Three versions of Bag End made from three different LEGO sets.

As a child, one of my favorite things about holding a new LEGO set in hand was turning the box over and looking at all the alternate builds that the set could be reconfigured into. These weren’t official models. There weren’t included instructions for them, like you see in the Creator 3-in-1 sets of today. The pictures were just springboards for your imagination. While the LEGO Group might not market the versatility of their sets in the same way anymore, that doesn’t mean modern sets are any less customizable. And if you need proof of that, legoapprentice has got you covered. He’s built three different versions of Bilbo Baggin’s home, Bag End, made from only the pieces available in three different LEGO sets.

The first version of Bag End is probably closest to the one you’re familiar with. Made from the 21325 Medieval Blacksmith set, this build draws heavily on the medieval roots of Tolkien’s fantasy world. Bilbo looks right at home next to a pair of knights and a blacksmith. And the large chimney up top is no doubt evidence of a kitchen that’s serving up tons of delicious Hobbit meals. Perhaps a pie made from the apples grown on the tree up top.

The second Bag End is made from the 40416 Ice Skating Rink set, so of course it looks like winter has come to the Shire. I don’t know if Hobbits celebrate Christmas, but I’m sure Bilbo would revel in a warm cup of nog and songs sung by the tree.

An unexpected Unexpected Gathering

While snow might not be in the usual forecast for the Shire, legoapprentice has taken Bilbo to an even more unfamiliar environment: outer space. Thanks to the pieces from the 75243 Slave 1- 20th Anniversary Edition, Bilbo has been transported to a Bag End that looks carved into the rock on some alien world. I have no doubt that Bilbo enjoys a glass of blue milk and a game of Dejarik played with friends, but first he’ll have to deal with these bounty hunters that have come around asking about a very specific ring…

An unexpected Unexpected Gathering