Hobbit House was built in 1925 by the city council for sub-economical housing. The Then City Clerk of Bloemfontein brought the original floor plan back from Holland to South Africa. Twenty-two of these houses were built in President Steyn Avenue. The original house consisted only of two bedrooms, one bathroom, a lounge, pantry and kitchen. Just after World War Two, the houses were sold to private owners.

Hobbit House was a small, dark & musty home when we saw it for the first time in 1988. We immediately fell in love with it and started to renovate it to its full glory. We extended the house a lot but never changed the character of the house and furnished with original antique pieces from the period. Hobbit House was opened as a guesthouse in 1994. The name was derived from a character in JRR Tolkien’s fantasy fiction novel "The Hobbit". JRR Tolkien writer of "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the rings" was born in Bloemfontein on the 2 January 1892. Although he only spend the first three years of his life in Bloemfontein, his legacy lives on through Hobbit House and the Tolkien Trail consists of different stops in the City of Bloemfontein. The trail starts at Hobbit House and then goes to Tolkien’s birthplace, the church where he was baptized and the cemetery where his father buried. Mr. Jake Uys the proprietor of Hobbit House and chairman of the Tolkien society in Bloemfontein is the guide on these trails. To take the Tolkien theme further all the rooms have been named after characters in Tolkien’s works namely, Elrond, Galadriel, Frodo, Bilbo, Eowyn, Strider, Arwen. After six years of negotiation we bought the house next door, which is a replica of Hobbit House before renovations and is finally expanding Hobbit to twelve rooms, which will include Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, Merry and Samwise.

The creature comfort would make any self respecting Hobbit feel right at home. From the warm welcome at the door to the fine furnishing and handcrafted decorations the opulent fanciful down-stairs atmosphere is carried through to the guestrooms, which have decorated with a cheerfully created hand.

Well appointed, air conditioned, en suite bedrooms and suites are individually decorated Victorian style. Luxury touches include fireplaces, embroidered percale linen, duck-down duvets, handmade bedspreads, electric blankets, gowns and for the lonely singles a teddy to keep them warm. Every day a full set of toiletries, fluffy towels and clean bed lined is provided. For the last finishing touch we do turn downs with sherry and a goodnight chocolate. All the modern amenities like telephones, Internet connections, multi-channel TV, radio, hairdryer, safe, stocked bar fridge and a tea and coffee tray can be found in the rooms.

Enjoy hearty breakfasts in the delightful breakfast room. Romantic set with crystal, silver, china and candles are served - remember to reserve your seat when booking (we cater for Halaal and Vegetarian). Relax in one of the comfortable lounges or on the deck overlooking the pool. Find seclusion in the cozy library and bar downstairs. We have a full liquor license.

Gnomes and Goblins hide among the lilies and ferns in the garden. Water features splash gently. Bird baths and a secluded pool attracts what they are supposed to.

Other services
- Secretarial services Shuttle service-private car
- Laundry/ironing Secure parking
- Curio shop

Hobbit House is well situated within 5km to city center sports grounds, University and major shopping centers as well as historical places of interest. The Bloemfontein Airport is only 10km away.

This award winning hotel boasts the following awards;
- SATOUR Guest House of the Year Award, 1996
- AA Travel Guides and SAA Guest House of the Year Award, 1996
- AA Travel Guides and SAA Guest House of the Year Award, Highly commended, 1997
- Getaway Magazine Top Ten Guesthouses in South Africa, 1999
- ABSA/Radio Oranje Service Excellence 1999
- Arch of Europe of Quality & Excellence Gold 2000
- Arch of Europe of Quality & Excellence Platinum 2001

We are very proud to have a four star hotel grading through the National Grading Council.

Rates
Inclusive of breakfast. Superb 4-course dinner is available at R180pp but must be reserved before 12:00pm on the day.

Valid 01 March 2008 - 28 February 2009
Room Per Person Per Night Sharing: R450
Room Per Person Per Night Single: R720
Suite Per Person Per Night Sharing: R600
Suite Per Person Per Night Single: R940