening’s Best Northwest Escapes as Best Quirky Vacation Rental, 2022.
• STR Certificate 605924780
• LGBTQ+ and BIPOC friendly. All are welcome here.
• No pets, no smoking indoors, please.
• We are in a rural area and garden/landscape organically. You may encounter wildlife on your adventure with us, our island has a diverse variety of creatures that roam. You may see/hear large and small birds, voles, field mice, bunnies, garter snakes, spiders, coyotes, raccoons, owls, bats, chipmunks, and squirrels. We also have occasional black bear sightings on the island!
• Road noise: the property borders a 2-lane highway. Audible outdoors during the day; quiet inside the cottage and on weekends/evenings.
• There is a permanent resident occupying the garage and loft spaces; their space is completely separated from the rest of the house.
• We do have WIFI in the cottage, (but not the Hobbit House; it’s is built into the ground.) Cell phone coverage is spotty on the island; T-Mobile and Verizon seem to work best on the property.
• Have something specific in mind? We’re happy to chat about special requests before your stay.