The Tolkien Coming of Age Club 2

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't walk past the house, Mithalwen! After all, don't we all stop to admire some pretty flowers when we see people's gardens, and don't you think they'd be more flattered than aggravated? Just think what you will feel like later if you don't make use of this opportunity now!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I smile everytime the file hits my desk thinking of Edith actually having some fun ....

You made me me smile too with the thought!



Mithalwen, you have the right idea on what might irritate, and plan not to do it, so why not stroll by? I agree with Esty that it is better to go while you have the chance, than to kick yourself later for not having done so! Just a word of caution though, it would be unadvisable to dress like a cat burglar or in M-E costume as it might arouse suspicion.

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!

[Alphaelin]

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!

<waves from rocking chair>

Thanks, Hilde -- as I said, it's good to be back.

Mithalwen, I am envious of your dilemma. To see or not to see one of the Tolkiens' houses...lucky thing. I am sure you would not do anything horrible like stand there gawking for half an hour, or take pictures. Surely people go back and forth in front of the house all the time -- who could object to one more person stolling by?

And Estelyn! I am downright pea green at your upcoming visit to Birmingham. I have been there, alas, with non-Ringheads, so didn't get to see any Tolkien-related sites. However, I can tell you that the jewelry quarter there is fun to stroll through.

[mark12_30]

Rae! How's the West Coast Elf?

Not that I'm stalking you or anything.

**GAH** I can't believe you logged off.

[Raefindel]

Wow, I really need to wipe the dust off my rocking chair!

Hello HelenHobbit and hello all my friends! The West Coast is as hot as everywhere else and this Elf is melting! Can't wait to get into my house! The renovations are nearing an end and the Elvenhome is blessedly cool!

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

You made me me smile too with the thought!



Mithalwen, you have the right idea on what might irritate, and plan not to do it, so why not stroll by? I agree with Esty that it is better to go while you have the chance, than to kick yourself later for not having done so! Just a word of caution though, it would be unadvisable to dress like a cat burglar or in M-E costume as it might arouse suspicion.

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!

Well you know..... it was such a nice evening on Friday and with the post gone no more could be done re the dead line so I drove the mile or so and had a look. And well ..... the house is fairly hideous but no more so than many bungalows of it's era, and I know that such (since they are very common in these parts) often compensate for their exteriors by spacious and practical interiors and the location well perhaps I should explain? The area is a seaside resort that became popular as a retirement resort. The conversion of the local college into a Unihas brought in more youngsters but basically there are so many old people around here that the shop windows are bifocal. Despite the recent tendancy to demolish 1 house and build 2 or more in its place, it is an area of mainly leafy suburbs with pockets of deprivation in betweeen the sea and proper countryside (New Forest/ Hardy's Wessex). The Tolkien's bungalow is on the fringes of Canford Cliffs where the property prices are teh highest in the country (if you are american, the equivalent might be the Hamptons or Boca Raton?). Tolkien's house is perhaps the humblest on the road but all things are relative.. there are a couple of architect designed houses which are probably worth squillions... which face the sea but Tolkien's backs on to Branksome chine, which could almost be a mini Rivendell. A steep tree lined gully, very peaceful and pretty in the sunshine and with the sea and view of the Island just the other side (or down the road).

[Alphaelin]

Well you know..... it was such a nice evening on Friday and with the post gone no more could be done re the dead line so I drove the mile or so and had a look.

Mithalwen, I'm so glad you decided to see the Tolkiens' bungalow. It sounds like you offended no one, and you've written the rest of us an admirable description of the house and its surroundings. Thank-you!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

…there are so many old people around here that the shop windows are bifocal.

Now there’s a thought, better patent that idea Mithalwen! Only what strength would be most common? Good for the jeweler's store too, I should think!

Thanks, for the wonderful description of the house and its neighborhood as well. I didn’t know that we would benefit from your excursion, but am so glad that you took the time to share your impressions with us. I couldn’t help but think a bit of an upscale Bagshot Row lying alongside Bag End.

[Mithalwen]

Not far off actually Hilde. Definitely more Baggins than Took or Brandybuck. Comfortable, prosperous, bourgeois not aristocratic, (self-made money not inherited) ...also plenty of other Midlanders made good ...

[Mithalwen]

some pics.... this is one of the houses I mentioned

http://www.nqsouthern.com/digitalpub...rticle_id=2632

http://www.jurassiccoast.com/media/i...Medium_110.jpg

http://www.francisfrith.co.uk/images...h/13/25519.jpg

http://www.vknight.co.uk/Rl2/shadbr.jpg

sorry can't find a recent photo... but the property above is not the most expensive on the road!!!!!