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.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The New Carbon Architecture: Building to Cool the Climate
All New Bathroom Ideas that Work
Code Check 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House
-
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."
-
The McKees installed a whimsical paver patio outside the hobbit door.
-
With both halves of the door in place, Don makes some final adjustments.
-
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.
-
The bookcases on the left are actually doors leading to a powder room and to Don's workshop.
-
This hinge mechanism for the bookcases' hidden doors is just one of many intricate devices Don has designed and created.
-
The handcrafted hobbit door looks right at home set into this beautifully shingled wall.
