HAIRY toed travellers are in for treat after a stunning hobbit home opened up for business on the North York Moors.

Bilbo Baggins would feel right at home in the underground holiday cottage while he rested his weary limbs and warmed his feet in front of a log fire after a day wandering around The Shire, made famous by Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books.

Golden Hill Farm near Liverton in the North York Moors National Park has just completed its first cottage inspired by the stories written by English author JRR Tolkien.

Owners Carol Hopkinson and Karl Wragg have stuck closely to Tolkien’s description of the underground hobbit holes which became instantly recognisable following the release of the films.

The result, Potts Corner, would have done Bilbo Baggins proud with its green round porthole-like door, stained glass windows and grass roof.

And as befits the residence of one of the most respected hobbits, Potts Corner, which sleeps six, doesn’t skimp on any of the comforts either, offering a cosy retreat with cooking facilities, lounge including log burner, roll-top free-standing bath and luxury organic wool mattresses

Already there are four apprentice hobbits who have been brought in to help run the growing business as the couple plan to continue the transformation of their campsite into North Shire by recreating the fabled Hobbiton setting, a first on UK soil.

She said: “We are delighted to be opening our first hobbit hole and our thanks go to the members of our family and the various organisations that have helped provide financial support along the way. This has given us the confidence to press on with our plans to create a magical setting for families where they can get back to nature and have fun, and which encourages children to start reading fairy tales and adventure books.

“Importantly, we’re also planning to expand our Apprentice Academy, giving young people opportunities to train in the tourism, horticulture, business and catering sectors.

“It’s also great to think that we’re helping re-connect the whole Lord of the Rings legacy with Britain, in-line with JRR Tolkien’s English roots.”

The family created the hobbit hole with the help of £15,000 of tourism-related funding from the North York Moors National Park Authority and Redcar and Cleveland Council, plus a start-up loan from Teesside charity Five Lamps.

And plans are already afoot to start work on a further couple of hobbit holes this year to reach seven in total, as well as a replica of the hobbit watering hole the Green Dragon inn.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills, and Leisure at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “These Hobbit Houses must be the only examples in the North East, if not the country, and they will be a great place to spend a weekend away in The (North York)Shire.”

Potts Corner holiday home is available to rent for £650 for three nights or £850 for seven nights for up to six people, visit northshire.co.uk for further information.