Discovering a Hobbit-Inspired Retreat
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of western Spain, the Comarca de Vératton complex offers an extraordinary escape into a whimsical world reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enchanting narratives. This dream-like destination, years in the making, features homes crafted into the hillside, mirroring the iconic hobbit abodes from The Lord of the Rings.
Imagine a slice of the Shire, where vibrant round doors lead to cozy residences nestled among lush foliage and tranquil streams, framed by impressive mountains. While Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam are absent, the atmosphere radiates their adventurous spirit, drawing visitors into a realm filled with wonder and nostalgia.
The Vision Behind the Retreat
The adventure begins with the opening lines of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which describe a creature living comfortably underground. Inspired by this literature, visionary entrepreneurs Iryna Zhelvanava and Óscar Muñoz embarked on their dream in the picturesque Extremadura region, particularly in Villanueva de la Vera, Cáceres. Notably, this area holds historical significance, having been the retreat of Emperor Charles I of Spain during his later years at the Monastery of Yuste.
Over the span of ten years, the duo devoted themselves to their project, keen on shaping three residences that harmonized with the rolling landscape to evoke the charm of hobbit homes as seen on screen. Muñoz, an architecture enthusiast with a flair for bioclimatic and imaginative designs, is convinced that the instinct to seek shelter within the earth has roots as deep as human history itself, harking back to our cave-dwelling ancestors.
A Whimsical Enclave of Enchantment
Their vision of manifesting Tolkien’s magical universe took shape in 2012 when they began scouting for the perfect location. After surveying multiple options, they finally settled on their chosen site during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming Villanueva de la Vera into a beloved retreat for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
Beyond constructing the homes, they carefully sourced and restored exquisite 19th-century furnishings and fine tableware, including delicate English porcelain. Recreating the hobbit-inspired residences that would resonate with the magical world posed their biggest challenge. With the help of a local builder who shared their vision, they transformed an impressive 100,000 square meters of land into a whimsical enclave featuring three unique homes nestled within the hillside.
Despite encountering hurdles along the way, such as soaring material costs that forced a reduction from four homes to three, their determination never waned. They humorously acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the project, but they maintained unwavering optimism for the future.
Craftsmanship was paramount in creating these enchanting spaces, exemplified by the round wooden doors meticulously crafted to close snugly, enveloping guests in warmth and comfort. The complex is also equipped with eco-friendly photovoltaic panels, promoting a self-sufficient energy system in perfect harmony with the charming architectural features.
Spread across ten hectares of stunning terrain with views of the majestic Almanzor peak in the Sierra de Gredos, the homes sport delightful names: El Carpintero (The Carpenter), featuring a charming green door; La Costurera (The Seamstress) with a sunny yellow door; and El Druida (The Druid), which boasts a striking red door.
Reflecting on La Vera, Muñoz and Zhelvanava recognized connections between the local culture and Tolkien’s world. They cherished the region’s rich traditions and lifestyle, reminiscent of their beloved hobbits. Muñoz fondly recalled summers spent in this enchanted landscape, feeling as if time had stood still.
Today, Comarca de Vératton has captured the hearts of numerous visitors, particularly fantasy enthusiasts from the UK, the Netherlands, and the US, establishing itself as a favored retreat. The name “Comarca de Vératton” artfully weaves together a tribute to Tolkien’s whimsical shire and a nod to the Vettones, the ancient inhabitants of this captivating realm.
Source: Elpais
