How to Buy Windstad Manor in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve set your sights on owning a piece of Hjaalmarch and building your dream homestead? Windstad Manor is an excellent choice, offering unique features like the fish hatchery. This guide will walk you through every step of acquiring and building Windstad Manor in Skyrim.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Windstad Manor

Acquiring Windstad Manor is a rewarding, but not necessarily straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Travel to Morthal: Begin your journey by heading to Morthal, the capital of Hjaalmarch. This small, often mist-shrouded town is located in the northern marshes of Skyrim.

2. Complete “Laid to Rest” Quest: This is the crucial step. You cannot purchase land in Morthal until you complete the quest “Laid to Rest.” You’ll automatically receive this quest upon entering Morthal for the first time; speak to the townspeople, and they will direct you to Thonnir and the burned down house. Completing this quest involves investigating a suspicious fire and dealing with a vampire threat. This quest demonstrates your commitment to the safety and well-being of the hold, making you a worthy candidate to own land.

3. Speak to the Jarl (or Steward): Once “Laid to Rest” is finished, speak with the Jarl of Morthal. If the Jarl is currently in Morthal, it is best to speak to them directly. Depending on the current political alignment of Hjaalmarch, this could be either Idgrod Ravencrone or Sorli the Builder. If the Jarl is not present, speak to their steward. The steward is typically found in the High Hrothgar Inn. The steward’s name will depend on which jarl is currently governing.

4. Request to Purchase Land: Inquire about purchasing property. You must express interest in buying a home in Hjaalmarch. The jarl or steward will then offer you the deed to the Windstad Manor plot.

5. Pay the Fee: The land deed will cost 5,000 gold. Ensure you have sufficient funds before initiating the conversation. Pay the fee to receive the deed, officially making you the owner of the Windstad Manor plot.

6. Locate the Plot: Once purchased, the Windstad Manor plot will be marked on your map. It is located northeast of Morthal, near the Stonehills mining settlement.

7. Begin Building: Travel to your new plot of land. You’ll find a small, rudimentary shack and a drafting table. Use the drafting table to begin constructing your house, starting with the small house and progressing through the main hall and three wings. You will require resources such as logs, stone, and clay to build the house. These can be purchased from merchants or mined/chopped yourself.

Building Windstad Manor: Key Considerations

• Resource Gathering: Building Windstad Manor requires significant resources. Invest in a woodcutter’s axe and mining pickaxe. Locate nearby stone quarries and clay deposits.
• Crafting: Use the crafting benches to create nails, hinges, and other necessary components. Smithing skill can be beneficial.
• Architect Table: The architect table allows you to add rooms to your house and customize the interior.

Windstad Manor: An Overview

Windstad Manor, like the other Hearthfire homes, offers unique advantages. The most notable is its fish hatchery, allowing you to raise and harvest fish for alchemy or sustenance. You can also build a greenhouse to grow your own ingredients. If you are interested in educational games and their application in learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Windstad Manor

1. What are the prerequisites for buying land in Morthal?

The main prerequisite is completing the “Laid to Rest” quest. You also need 5,000 gold and must speak with the Jarl or Steward.

2. How much does Windstad Manor cost to build in total?

While the initial land purchase is 5,000 gold, the total cost depends on how extensively you build and furnish the house. The cost of materials like wood, stone, iron, and furnishings will significantly increase the overall expense. Expect to spend several thousand additional gold on construction and decoration.

3. Is Windstad Manor the best Hearthfire house?

This depends on your preferences. Windstad Manor stands out due to its fish hatchery, which is excellent for alchemists. Heljarchen Hall is considered the safest and most centrally located. Lakeview Manor offers beautiful scenery.

4. Can I buy all three Hearthfire houses?

Yes, you can purchase and build all three homesteads: Lakeview Manor, Windstad Manor, and Heljarchen Hall.

5. What are the benefits of having a fish hatchery at Windstad Manor?

The fish hatchery allows you to raise various types of fish, providing a sustainable source of ingredients for alchemy potions. Salmon roe, for example, is a valuable ingredient for powerful experience-boosting potions.

6. Is Windstad Manor safe from attacks?

Windstad Manor is known for having more frequent attacks from hostile creatures compared to Heljarchen Hall. Be prepared to defend your property from giants, bandits, and other threats. Building walls and hiring a steward can help mitigate these risks.

7. Can I move my spouse and children to Windstad Manor?

Yes, once the house is sufficiently furnished, you can move your spouse and adopted children to Windstad Manor. Make sure there are enough beds and chests for them.

8. What are the best additions to build at Windstad Manor?

A greenhouse is highly recommended to complement the fish hatchery, allowing you to grow alchemical ingredients. A library can enhance your character’s skills. An armory offers a space to craft and improve equipment. A kitchen will allow for you to cook a variety of foods.

9. How do I get building materials for Windstad Manor?

You can purchase materials from merchants in towns like Morthal, Dawnstar, and Whiterun. You can also mine stone, clay, and ore from nearby deposits, and chop wood using a woodcutter’s axe.

10. What happens if I don’t like the Jarl of Morthal?

Your personal feelings towards the Jarl are irrelevant. Completing the “Laid to Rest” quest and having sufficient gold are the only requirements for purchasing the land. Political allegiances might change the Jarl, but this does not affect your ownership of Windstad Manor.

11. What level do I need to be to start the Hearthfire DLC content?

There is no minimum level requirement for the Hearthfire DLC itself. However, completing quests like “Laid to Rest” may be easier at higher levels due to the increased combat difficulty of enemies.

12. Can I hire a steward for Windstad Manor?

Yes, you can hire a steward to manage your household, purchase materials, and defend the property. You can appoint a follower to be your steward.

13. What is the most expensive house in Skyrim?

The most expensive house to purchase is Proudspire Manor in Solitude, costing 25,000 gold. However, the Hearthfire homes can become quite expensive depending on the amount of building and furnishing you undertake.

14. Is it possible to lose Windstad Manor?

No, once you purchase the land and receive the deed, you cannot lose Windstad Manor. Even if you become an enemy of Morthal, your ownership remains secure.

15. Does Windstad Manor have any unique quests or storylines associated with it?

While there aren’t specific quests tied directly to Windstad Manor after its construction, the homestead itself becomes a focal point for your character’s personal story. Defending it from attacks, raising a family there, and utilizing its unique features like the fish hatchery all contribute to a rich and immersive gameplay experience. The homestead acts as a hub for storing unique loot.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing and building Windstad Manor is a rewarding experience in Skyrim, offering unique benefits and opportunities for customization. By following this guide and understanding the nuances of the Hearthfire DLC, you can create your dream home in the marshes of Hjaalmarch. Happy building, Dragonborn!