Step Into Middle-earth: Explore the Magic of the LEGO Hobbit Home

April 12, 2025 Emery Person

If you’ve ever dreamed of journeying to the Shire and living in a cozy hobbit hole, the LEGO Hobbit Home brings that fantasy to life—brick by brick. This enchanting set captures the charm, warmth, and rustic appeal of Bilbo Baggins’ iconic Bag End from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Whether you’re a Tolkien fan, a LEGO enthusiast, or a collector of fantasy-themed sets, the LEGO Hobbit Home is a must-have addition to your collection. In this article, we’ll dive into the set’s features, building experience, display potential, and where you can find it today.

What Is the LEGO Hobbit Home?

The LEGO Hobbit Home, officially known as LEGO The Hobbit: An Unexpected Gathering (79003), is a detailed recreation of Bag End, Bilbo Baggins’ picturesque hillside dwelling. Released in 2012 as part of the LEGO The Hobbit series, it quickly became a fan favorite for its lush greenery, rounded architecture, and rich storytelling elements.

Key Details:

Set Name: An Unexpected Gathering
Set Number: 79003
Piece Count: 652 pieces
Minifigures Included: Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, and four Dwarves (Balin, Dwalin, Bofur, and Bombur)
Release Year: 2012
Theme: LEGO The Hobbit / Middle-earth

Why Fans Love the LEGO Hobbit Home

1. Faithful Design Inspired by the Films

One of the standout features of this set is how closely it mirrors Bag End as seen in the Peter Jackson films. From the circular green front door to the rolling gardens and cozy interior, the attention to detail is nothing short of impressive.

Highlights include:

A detailed kitchen complete with food accessories and pots
A working front door that opens and closes
Windows built into the hill, just like in the movies
Garden elements, including carrots, pumpkins, and flowers

2. Fun and Engaging Build Experience

The build is both relaxing and rewarding, perfect for intermediate LEGO builders. The rounded shapes, clever use of slope pieces, and hidden structural tricks offer a fun challenge.

What makes it enjoyable:

Unique architectural techniques to create the hill and rounded door
A mix of vibrant and earthy-colored bricks
Modular build sections for easy construction

LEGO Minifigures: Bringing Middle-earth to Life

No LEGO set is complete without its minifigures, and this one delivers big time.

Included Minifigures:

Bilbo Baggins – With his red jacket and iconic short legs
Gandalf the Grey – Complete with staff and hat
Dwarves:
- Balin – With his noble white beard
- Dwalin – Sporting tattoos and weapons
- Bofur – With a fun fur hat
- Bombur – With his memorable rotund belly piece

These characters allow fans to recreate scenes from The Hobbit and bring storytelling into their builds.

Display or Play? The Best of Both Worlds

The LEGO Hobbit Home is ideal for both display and play. The compact but detailed nature of Bag End makes it a great shelf piece, while the removable roof and open back encourage imaginative play.

Perfect for:

Display collectors looking for a centerpiece
Kids and fans who want to recreate scenes from the films
LEGO MOC builders who want inspiration for hobbit-themed creations

How Rare Is the LEGO Hobbit Home Today?

As of now, the LEGO 79003 set is retired, which means it’s no longer available from LEGO directly. However, it can still be found through third-party marketplaces such as:

eBay
BrickLink
Amazon (from resellers)

Prices can vary depending on the condition (new/sealed vs. used) and whether the box and instructions are included. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 for a complete set.

Tips for Buying a Retired LEGO Set

If you’re in the market for the LEGO Hobbit Home, here are some quick tips:

Check seller reviews before purchasing from marketplaces
Compare prices across platforms for the best deal
Look for complete listings with all pieces and minifigs
Consider used sets if you’re more interested in the build than the box

Alternative Sets for Middle-earth Fans

While 79003 is a standout, there are other sets that pair nicely with it or offer similar appeal:

LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Tower of Orthanc (10237)
LEGO The Hobbit: Lake-town Chase (79013)
LEGO Ideas: The Lord of the Rings – Rivendell (10316) (newer and highly detailed)

These sets expand the world of Middle-earth and complement Bag End beautifully.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for LEGO and Tolkien Fans Alike

The LEGO Hobbit Home is more than just a set—it’s a tribute to the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien and the craftsmanship of LEGO design. With its rich detail, playable features, and charming characters, it captures the essence of the Shire in plastic form.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to Middle-earth, this set is a worthwhile investment in nostalgia, creativity, and fun.