Underground Cottages

Hobbits have long been known to inhabit underground homes with their large hairy feet. However, for mankind, this is a rather new concept that is catching on due to multiple reasons such as ecological, unique designs, and lastly, in case of war.

These underground communities are cropping up all around the country and range in cost of a few thousand to millions depending on size and amenities.

Underground Cottage

Many are familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright's designs and breathtaking architectural marvels. One of the most famous is called "Falling Water," which is a home that sits over a waterfall and blends into the forest, one with nature. Now a new venture is under way to build high end modern underground cottages that will resemble small knolls with sweeping grass covering the exterior of the domed homes near the Falling Water house.

The purpose of the community is ecological or "going green" by design. An underground cottage with be naturally insulated from the environment and save on energy consumption. The underground cottages will blend in naturally with the landscape and help to conserve the natural beauty of Mother Nature, which is a new trend away from crackerjack homes in cement jungles of roads, fences and bland colors.

Hotel owners are getting into the act and novelty of offering underground cottages for rent. Take for instance PJ's Underground Cottage (pictured above) in Sydney, Australia. On their website they say, "Enjoy your own two bedroom dugout (sleeping four in a queen and two singles), nestled in the opal mines of Turley' Hill. The modern cottage has a wonderful winter sun area, a full kitchen, laundry and everything you need to dig in for your White Cliffs holiday."

Cottages Step Aside ...

Aside from underground cottages, architects have created stunning larger underground homes for millionaires and businesses alike. Currently under production is a small resort of 11 hostels in Italy, the city of Bozen. A former British football star had an underground home built with several outdoor sections, which from above appear as a flower and is relatively large for underground complexes at a large 8,000 square feet. From underground hotels, estates, and cave dwellings, the hip scene is improving its appeal for many as an underground revolution stirs up a new life.

Lastly, survival is a primal instinct for everyone - especially in the face of another world war involving the super powers. For those looking for safe havens when everything goes bad, for several thousand dollars you can have a small bomb shelter constructed underground by people like "The Survival Center". Or for those do-it-yourselfers get some designs online and rent a bobcat for a week and get ready to roll up your sleeves. Oh, and bring lots of cement.

This is an underground cottage design concept (pictured left).

However, it is recommended that professionals are hired for a full proof bomb shelter and that local codes are followed to ensure a safe haven for all those under its protection. For those with larger wallets, you can build a full house underground, including bathrooms, water, and a kitchen for several hundred thousand dollars.

Make It a Hobbit ...

In conclusion, underground cottages are an affordable solution for survival, green peace love, economical design, or for eco travel. As the world's desirable land fills up, people will look for other alternatives such as underground or in the ocean. What we know is that hobbits have survived for thousands of years like this, and so can we.