Being in harmony with nature is one of the most efficient ways to achieve well-being and comfort. This has become a
housing trend in recent years , reflected in architectural projects that seek to
restore this relationship between humans and the environment .
In 1930, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a story for his children called "
The Hobbit " to teach them about the value of nature and a simpler life. What was intended to be a tale for children has become one of the
most important literary works of our time . Just as Tolkien did not intend to monetize his work, this small
residence measuring approximately 15 m² was created as a leisure option for the couple Mariele and Getúlio, who built their "
private county " as a way to
reconnect with nature and experience moments of well-being with their children.
Located in Jundiaí,
50 minutes from São Paulo , the
Hobbit House is located on a farm that shares the land with two other houses: the hosts' house and a small trailer – which is also an
accommodation option on Airbnb .
The journey from the center of Jundiaí to the farm is quick, but quite isolated – you have to go along a dirt road. The house is located at a very high point in the region, which allows for an
impressive view of the city and other farms in the surrounding area.
There is no noise , the feeling is one of peace. An
invitation to meditate and take care of yourself .
Sustainable construction
Mariele said that she and her husband always felt "a little like Hobbits". They had diurnal habits, respected and valued contact with nature, their routines were more peaceful, and they valued handmade products. In literature, Hobbits were known for their
purity and more peaceful lifestyle . It was
these feelings that guided the couple in the construction .
"During the rainy season, a lot of trees fall here [in Jundiaí]. We have a warehouse where we store the trunks that fall during the rains." After the warehouse was almost full, the couple decided to start organizing the raw materials and giving them a new purpose:
from the structure of the house, the door to the fence and the deck . "Practically all the materials we use are in their 'second life'," comments Mariele. Making the most of the products they already had, the couple finished the project in 2020 – in the middle of the pandemic. "With the
home office , we really enjoyed the house.
We made a bonfire, took a bath in the hot tub with the kids... we really enjoyed it."
In 2021, with the end of the pandemic still uncertain, Mariele decided it was time to transition her career, as she wanted to have more time for her home and family. From then on, the couple put their home up for rent on Airbnb, and decided that hosting could be both a business opportunity and a
safe option for those looking for a place to spend their isolation . The book written by Tolkien in the 1930s won over the public for bringing a
sense of hope to a world that had just emerged from a war. He created a fantasy universe for those who wanted to distance themselves from reality. In a way, the Hobbit House of Jundiaí, almost 90 years later, fulfilled the same role of serving as a "breath of fresh air" to alleviate the anguish, uncertainty and losses brought about by the pandemic.
A space to rest and dream
Isolation is a word that describes the place well. And let's keep in mind that "isolation" is different from "loneliness". Feeling isolated means
enjoying a more introspective moment in which you can reflect, relax and breathe. Take a break from your routine. If you go, make sure you go with pleasant company: be it a loved one, a book or even a lighter feeling (you can take all three together too, that's what I did). Despite being small, the house is well-divided and quite cozy. The bedroom is spacious and has yellow lighting, which, according to Mariele, is meant to be softer and less aggressive when waking up and also to gradually fade away before going to sleep.
It is worth sleeping with the
curtains open , as you can see the sun rising over the mountains even from your bed. The same tip applies on a rainy day. It is amazing to see the contact of the water with the earth and the green of the plants. The resulting aroma is purifying. During the day, options such as
hot tubs, trails and picnics are favorites among guests – and the hosts create a great atmosphere and provide equipment for those who want to enjoy any of the experiences. At night, the silence is almost absolute, except for the sound of crickets or meows – the latter, in fact, coming from the reception cats that keep you company throughout your stay. It's the
perfect time to enjoy a bonfire in front of the house. Those who want to experience this
can book their accommodation on Airbnb by clicking here.
