AICN's The Hobbit Set Report Part 3

Ain't It Cool News has posted the third set report (part 1 | part 2) from the Hobbiton set at Matamata, New Zealand. This report focuses on the final day of filming at Hobbiton along with the detials on prepping the set location for filming and as a tourist attraction. Below are the highlights, with usual spoiler warnings but nothing a reader of the novel isn't aware of. The full report, worth reading, can be found here.

Highlights:
- Within 24 hours period at the location, the beginning (Bilbo running to join the Dwarves on an adventure) and ending of the story was filmed (Bilbo returning after his adventure) also marking the final day ever (again) for filming at the location.
- His returns changed by his adventures and willing to express his unhappiness at his possessions being sold at auction.
- The rebuilding of the Hobbiton location began back in January 2009 when the film was expected to start shooting in 2010 with Guillermo del Toro as director.
- One of the first things they had to do was save the Party Tree which was dying due to draught.
- Six greensmen maintained the location for two years, changed to 20 of them along with 15 set designers to prepare the location for filming and use later as standing tourist attraction.
- 44 Hobbit holes built with the necessary strength and waterproofing needed for standing strutures built into hills. The bridge was also rebuilt stronger with steel superstructure and stone cladding. The Green Dragon has a working fireplace, plumbing, etc in case the property owner wants to turn into a working bar.
- Crew segment focuses on Heather McMullan who makes and applies Hobbit feet on everyone.