Earth-sheltered hobbit house that seems to be sinking into the ground in Massachusetts is for sale for just $450,000
An intriguing earth-sheltered hobbit house that looks as if it has been partially swallowed by the ground around it has hit the market in Massachusetts for the incredibly affordable price of $450,000.
At first glance, you could be forgiven for missing the unique Hanson residence, which blends so seamlessly into the natural environment.
But closer inspection reveals that the house has been carefully designed to blend in with the land around it, a concept that makes the property look incredibly small from the outside.
However, it proves that you should never judge a book by its cover: one step inside the front door reveals a spacious and airy house with high ceilings and brightly lit living areas.
“It has high ceilings with three of the four sides supported by the earth,” says listing agent Rachel Lallifrom the Charles King group. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Located on 1.55 acres on the South Shore, the one-bedroom residence features a surprisingly open floor plan with 1,328 square feet of modern living space.
The cozy abode, built in 1983, was last traded in October 2019 for $289,000.
The energy efficient home is certainly an unusual find in New England.
As you enter the home, a spacious foyer flows into a country kitchen with oak cabinetry and white appliances.
A separate dining area adjoins the two-story great room, with a cathedral ceiling, brick fireplace and wood-burning stove. A wall of windows provides access to a patio.
The bedroom is on the first floor, just off the living room, and offers “generous closet space, a full bathroom and convenient laundry room,” according to the listing.
A spiral staircase leads to a loft space with roof lighting that can be used as additional accommodation or transformed into a home office, fitness center or yoga studio.
Outside, there is a detached two-car garage already equipped with heat and electricity, providing another opportunity to expand the living areas, by converting the structure into an ADU-style guesthouse or using it as a studio space.
“What makes the home even more special is that it has a commercially zoned two-bay garage and private utilities,” says Lalli. ‘It already has heating and electricity, but you could add plumbing and possibly build a one-unit apartment.
“It could be used as a workshop, business or outbuilding. The buyer would have to do their due diligence and go to the city for all necessary approvals.”
“It’s a beautiful retreat,” she notes. “I think the next buyer will be someone who enjoys the outdoors. They could even have their own business that they can run from the garage, but it will probably be used as their primary residence.”
For those who want the best of both worlds, combining rural relaxation with metropolitan convenience, the home is ideally located within commuting distance of Boston.
“Hanson is a small town known for having a lot of land,” Lalli says. “It also has access to the commuter rail line to Boston and has a good school system.”
Anyone eager to take their chance and get their hands on the hobbit house better act quickly.
“We have three open days planned this weekend and I think it will sell out quickly,” says Lalli.
