There is something wonderfully whimsical about building a fort. I have rarely found anyone, child or adult, who does not get swept up in the excitement of putting one tohether. The more elaborate the better. And you always need a string of fairy lights.

Some people prefer forts with open space, but I adore ones with nooks, crawl-thru-doors and piles of pillows. I have always dreamed of having a secret room in my house – one you can only reach through a closet, low tunnel or a trapdoor under your bed. Maybe building a cramped fort is the closest I’ll get.

My chances of secret room would likely improve significantly, if I preferred a less modern-style house.