With the Hearthfire DLC, you can go beyond adventuring and establish your own homesteads. This guide focuses on building your dream home from the ground up, choosing land, constructing various wings, and furnishing your new abode. Create a personal sanctuary and a legacy in Skyrim.
Acquiring Land
To begin building, you first need to purchase land. This is done by speaking to the Jarl or Steward of the holds of Falkreath, The Reach, or Hjaalmarth. Each hold offers three plots of land for purchase, typically costing around 5,000 gold each.
| Hold | Land Plot Name | Location Description |
|---|---|---|
| Falkreath Hold | Lakeview Manor | South of Falkreath, overlooking Lake Ilinalta. |
| The Reach | সম্পদ Hall (সম্পদ Hall) | West of Markarth, near the Karth River. |
| Hjaalmarch | Winstad Manor | North of Morthal, near the Hjaalmarch border. |
The Construction Process
Once you own land, you can begin building. Interact with the construction kit on your plot to start. You will need various materials:
- Sawn Logs: Purchased from lumber mills (like the one near Falkreath).
- Clay: Found in deposits near your building site.
- Stone: Found in deposits near your building site.
- Iron Ingots: For hinges, nails, and structural supports.
- Glass: For windows.
- Straw: For roofing.
You can also hire a steward to manage your property and gather materials for you.
Choosing Your House Layout
Each homestead plot allows you to build a main hall and then choose to add three additional wings. You can customize these wings to suit your needs:
Main Hall
The foundation of your home. It includes a basic bedroom and living area.
Optional Wings (Choose 3 for each homestead)
- Trophy Room: Display the heads of defeated dragons and other creatures.
- Library: Filled with bookshelves for storing your collected books.
- Armory: Features weapon racks and armor stands for displaying your gear.
- Alchemy Laboratory: Equipped with an alchemy lab for brewing potions.
- Kitchen: Includes a cooking pot and oven for preparing food.
- Greenhouse: Allows you to grow your own alchemy ingredients.
- Apiary: For harvesting honey and beeswax.
- Servant's Quarters: For your hired housecarl.
Furnishing and Decorating
After constructing the wings, you can further furnish your home by purchasing furniture from the general goods merchant in the nearest town. This includes beds, tables, chairs, chests, and decorative items.
Hiring Staff
You can hire a Housecarl to manage your homestead and act as a bodyguard. You can also hire a Bard to entertain guests. These individuals will reside in your home and can be given orders.
Adoption System
With Hearthfire, you can adopt up to two children. They will live in your homestead and can be given toys and a pet. This adds a sificant roleplaying element to home ownership.
Benefits of Homesteading
- Safe Storage: Ample storage space for all your collected items.
- Crafting Stations: Convenient access to alchemy labs and other crafting facilities.
- Rest Bonus: Sleeping in your own bed provides the 'Rested' bonus, enhancing skill gains.
- Displaying Achievements: Showcase your trophies and gear.
- Roleplaying: Creates a sense of permanence and allows for a more grounded roleplaying experience.
- Family Life: The ability to adopt children and have a family.
Tips for Building
- Gather Materials Early: Start collecting logs, clay, and stone as soon as you purchase land.
- Hire a Steward: A good steward can sificantly ease the burden of material gathering and home management.
- Plan Your Wings: Decide on your preferred playstyle (e.g., alchemist, warrior) to choose the most beneficial wings.
- Visit the nearest town: Purchase furniture and additional crafting supplies from the local merchants.