Called Rivendell in a nod to J.R.R. Tolkien, this net-zero energy house makes the most of solar energy. Explore this smart, passive design here.

In the books, though, Aragorn is ready to become king of Gondor from the start, and even carries Narsil around with him before it is reforged into Andúril before the Fellowship leaves Rivendell.

Rivendell is home to many elves, including Elrond and his daughter Arwen. Since it is inhabited by elves, Rivendell has a timeless quality to it for many Lord of the Rings fans.