In tandom with the role of Master Baggins, I recently moved to Hobbiton ‘Hill’, to simulate the residence of ‘Bag-End’ as much as prims and props in SL might allow.

I used J.R.R.Tolkien sketch as an initial

reference, showing furniture reflective of the times he lived in, such as a mix of early 20th century and Victorian hall trees, tables and chairs.

But I also turned to Peter Jackson’s film version of ‘The Hobbit’ which has seared into our memories a view of Bag End largely adopted in the builds and merchandise available in Second Life for LOTR RP.

As is often the case, ‘creative license’ in film making can deviate from the original. For example, Tolkien’s sketch shows a clock and barometer on the wall in Bilbo's home and a mantel clock is referenced in ‘The Hobbit’. In the film version, clocks are not evident (that I could see) altering the sequence of events.

As in the film, when Bilbo awakes after the visit by Thorin and Co. to find them gone. After having ‘second thoughts’ about the adventure, he signs a contract presented to him by Balin the night before, and rushes to catch up with the company of dwarves and Gandalf on the road.

In Tolkien’s text, Bilbo is having ‘second breakfast’ rather than ‘second thoughts’ when Gandalf visits and points his attention to the time and a note left under his mantel clock by Thorin & Co. Gandalf then rushes Bilbo out the door with only ‘10 minutes’ to meet up with dwarves waiting in the Green Dragon before the start of their journey at ‘11am sharp’. Gandalf later catches up to them along with Bilbo's pocket handkerchiefs, pipe and tobacco. So timekeeping, such as years and dates of Middle Earth was an important aspect to Tolkien's universe.

SL creators have also used creative license, such as Hobbit home builds with windows in back. Whereas in the book, no such windows existed, but I must admit the extra light, view and space in SL builds are welcomed, even if the floor plan deviates from original text and movie.

It was a challenge to blend these various conceptual variations with a mix of familiar and lesser-known elements for my own tribute to Bag-End. Pictures below show the results compared to reference images. I hope it will prompt familiar memories as

I envision Bag-End less of a personal resident, then a role-play resource for the LOTR community. If the door is open, please tour or use for RP (despite the titular sign on the gate). If closed, and Master Baggins is in residence, just ring the doorbell as a hobbit always has time for tea and cake with others.

Here's a quick peek inside:

Behind the gate lies Master Baggins hobbit hole. Beyond the woven willow fence and just outside the iconic green door is the bench where Bilbo becomes re-acquainted with Gandalf, who etches the cryptic rune that will open the door to Bilbo's adventure. A small doorbell is used to announce your arrival.

Once through the green door, you enter the entry complete with the curved cloak rack for hanging Thorin & Co cloaks, a large chest and a few small stools, one with apples for taking on a walk.

Not seen much in the movie, but directly ahead in the entry is Oak Hall, which I envisioned as a place to store walking sticks and various mementos of Bilbo’s adventures.

Beyond Oak Hall is the Kitchen, whose location deviates from the floor plan in the movie, due to the builds design and available space. It's more spacious then the tight confined space in the movie, but the tile floor was suited to its function. Overhead is a hint of the signature roof tiles, and the sink at one end mimics the window alcove seen in the movie. It has dishwashing and wiping animations should you be inclined to clean up. Herbs hang from a rack above the bench seating, and since no replica of the fireplace existed in the SL marketplace, a façade was designed to fit over a cooking hearth found in SL.

Arched doors are reminiscent of those leading to Bilbo’s study, but now lead to rooms with less reference such as an imagined Bath, Cellar, or Bedroom.

THE BATH is imagined as Belladonna Took might have left it, since Bilbo is fond of preserving her things, be it plates or doilies. It features wallpaper with bees and wildflowers, a fancy washing stand, bathtub and indoor plumbing (albeit water pumped from a well and corner chamber pot).

THE CELLAR, as in all hobbit floor plans, is on the same level as all other rooms, but this one is envisioned as hewn out of bedrock for items requiring cool storage, such as wine or other spirits.

FIRST BEDROOM used warm woods, various 'gotcha' finds and a round fireplace. Its access is down the back hall through the kitchen, across from the door to the backyard.

SECOND BEDROOM is accessible through the front hall, and just big enough for a hobbit guest or nephew. Across the hall is a secret door, which as tempting as it's inscription may be, sends many curious relative on a furtive search. You might want to proceed to the Parlor first and touch the chest on the mantel to properly understand its meaning.

Continuing into the Parlor there is a large Atrium, with hanging paintings of pastoral scenes. After Bilbo’s adventure, they will be replaced with an exhibition of Tolkien’s own works.

Do step carefully as you enter the Atrium to not disturb the papers and books (some say clutter) from Bilbo’s research. He’s just fussy enough to notice anything out of place.

But be sure to pickup a good book on the way, and sit by the ‘Cattail Fireplace’ in a comfortable couch like the one Bilbo spent much anguish in over the possibility of an adventure. Relax there to read, drink, or toast a crumpet by the fire. The chest on the mantel can be touched for a treasured 'song' or golden memory.

A side trip from the Parlor takes you to Bilbo’s Study where you can sit below the window and see what he is working on, or view the maps on the wall behind of where his adventures took him.

Should you be hungry for more, a trip to the Dining Room might be in order where Thorin & Co. raided the pantry and ate Bilbo out of hobbit home and hole. A perfect table setting to place honey bread or other [AURA] food pulled from your own inventory to satiate your hunger and gain energy.

Across from the Dining area is the Pantry if you are looking for something else to eat. Unfortunately, the food only magically appears on the table when raided by certain dwarves.

But be aware, Bilbo keeps a good accounting of all his provisions; for as you know, it is often said in the Shire he is ‘very rich’ and ‘very peculiar’.

SOMETHING ABOUT BILBO...

So how did Master Baggins come by this legendary wealth and status?

The Baggins have always enjoyed much respect, even if the Tooks on his mother’s side were richer. Bag End was partly financed by Belladonna (Took) Baggins, but the rest came by way of her husband Bungo’s holdings, leaving most to speculate as to its source.

Researching the family tree provides an important clue (see earlier post: Hobbiton Beekeeper) that it was not from farm, nor land, nor even precious metals, but from contracts; both lucrative and long lasting securing valuable trade routes for the delivery of Honey throughout Middle Earth.

Today, various Baggin's relatives continue to handle its production and delivery, while the Baggins maintain and manage the contracts. Not that Bilbo is a barrister or solicitor, but we all know him to have a keen eye for reading the fine print of a contract, and the good investment sense to earn a 14th share in new startups, such as Thorin & Company.