If money were no object, which literary location would you recreate?
With the news this week that JK Rowling is building a structure in the grounds of her house that looks remarkably like Hagrid’s Hut from the Harry Potter movies, this got me thinking: if money were no object, what literary location would I like to replicate?
First of all, a confession: I’ve already tried this and failed. As a massive Sherlock Holmes fan when I was younger, I wanted to re-create 221b Baker Street for myself. I dreamt of being the Great Detective and having people visit me with problems to solve and then embarking on a adventure. I got as far as placing a comfy chair in our spare bedroom with a table beside it and donning a dressing gown and a pair of slippers. Pretty impressive to a ten year old, not so much now. Unsurprisingly, there were no visitors…
But if I had the time and the money, I’d love to recreate an accurate depiction of 221b. Admittedly the version I have in my head is probably a mismash of the literary, television and film versions of Baker Street but I’d give it a go. Wouldn’t that be spectacular to greet visitors in? I’d even wear the outfit and try to learn the violin (perhaps giving Holmes’ drug addiction a miss).
So here’s the question for you all: where would you recreate and why? Let us know in the comments below or send us your Tweets!
– Rob
I’ve got pretty grand plans as far literary locations go – most of mine are from fantasy novels or series, as I like the idea of a throne! For summer, I’d like Aslan’s stone table, surrounded by beautiful multicoloured tents and magical animals. I’m not bad at putting up tents and I can play some musical instruments, so that’s not as farfetched as it sounds.
For winter, perhaps somewhere a little more cosy, and what could be cosier than Bag End, in The Shire? I love the idea of a hobbit hole with a round, green door. Because, after all, as the introduction of The Hobbit says, “it was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort”. A full larder, a roaring fire, and good company. Perfect.