How big was Rivendale?

[Sween]

We all know from the lord of the rings and the Hobbit that Rivendale was a wonderfully place (sams favorite). But how big was it? It was not mearly Elronds house as from the writings may be thought it was established By Elrond after the fall of Eragion after the invasion of Sauron it was deemed important to maintain a stronghold west of the misty mountians.

It was a Noldorian establishment with many of the fugatives of Eragion flying to it (bassically all the serviors of that war we saved by Elrond)! In its first building it didnt have the power of the ring protecting it sauron had allready taken up the one ring and therefore elrond could not use the ring directally (opr could he i dont know do you need to wear the ring to harness it effects thats another debate that we will keep out of here)! it mist therefore of had some defences towers,walls etc none of these are described in either the Hobbit or LOTR!

Another one of my faciantions of tolkiens world has allways been size and numbers. Rivendale must of been a pretty large place it was considered a strong hold and after the last allience the elves that chose to remain departed lindon to be close to Elrond after the fall of Gil Galad. It also played host to the larger part of the forces of the last allience at some point its noted they camped at Rivendale.

In the book and any drawings or artwork and yes even the movie it is protrayed as pretty much just been Elronds house (well more of a mansion but you know) but was it really more of a city?

Did the elven folk act like what is presumed to be the the fate of the northan Dundain and live in the forest around the point?