A STUNNING island home said to have inspired JRR Tolkein to write the Lord of the Rings trilogy is on sale for just £230,000.
The property on Eigg in the Inner Hebrides boasts views of the dramatic mountains on the neighbouring island of Rum.
An awe-struck Tolkien, while holidaying at the three-bedroom home, used the unforgettable image to create the Mountains of Mordor, believe experts.
The English-born author, whose epic high-fantasy novel was published in 1954, is widely reputed to have visited the island in the 1930s or 40s, staying at Howlin House on the north end of Eigg.
According to the estate agent MacPhee and Partners, the 18th Century house “enjoys a truly exceptional position on the north end of the Isle of Eigg, and boasts spectacular panoramic views towards the Isle of Rum and beyond. ”
They add: “This idyllic and private location, is believed to be where J.R.R Tolkein stayed and took inspiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.”
Eigg historian Camille Dressler remarked in 2002: “I have no way of proving it, but there has been a long-standing local story that Tolkien stayed in it in the 1930s or 1940s and that the views of Rum had inspired him in writing Lord of the Rings.”
She added: ”Howlin is from Norse and it means something like ‘under the stony hill’. It is a lovely old house.
“It was built in the 1790s with money from kelp and became a shepherd’s house when the island’s economy went to sheep in the mid nineteenth century.”
The B-listed property was last sold 14 years ago with an asking price of just £40,000.
Property is rare on the island hence the £230k price-tag for a three-bedroom, one bathroom home.
The property does feature an elevated decking area with incredible sea views.
MacPhee and Partners add in their brochure: “The property itself is well presented and benefits from double glazing and oil fired central heating.
“Howlin croft is located in Cleadale, around 4.5 miles from the main pier, with Laig Bay and the famous Singing Sands both within walking distance”
Eigg is kidney-shaped, jus five miles by three miles and has a population of fewer than 100.
Despite its small population, Eigg has an active community and is served by both a seasonal ferry from Arisaig and a new regular car ferry from Mallaig.
It also benefits from and recently added tea room and community hall, craft shop and well stocked general store.
An awe-struck Tolkien, while holidaying at the three-bedroom home, used the unforgettable image to create the Mountains of Mordor, believe experts.
There is also a doctor’s surgery, nursery/primary school and council day-care centre.
According to the brochure: “The island itself, with its distinctive Sgurr Ridge, is dotted with sandy beaches and is a haven for wildlife, while the surrounding waters harbour seals, porpoises and dolphins.”
