As a lifelong Harry Potter fan and LEGO enthusiast, I was eagerly anticipating the release of this year’s LEGO Harry Potter Collectors’ Edition set. When the Weasleys’ Burrow was announced, my excitement was palpable. The Burrow is a beloved location in the Wizarding World—a charming, eccentric, and lopsided house that perfectly encapsulates the warmth and quirkiness of the Weasley family. But as the details of the set emerged, my enthusiasm began to wane. The question arose: Is the Burrow truly iconic enough for a Collectors’ Edition set? And if so, does this set do justice to its source material?
The Exterior: First Impressions Matter
The first thing that struck me about the set was the teal blue window frames. These seemed jarring and out of place, as they don’t match the Burrow’s appearance in the films or the books. While this may seem like a minor detail, it immediately threw off the authenticity of the set for me. Adding to my concerns, the overall size of the build felt underwhelming. The Burrow, in its whimsical, towering glory, should have been grander—especially for a Collectors’ Edition set. Compared to other LEGO sets like Diagon Alley, this one feels smaller and less detailed.
That said, there are some design elements worth praising. The angled rooms at the front and the various bay windows add a magical touch, breaking up what could have been a monotonous facade. The construction process was enjoyable, with its quirky layout and varied textures bringing the house to life. However, the exposed beams supporting the upper floors—particularly the visible technical brick at the back—left me wishing for more polished finishing touches. These elements detract from what should be a seamless and immersive build.
At the back of the house, the set does offer some intriguing features, such as an angled window showcasing clever building techniques and a pig pen that can be relocated to the front entrance. These details are charming, but they don’t compensate for the overall small scale and missed opportunities for additional flourishes.
The Interior: A Missed Opportunity for Magic
Moving inside, the Burrow reveals a series of rooms filled with delightful references to the Harry Potter films. The kitchen and dining area, for instance, are packed with iconic details like the self-knitting piece of cloth and the Weasley Clock, which rotates to track the family members’ whereabouts. There’s also a clever play feature allowing a minifigure to travel through the Floo Network by rotating a knob. But here lies another missed opportunity: why wasn’t this knob designed as the Weasley Clock itself? This would have been a fantastic way to merge functionality with authenticity, something that is sorely lacking in this set.
As you explore the upper levels, you’ll find rooms dedicated to the Weasley children, each filled with character-specific details. George and Fred’s room, for example, is stocked with concept ideas for Weasley Wizard Wheezes products, while Ginny’s room is decorated with Holyhead Harpies posters. These touches are certainly appreciated, but they come at the cost of variety. With so many bedrooms, the absence of more unique spaces—a staircase, an entrance hall, or the attic filled with mysterious Weasley artifacts—feels like a significant oversight. Key scenes from both the books and movies occur on the stairs, yet they’re entirely absent from this set.
Additionally, some rooms are oddly inaccessible, like Ginny’s, which can only be viewed from the outside. This design choice feels counterintuitive for a set that is meant to be a detailed replica of an iconic location.
The Minifigures: A Bright Spot in an Otherwise Dim Set
One of the set’s saving graces is the minifigure collection. The entire Weasley family is included, each designed to reflect their appearance in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” Highlights include Molly Weasley, with her intricately detailed outfit, and Arthur Weasley, whose figure comes with a unique hat piece and an optional hairpiece for indoor scenes. The inclusion of the entire family in one set is a true treat for collectors, even though some key characters like Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks are notably absent.
Final Thoughts: A Set That Falls Short of Its Potential
Priced at $260, the Burrow Collectors’ Edition is a beautifully crafted model that captures the whimsical charm of the Weasley home. However, when compared to other recent LEGO Harry Potter sets—such as Gringotts, the Hogwarts Express, or Diagon Alley—it doesn’t quite live up to its price tag. Those sets offer richer character selections, better playability, and a more balanced design. In contrast, the Burrow feels more like a standard LEGO set with a few extra details, rather than a truly special collector’s item.
In the end, while the Burrow is a lovely addition to any Harry Potter collection, it’s hard to argue that it’s a significant upgrade over last year’s now-retired Burrow set, which retailed for around $100. This new version, while charming, simply doesn’t justify its high price or the expectations that come with a “Collector’s Edition” label.
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