A real life Shire, right in Oregon.
The houses -- going for $550,000 to $850,000 -- will feature gabled roofs with faux-straw thatch made from thin strands of PVC that promotional literature says "is essentially windproof, rainproof, fireproof and guaranteed not to discolor."
Meyers has taken the liberty of renaming an irrigation canal next to The Shire as Brandywine Brook. He's happy to show off two Hobbit holes otherwise known as storage sheds.
"If you look inside there right now," said Meyer, pointing to one, "you'll find a lawn mower."
When built out at 6.5-acres, The Shire will have 15 cottages and 16 town houses encircling a central gathering place called the sanctuary. The first properties will go on sale this winter.
