I have to read Leaf By Niggle again now

I always thought it was the other way around - the last homely house before passing the mountains eastwards into wilderland

I always felt that big stone had something to do with why they get special hanging-around powers…

Always wondered about the figure that scares away the horses of A+L+G the day before they reunite with gandalf. Was it confirmed as Saruman, on the prowl?