Lord of the spring (From News Shopper)

Lord of the spring

10:58am Monday 19th March 2007 in

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COULD this homeowner be JR Tolkien's biggest fan and the ultimate Lord of the Rings enthusiast?

Simon Dale, a graphic designer and photographer from Bristol, has built his own eco-pad in the style of a Hobbit's home.

It is environmentally friendly, made entirely from natural or recycled materials with a grass roof, mud walls and straw insulation - for a grand total of £3,000.

He says: "It was inspired by my memories of making dens as a child. It could be compared to a Hobbit house because it's a romantic idea of some fantasy past."

Simon's home, deep in a Pembrokeshire wood, is tucked into a hill for shelter. His computer, stereo and electric lights are solar-powered and his food kept cool in a 6ft hole in the ground. Their water is pumped from a natural spring.