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How to Get All Three Hearthfire Houses in Skyrim

So, you’re ready to become a proud landowner in Skyrim’s Hearthfire DLC, eh? Excellent choice! Building your own homestead is a rewarding experience, offering customization and a safe haven from dragons and bandits. Getting all three properties is a straightforward process, though it requires a bit of questing and, of course, gold. Essentially, you’ll need to earn the Jarl’s favor in each of the three holds, then purchase the land from them (or their steward). After that, you can start building! Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Obtaining the Land

The key to acquiring your dream homes lies in these steps:

Install the Hearthfire DLC: This is the first and most essential step. Make sure the DLC is active in your game.
Visit the Holds: You’ll need to travel to Falkreath Hold, Hjaalmarch (Morthal), and The Pale (Dawnstar).
Earn the Jarl’s Favor: Each hold requires you to complete quests to earn the Jarl’s trust. These quests vary by hold. Here’s the specifics:
- Falkreath (Lakeview Manor): If Siddgeir is Jarl, complete the quest to deliver Mead to the Black-Briar Meadery in Riften and help the people of Falkreath, or complete Kill the Bandit Leader (Falkreath). If Dengeir of Stuhn is Jarl, he will not sell the plot of land until the quest “Ill Met By Moonlight” has been completed, and you will need to help the people of Falkreath.
- Morthal (Windstad Manor): Complete the quest “Laid to Rest” given by the Jarl. This involves investigating a burned house and dealing with a vampire threat.
- Dawnstar (Heljarchen Hall): The Jarl of Dawnstar will ask you to complete a miscellaneous quest or Kill the Giant.
Purchase the Land: Once you’ve completed the necessary quests, speak to the Jarl or their Steward. They will offer you the deed to the land for 5,000 gold. Remember, each plot costs this amount. Make sure you have enough gold before embarking on your land-buying spree.

Beginning Construction

After acquiring the deed, travel to your new property. You will find a small pile of materials, a drafting table, and a workbench.

Use the Drafting Table: This is where you choose which parts of the house you want to build. Start with the small house, as this provides essential protection and a place to store materials.
Gather Materials: You’ll need a lot of materials, including lumber, stone, and clay. Lumber can be bought from sawmills or obtained by chopping wood yourself. Stone and clay deposits are usually located near your building site. Iron Ore and Quarried Stone can also be used to create materials to aid in the homesteads construction.
Use the Workbench: Interact with the workbench to construct the chosen parts of your house. As you build, more options will become available at the drafting table, allowing you to expand your home.
Customize Your Home: The fun part! As you progress, you can add wings, decorations, and various amenities to personalize your homestead. Don’t forget to furnish the interior with furniture, storage, and crafting stations.

Hearthfire House Locations

Knowing the location of your houses is key:

Lakeview Manor: Located east of Falkreath, near Pinewatch. This area is known for its scenic views but also for potential bandit and wildlife encounters.
Windstad Manor: Situated northeast of Morthal, near the Karth River. This property is notorious for attracting horkers and other creatures.
Heljarchen Hall: Found south of Dawnstar, closer to Whiterun. Its central location makes it a relatively safer option compared to the other two.

Mastering the Hearthfire System

Building these houses involves the following:

Acquiring Lumber: Lumber is essential for constructing your house. You can buy it from sawmills in various towns or chop your own wood.
Mining Materials: Stone and clay are abundant near your building sites. Look for veins of ore and clay deposits.
Crafting Furniture: Once you have a house, use the workbench to craft furniture, decorations, and other items to personalize your home.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a property magnate in Skyrim. Remember to have fun and enjoy the creative process! You can learn more about gaming and its impact at the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Hearthfire homes:

1. How much does each Hearthfire house cost?

Each plot of land for a Hearthfire house costs 5,000 gold. This is the initial investment required to purchase the deed from the Jarl or their steward. The resources needed for the house’s upgrades cost much more.

2. Can I become Thane of all the Hearthfire holds?

Yes, you can become Thane of Falkreath, Hjaalmarch, and The Pale. This involves earning the Jarl’s favor by completing quests and assisting the local citizens.

3. Which Hearthfire house is the safest?

Heljarchen Hall is generally considered the safest due to its central location and proximity to Whiterun. It experiences fewer attacks from wildlife and bandits compared to Lakeview Manor and Windstad Manor.

4. What are the special features of each Hearthfire house?

Lakeview Manor: Offers beautiful scenery and potential for a fish hatchery.
Windstad Manor: Allows you to build a fish hatchery and is located in a swampy, unique environment.
Heljarchen Hall: Provides a convenient location for farming and is close to the city of Whiterun.

5. Can I move my spouse and children to any Hearthfire house?

Yes, you can move your spouse and children to any Hearthfire house once it has been built and furnished with the necessary bedrooms and living space.

6. What materials do I need to build a Hearthfire house?

You’ll need various materials, including lumber, stone, clay, iron ore, and straw. Lumber can be purchased or chopped, while stone, clay, and iron ore can be mined near your property.

7. Can I hire a steward for my Hearthfire house?

Yes, you can hire a steward to manage your Hearthfire home. Stewards can purchase building materials, furnish the house, and defend it from threats.

8. How do I protect my Hearthfire house from attacks?

You can build walls, hire a steward, and recruit followers to defend your home. Additionally, having a well-armed spouse and children can also help deter attackers.

9. Can I build a garden at my Hearthfire house?

Yes, you can build a garden at each Hearthfire house. Gardens allow you to grow various plants and ingredients for alchemy.

10. Can I adopt more than two children in Skyrim?

With the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt up to two children. This limit is consistent across all your properties.

11. Can I build a library in my Hearthfire house?

Yes, you can build a library in your Hearthfire house. Libraries provide a place to store books and research magical knowledge.

12. What is the best way to get lumber for my Hearthfire house?

The best way is to either buy lumber from a lumber mill or chop your own wood near your property. Buying is faster, but chopping is more cost-effective.

13. Do Hearthfire houses reset like other locations in Skyrim?

Yes, Hearthfire houses will reset after a period of time. Items you have placed in containers will remain, but loose items may disappear. It is customary for builders to place at least 2-3 homes per acre, depending on the landscape.

14. Can I build a stable at my Hearthfire house?

Yes, you can build a stable at each Hearthfire house. Stables allow you to house and care for your horses.

15. Where can I find more information about Hearthfire and other DLCs?

You can find more information about Hearthfire and other Skyrim DLCs on various websites and forums dedicated to the game. You may also find information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

How do you get the three Hearthfire houses?