World Book Day - What's the story? Famous fictional homes

Today is World Book Day. It exists because reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success, more than family circumstances, parent's educational background or income.

1 in 7 children and 3 in 10 children receiving free school meals, said that the book they ‘bought’ with their World Book Day book token had been their first book of their own.

The aim is to encourage families to spend just 10 minutes a day reading with a child - to discover reading for pleasure! World Book Day makes books and reading a fun part of every child’s day.

You can take part too in ‘Show Your Shares’ on social media, celebrating the joy of reading together with images of everyone sharing reading and stories. Please use #Worldbookday

So, just for fun here are some well-known, fictional homes:

Number 4 Privet Drive 

From the outside, this suburban home in Little Whinging Surrey, is your classic “well presented three-bedroom modern residence”. But take a closer look, and you will find a young wizard called Harry Potter sleeping in a tiny cupboard under the stairs.

Satis House 

Although it’s grand in scale, Satis House is best described as “in need of modernisation”. The clocks have all stopped in this decaying mansion which is home to spinster Miss Havisham and her adopted daughter Estella in Great Expectations.

221B Baker Street

The home of super sleuth Sherlock Holmes consists of “a couple of comfortable bed-rooms and a single large airy sitting-room, cheerfully furnished, and illuminated by two broad windows”. Given its central London location and elegant Georgian architecture, no doubt 221B would be snapped up for a tidy sum these days (if it were real, of course)

Villa Villekulla

This one is a family home brimming with character, a horse and a monkey. Pippi Longstocking’s Villa Villekulla has several unique selling points, including a tree that grows Sockerdricka, a sugary Swedish soft drink.

Manderley

This country pile in remote, coastal Cornwall is a prime example of “location, location, location”. It plays a central role in Daphne du Maurier’s spine-chilling Rebecca. Home to the second Mrs De Winter and the devious Mrs Danvers, the mansion even features in the opening line of the novel: “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”

Bag End

Located in Hobbiton, this one-storey residence (home to Bilbo Baggins and later, Frodo) is built into a hill and surprisingly cosy. Despite its discreet exterior, it has bedrooms, bathrooms, several pantries, and even a cellar. Ideal for those looking for a low carbon lifestyle.

The Family Tree

Probably our favourite fictional home in the Butler household.

“Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three''

Can you guess why?

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, whether it’s to upgrade, downsize or relocate, get in touch with us. Whatever your story, we would love to help you with your next chapter.

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