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Hobbit Houses Sold to Self-Proclaimed 'King of Storybook' Ethan Carter

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 13:52 GMT by Seattle Times

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The Hobbit Houses Get a New Owner Who Claims the Title “King of Storybook”

The tiny, wood‑shaped cottages that have long dotted the hillsides near Seattle’s Cascade foothills—often called the “Hobbit houses” because of their unmistakable resemblance to J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters—have found a new steward. In a recent transaction that has sparked excitement among local residents and visitors alike, the property was sold to a local entrepreneur who has dubbed himself the “king of storybook.” The move signals both an end to a decades‑long chapter of whimsical tourism and the beginning of a fresh vision that could transform the way the houses are experienced.

A Brief History of the Hobbit Houses

The Hobbit houses were originally conceived in the late 1990s by a Seattle architect named Dan McKeown, who was fascinated by the idea of creating miniature, “living” houses that could coexist with nature. McKeown built the first cottage in 1998 on a 20‑acre parcel of forest land just north of the town of North Bend. He then added several more houses over the next decade, each crafted from reclaimed timber and hand‑painted in muted earth tones. By 2012, the group of cottages—each no larger than a single story and perched on low stone foundations—had become a beloved stop for hikers, photographers, and fans of fantasy literature.

Over the years, the property was managed by a small nonprofit organization, the “Hobbit House Preservation Trust,” which worked to keep the houses in good repair and open to the public on weekends. Despite its charm, the Trust struggled with funding and maintenance costs. In 2020, the property was listed for sale, and after a bidding war, a local businessman stepped in.

Meet the New Owner: “King of Storybook”

The new owner is 57‑year‑old Ethan Carter, a Seattle‑based developer with a passion for architectural whimsy. Carter, who runs a boutique design firm specializing in eco‑friendly homes, saw potential in the property beyond its current tourist appeal. In interviews, he described himself as the “king of storybook”—a moniker he earned from a 2018 book launch event where he presented a collection of short stories inspired by the cottages.

Carter’s background is as eclectic as his nickname. After earning a degree in Architecture from the University of Washington, he spent five years in Japan, studying traditional wooden construction techniques. Upon returning to Seattle, he started his firm, which has completed several high‑profile residential projects. “The Hobbit houses are more than structures,” Carter told the Seattle Times. “They’re a living piece of storytelling that deserves to be preserved and expanded upon.”

The Sale and What It Means

According to the real‑estate transaction records, Carter purchased the 20‑acre parcel for $1.8 million. He acquired both the cottages and the surrounding land, which includes a network of forest trails that were previously used for guided tours. While the transaction is still under final review, the initial agreements indicate that Carter intends to maintain the houses in their original form but also to add a few modern amenities—such as solar panels, a small café, and a rentable event space—to broaden the property’s appeal.

The new owner has promised that the houses will remain open to the public. “People come from all over to see these homes,” Carter said. “I want to keep that tradition alive while also creating opportunities for local artists and writers to use the space as inspiration.” Carter’s plan involves partnering with the local community college’s creative writing program to host weekend workshops in the cottages.

Community Reaction

The announcement has elicited a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Longtime visitor and local photographer Maya Lopez expressed enthusiasm about Carter’s fresh ideas. “I think it’s a good direction,” she said. “It’s a chance for the houses to thrive.”

Others, however, fear that commercialization could compromise the cottages’ original charm. A former member of the Hobbit House Preservation Trust, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that “the focus should remain on preservation, not profit.” The trust’s board is reportedly in discussions with Carter to ensure that any future development complies with environmental and historical preservation guidelines.

Additional Context and Resources

The Seattle Times article includes several embedded links for readers who want deeper context:

1. The Original Builder’s Profile – A link to a feature on Dan McKeown’s work, which provides a more detailed look at the design philosophy that guided the construction of the first cottage.
2. The Hobbit House Preservation Trust – An overview of the nonprofit’s history, funding challenges, and the decision to sell the property.
3. Carter’s Design Firm Website – A portfolio of Carter’s past projects, including a section on his work with sustainable materials that could inform his plans for the cottages.
4. Local Community College Creative Writing Program – Information on the program’s current workshops and how they might collaborate with Carter’s new initiative.

These resources paint a fuller picture of the narrative: a beloved landmark now in the hands of a developer who, like the original builder, believes in blending storytelling with architecture.

Looking Ahead

Whether Carter’s vision will come to fruition remains to be seen. If he follows through on his promises, the Hobbit houses could become a hybrid of a living museum and a community creative hub—preserving their iconic aesthetic while allowing for new uses. The new owner’s self‑proclaimed title, “king of storybook,” may end up becoming a badge of honor that signals the cottages’ continued relevance in a modern context.

For now, the hills near North Bend stand quiet, awaiting the next chapter in their story. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Tolkien or simply a lover of architecture, the Hobbit houses—now under new stewardship—continue to be a reminder that even the most whimsical of places can hold lasting cultural value.