Culver City Hobbit House

Welcome to

The Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence

In 1946, former Walt Disney Studios artist Lawrence Joseph purchased a single-family home. Over the course of 20 years, he added two more buildings and covered it all in fairy-tale elements. Major construction was completed in 1970, but Joseph tinkered with the cottages until his death in 1991. 

This whimsical three-building complex includes multiple residences and maritime decor. Some of the "Fantasy Revival" architectural details include "odd-shaped windows with leaded glass, rustic stone hewn walls, a rough cut cupola, and sloping, uneven roof tiles. The property boasts of having no door knobs and no 90 degree angles anywhere inside the homes.

The Hobbit House is protected as a Historic Cultural Monument by the LA Conservancy, in order to maintain the unique architecture of this magical piece of Los Angeles history.

Though it is not technically “Lord of the Rings” themed, the tenants all jokingly refer to ourselves as Hobbits and love calling this historic work of art home.

Articles and Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we visit?

The tenants are all grateful custodians of this property and love to share it on occasion, but please be respectful and do not wander in, as these are private residences.

Is it true Nick Nolte lived here?

Yes. Maybe. Probably.

Is it true there is buried treasure here?

No. We checked. Please do not dig. Repairing the bricks is difficult.

Are there turtles in the pond?

Yes.

Do the turtles have names?

Yes. Each of them is named Michelangelo.

Is this place haunted?

There is at least one ghost who lives here.

How did the ghost pass on?

Complications while searching for buried treasure.