LEGO The Shire 10354 - A Stunning Tribute to Middle-earth Review

LEGO 10354 The Shire: A Stunning Tribute to Middle-earth

LEGO has once again brought the magic of The Lord of the Rings to life with the LEGO Icons 10354 The Shire set. This 2,017-piece masterpiece captures the charm and tranquility of Bag End, Bilbo Baggins' iconic hobbit hole, nestled in the lush green hills of Hobbiton. Released on April 2, 2025, for LEGO Insiders (and April 5 for the general public), this set is a must-have for fans of Tolkien’s world and LEGO enthusiasts alike.

Set Overview

  • Name: LEGO Icons 10354 The Shire

  • Pieces: 2,017

  • Minifigures: 9 (Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Gandalf the Grey, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, Rosie Cotton, Odo Proudfoot, and Mrs. Proudfoot)

  • Price: $269.99 (US), £229.99 (UK), AU$399.99 (Australia)

  • Dimensions: Approximately 20 cm high, 45 cm wide, and 27 cm deep

A Visual Delight: Exterior Design

The Shire's lush greenery is beautifully recreated with curved bricks and foliage pieces that evoke the rolling hills of Hobbiton. As seen in the first image above, Bag End’s iconic rounded doors and windows are perfectly captured. The sprawling tree on top adds height and realism to the build.

The exterior also features festive elements from Bilbo’s eleventy-first birthday party:

  • A gazebo and a banner celebrating Bilbo’s big day.

  • A dragon-shaped firework soaring above—a nod to Gandalf’s magical fireworks display in The Fellowship of the Ring.

The modular design allows builders to appreciate both the exterior beauty and interior details seamlessly.


Interior Details: Cozy Hobbit Life

The second image highlights Bag End’s interior, where Frodo and Gandalf are seen near a cozy fireplace. Every corner of the hobbit hole is packed with intricate details:

  • The Fireplace Mechanism: A hidden lever reveals the One Ring inside the fireplace—a clever interactive feature that adds depth to storytelling.

  • Decorative Elements: Bookshelves filled with tiny trinkets like maps and books, a teapot on a table, and even a wedge of cheese add warmth to the setting.

  • Bilbo’s Study Area: Complete with his writing desk and maps of Middle-earth, perfect for recreating scenes from The Hobbit.

This attention to detail makes Bag End feel alive—just like stepping into Tolkien’s world.

Minifigures: A Collector’s Treasure

As seen in the third image, this set includes nine exclusive minifigures that will excite collectors and fans alike:

  1. Bilbo Baggins, dressed in his party attire.

  2. Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, and Pippin Took in festive outfits.

  3. Gandalf the Grey, complete with his staff and iconic hat.

  4. New characters like Rosie Cotton, as well as Odo Proudfoot and Mrs. Proudfoot.

Each minifigure is beautifully detailed with unique prints, from Bilbo’s waistcoat to Rosie Cotton’s dress.

Interactive Features

  1. Bilbo’s Disappearing Act:

    • A hidden mechanism allows you to recreate Bilbo vanishing during his birthday speech—a nod to his use of the One Ring.

  2. Fireworks Display:

    • The dragon-shaped firework adds dynamic motion to the set.

  3. Gandalf’s Wagon:

    • Complete with fireworks and seating for two minifigures.

These features add layers of interactivity that make this set fun for both building and storytelling.

Memorable Scenes Recreated

In the fourth image above, we see Bilbo welcoming Gandalf into Bag End—a scene rich with detail:

  • The iconic round door opens to reveal Gandalf standing in Bag End’s entryway.

  • The walls are lined with candles and barrels, adding warmth to the setting.

  • Bilbo holds his cup of tea while Gandalf leans on his staff—perfectly capturing their friendly exchange before Bilbo’s birthday party.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved:

  • Stunning recreation of Bag End’s interior and exterior.

  • Exclusive minifigures that will excite collectors.

  • Modular design for easy access to interior details.

  • Nostalgic Easter eggs referencing Tolkien’s works.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some gaps around windows detract from an otherwise seamless design.

  • At $269.99, it may feel pricey compared to other LEGO sets in this range.

Final Thoughts

LEGO Icons 10354 The Shire is more than just a build; it’s an immersive experience that brings Middle-earth to life in brick form. From its lush exterior to its cozy interior packed with Easter eggs, this set is perfect for both display and play.

Whether you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan or simply love immersive LEGO builds, this set offers something magical. Its combination of stunning visuals, interactive features (like Bilbo’s disappearing act), and exclusive minifigures makes it a standout addition to any collection.

This set is available now for LEGO Insiders (general release on April 5), so don’t miss your chance to bring the magic of The Lord of the Rings into your home!