Dan Price’s adorable hobbit homes are an inspiration to anyone who years for a simpler life. The author is an advocate of minimalism and set out to show how easy it is to build inexpensive tiny homes, and live happily off-grid with few possessions. A house built of out earth (in this case, submerged into a hillside) is naturally well-insulated and warm, as any hobbit knows, and makes for an inexpensive building material.
An advocate for minimal living, Price is one of many who believe tiny homes can make for a happier life, without the financial burden that can come with larger homes. Looking to downsize his life, he rented a plot of lush forest in 1990, and began building tiny homes on it, beginning with a simple tipi. The tipi was followed by a willow hut which Price lived in for ten years, then a recycled material beach shack, and finally his current hobbit-inspired hideaway.
Related: Build a Gypsy Wagon in the Woods – All It Takes Is Ingenuity, Elbow Grease And (mostly) Recycled Components!
Price’s current home is an 80 square foot space that is partially submerged, giving him natural insulation for cooler summers and warmer winters. He spent years drawing plans and collecting materials to keep costs low, and virtually free. After finding the perfect site, he spent most of his time excavating a space large enough for his needs with a simple pick and shovel. The floor was then leveled and covered in heavy black plastic. Using collected planks of wood, Price lined the walls and nailed the pieces together.
The top was capped with wood, including a cut out sky light for natural light, and then electric lines were connected for Price’s needs. The roof was then covered in sod and plants, and collected rocks and bricks were used to create a patio.
Price has even shared his years of making tiny homes, in adorably illustrated e-Books he has written to inspire other who seek the simple life.
+ Dan Price
