Welcome to the Hobbits’ Shire… of Abruzzo.  In the countryside of Bucchianico, near the town of Chieti, Nicolas Gentile is building his Halfling’s Shire, inspired by JRR Tolkien’s fictional Middle-earth described in the wildly popular novel and films “Lord of the Rings.”

A geology and pastry chef, 37-year-old Gentile is planning to recreate the Hobbits’ Shire, which he has named ‘Contea Gentile,’ both from his last name and because kindness is the attitude that inspires the entire project. Through a crowdfunding campaign, Gentile plans on building a Great Hobbit House, with corridors, guest rooms, lounges, dining rooms, role play rooms, and four smaller hobbit houses, for guests to come and play, and even spend the night.