The Making of a Hobbit-House Door
Barbara and Don McKee’s Hobbit-house style door was inspired by their love of Art Nouveau and mythical details. The double-layered mahogany door built by Don surrounds stained-glass panels crafted by Barbara.
Learn more about the door in the Finishing Touches section of Fine Homebuilding magazine, issue #242: Enchanted Entrance
Get to know Renaissance couple Don and Barbara a little better in the Tailgate interview from the same issue.
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Don's personal motto is inscribed over the door: "Never make anything simple and efficient if a way can be found to make it complex and wonderful."
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The McKees installed a whimsical paver patio outside the hobbit door.
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With both halves of the door in place, Don makes some final adjustments.
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The McKees' house is full of many other wonderful details. Barbara and Don built the floor medallion in this room, and Don built the bookcases.
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The bookcases on the left are actually doors leading to a powder room and to Don's workshop.
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This hinge mechanism for the bookcases' hidden doors is just one of many intricate devices Don has designed and created.
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The handcrafted hobbit door looks right at home set into this beautifully shingled wall.
