Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Moderator: Eric C
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Are you familiar with Camlann, by any chance? I imagine they might have good advice on what events/attractions pull enough custom to stay solvent without going all Six-Flags and destroying authenticity and charm.
http://www.camlann.org/
Ultimately, I suspect it will be more a labor of love than a true money maker - but labors of love are delightful.
http://www.camlann.org/
Ultimately, I suspect it will be more a labor of love than a true money maker - but labors of love are delightful.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
- Rifter
- Amrod Rhandir
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- Location: Alberta Canada: The Northlands
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
That's fantastic, we don't have anything like that here in Canada
'Just because I don't like to fight...doesn't mean I can't'
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Thanks for the input, everyone.
Not sure if I'm green lighting now or in a few years (my wife fears that I would become obsessed and disappear from raising my sons), but the longer I take to plan, I think the easier it will be to set stuff up.
One advantage is that I really don't have to make a profit-making venture. I'd just hate to essentially throw a party and have no one show up. Whatever else, I'll eventually have the parcel of land (and maybe even a bigger one, if I wait) and build an inn-like cabin for myself.
I'm pretty uncompromising on the electricity/running water aspect of the inn. If it means fewer people interested, so be it. I know how much I would love to just spend a weekend in Middle-Earth, and want to provide the same for people who want to go to Eriador, Westeros or 14th century France.
I'd probably have an electrified, modern(ish) caretaker's cottage at the entrance, as I doubt my wife and others share my mania. That would also help satisfy the problem of hygienic food and beverage storage.
You've all given me some great ideas- I hadn't thought beyond fans of fantasy. The idea of small concerts, weddings, technology-free retreats, etc. hadn't crossed my mind.
The piece of land I had taken an interest in last week is great, but might not be suited to such a development- I need the right comination of flat and hilly, field and wood, far enough from the noise and lights but not too far off the beaten path.
The input I've gotten has stimulated a lot of thoughts- thanks again.
Not sure if I'm green lighting now or in a few years (my wife fears that I would become obsessed and disappear from raising my sons), but the longer I take to plan, I think the easier it will be to set stuff up.
One advantage is that I really don't have to make a profit-making venture. I'd just hate to essentially throw a party and have no one show up. Whatever else, I'll eventually have the parcel of land (and maybe even a bigger one, if I wait) and build an inn-like cabin for myself.
I'm pretty uncompromising on the electricity/running water aspect of the inn. If it means fewer people interested, so be it. I know how much I would love to just spend a weekend in Middle-Earth, and want to provide the same for people who want to go to Eriador, Westeros or 14th century France.
I'd probably have an electrified, modern(ish) caretaker's cottage at the entrance, as I doubt my wife and others share my mania. That would also help satisfy the problem of hygienic food and beverage storage.
You've all given me some great ideas- I hadn't thought beyond fans of fantasy. The idea of small concerts, weddings, technology-free retreats, etc. hadn't crossed my mind.
The piece of land I had taken an interest in last week is great, but might not be suited to such a development- I need the right comination of flat and hilly, field and wood, far enough from the noise and lights but not too far off the beaten path.
The input I've gotten has stimulated a lot of thoughts- thanks again.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Gondian
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:15 am
- Location: South Eastern Michigan
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
I am "friends" with several groups of people here in Michigan that would jump at the chance to spend the week end there! I my self would love the chance to talk to you about possable hunting trips, (I just met Paul Wilber, founder of St.Herbert's Rangers, and I am sure he would be interested) and archery competitions. This is a great Idea Straelbora!
LOVE NOT THE BRIGHT SWORD FOR IT'S SHARPNESS OR THE ARROW FOR IT'S SWIFTNESS, BUT RATHER LOVE THAT WHICH THEY DEFEND
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- Haeropada
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- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
This is why I'm thinking of maybe waiting a couple of years- I could probably do 20 or 25 acres now, but likely 100 or so acres in a few years. A larger plot of land would allow things like hunting excursions (something else I hadn't thought of- I just pictured myself and anyone from the forum who wanted to buy and Indiana hunting license).Gondian wrote:I am "friends" with several groups of people here in Michigan that would jump at the chance to spend the week end there! I my self would love the chance to talk to you about possable hunting trips, (I just met Paul Wilber, founder of St.Herbert's Rangers, and I am sure he would be interested) and archery competitions. This is a great Idea Straelbora!
A larger plot of land also allows me to expand in a way I'd like. If I started making a profit, I would turn the money back into the project and make, say, some 'Numenorean ruins' in one corner of the land, where people could take photos or LARPers could have 'Weathertop' scenarios; I would maybe build some simple Elvish flets in another portion, and even something Dwarvish elsewhere.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Spot on. Camlann indicates that there is a market of some sort. To me, it's like the difference between a Ren Faire and a Society for Creative Anachronism event- in my set up, it's not day-trippers and people paid to be in character; it's for the people who want 'full immersion,' as much as is possible, in a fantasy venue.Elleth wrote:Are you familiar with Camlann, by any chance? I imagine they might have good advice on what events/attractions pull enough custom to stay solvent without going all Six-Flags and destroying authenticity and charm.
http://www.camlann.org/
Ultimately, I suspect it will be more a labor of love than a true money maker - but labors of love are delightful.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Gondian
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
- Posts: 209
- Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:15 am
- Location: South Eastern Michigan
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
You are a bloomin geniousStraelbora wrote:This is why I'm thinking of maybe waiting a couple of years- I could probably do 20 or 25 acres now, but likely 100 or so acres in a few years. A larger plot of land would allow things like hunting excursions (something else I hadn't thought of- I just pictured myself and anyone from the forum who wanted to buy and Indiana hunting license).Gondian wrote:I am "friends" with several groups of people here in Michigan that would jump at the chance to spend the week end there! I my self would love the chance to talk to you about possable hunting trips, (I just met Paul Wilber, founder of St.Herbert's Rangers, and I am sure he would be interested) and archery competitions. This is a great Idea Straelbora!
A larger plot of land also allows me to expand in a way I'd like. If I started making a profit, I would turn the money back into the project and make, say, some 'Numenorean ruins' in one corner of the land, where people could take photos or LARPers could have 'Weathertop' scenarios; I would maybe build some simple Elvish flets in another portion, and even something Dwarvish elsewhere.
LOVE NOT THE BRIGHT SWORD FOR IT'S SHARPNESS OR THE ARROW FOR IT'S SWIFTNESS, BUT RATHER LOVE THAT WHICH THEY DEFEND
- wulfgar
- Amrod Rhandir
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Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Here's an example and evidence that something like this can be done. Here in Arkansas is Castra Lafe, the product of one man's ingenuity, perspiration, and dream.
There is another roman building, and a small Celt village that I don't have pictures of.
Each year a full immersion Roman event is held on site with military, civilian, Celt, and gladiator impressions. The owner is starting to open the site to SCA also.
There is another roman building, and a small Celt village that I don't have pictures of.
Each year a full immersion Roman event is held on site with military, civilian, Celt, and gladiator impressions. The owner is starting to open the site to SCA also.
You can't take the sky from me.
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Thanks. If that doesn't convince my wife that this can happen, I don't know what would.wulfgar wrote:Here's an example and evidence that something like this can be done. Here in Arkansas is Castra Lafe, the product of one man's ingenuity, perspiration, and dream.
There is another roman building, and a small Celt village that I don't have pictures of.
Each year a full immersion Roman event is held on site with military, civilian, Celt, and gladiator impressions. The owner is starting to open the site to SCA also.
Also, I totally want to visit it.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
If you started a medieval themed village, I know where I'd moving to when I move out! I'll load up my "futuristic and mechanical steel wagon" and be on my way
An archer practices until he gets it right. A ranger practices until he never gets it wrong
~Halt, Ranger's Apprentice
~Halt, Ranger's Apprentice
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
Daerir wrote:If you started a medieval themed village, I know where I'd moving to when I move out! I'll load up my "futuristic and mechanical steel wagon" and be on my way
A year or so from now, I'll see how much seed money I have for the project. Unless there's a radical change, I'm looking to buy 100 or so acres in Indiana.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
If and when I get out of tech school, I might consider moving to Indiana, but it all depends on job standing. If I ever do show up, I might even set up a little kiosk for my wooden wares
An archer practices until he gets it right. A ranger practices until he never gets it wrong
~Halt, Ranger's Apprentice
~Halt, Ranger's Apprentice
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
That's what I would love to have- a place that people can rent to stay at, but then a FREE place for people to sell their handicrafts. I know that a handmade anything will cost more than a machine made equivalent, if the craftsman is going to pay him or herself even a marginal wage for the time spent making it.Daerir wrote:If and when I get out of tech school, I might consider moving to Indiana, but it all depends on job standing. If I ever do show up, I might even set up a little kiosk for my wooden wares
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Beornmann
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
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- Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2008 1:57 pm
- Location: NE Ohio
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
I remember a medieval themed hotel, conference center, and camp somewhere in SE Ohio, but I believe it went out of business. Can't remember the name, but it was something like Ravensguard or Ravenswood. I'll keep looking around what happened.
Near is the hour when the Lost should come forth, And the Grey Company ride from the North.
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Need feedback on idea of a 'Middle-Earth inn'
I think I found it when I was doing some research. Yeah- it's something like a four star hotel, but the building is stone and has a 'castle' look to it, as do the furniture, etc.Beornmann wrote:I remember a medieval themed hotel, conference center, and camp somewhere in SE Ohio, but I believe it went out of business. Can't remember the name, but it was something like Ravensguard or Ravenswood. I'll keep looking around what happened.
When I kept telling my wife that I want to do something 'authentic,' with no electricity, maybe a well or pump for water, etc. she thought I was crazy. After seeing me talk to several different people, she now understands that some of us want to spend a weekend or week in Middle-earth, as close as is possible, and that means very rustic amenities.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál