What happened to the simple den?

When I was a little girl growing up in Yorkshire my brother and I would have all sorts of imaginary play scenarios.  One of the fondest memories I have was when our Mum made us a 'den' outside.  This was nothing fancy, let me tell you, it was the 1970's and as my mum said "you made do with what you had" but it's amazing what you can do with a rake, a couple of brooms, a brick wall and an old sheet.

Mum used to take the garden tools with the long handles and lean them against the brick wall and then drape an old sheet over the top and down the sides.  It was just big enough for my brother and I to sit inside and have a drink and a snack.  

We thought it was THE BEST.....our own private hideaway.....NO ADULTS ALLOWED!

Here's my own version

Inside the house we would drape the sheet over the dinning room table and pile cushions under it to sit on, this was much easier not to mention safer than the outside version as we would often accidentally kick the tools and the whole thing would cave in.

I then progressed to my very own 'Wendy House'.

I had to search the origin of this name....because as soon as I typed it I was curious as to who 'Wendy' was and why she had a house named after her.

There are a couple of explanations.

The first is that it is named after Wendy Darling in the play Peter Pan.  

Peter Pan and the Lost Boys built a small house for Wendy after she was shot by Tootles!!!!

  

 

Here's Wikipedia's explanation for the second.

"In South Africa, a Wendy house is much like a shed. In 1874, a General in the US Army had a daughter called Wendy, and built her a little house out of wood. Later on in 1919 with the 1st World War, they used the same Wendy house in concentration camps".

I think I like the first explanation better.

Anyway I digress, my Wendy House was a plastic box like frame with plastic sheeting formed around it.  I now thought this was THE BEST!!!!  Such great times we had in it.

Today as I search the internet there is an entirely different 'Wendy House'.  Check out the modern day 'Wendy House' for those who can afford to splurge on their little ones.

These astounding play homes are all built by Lilliput Play Homes in Pennsylvania. 

Check out their website here www.lilliputplayhomes.com

Newport Style Mansion

This miniature replica comes complete with a simulated slate roof, spacious loft, built-in bookshelves, fireplace, and its very own turret with secret room! Interior accessories include sponge painting, simulated hardwood floors, and custom play kitchen.

 Colonial Brick Estate

Simulated hardwood flooring, a custom play kitchen, and an upstairs loft are just a few of the examples of the exceptional interior detailing in this miniature replica playhouse.

California Charmer

California dreaming indeed! This fun-filled replica features a Great Room, sleeping loft, and Art Center! An elevated walkway runs the entire length of the Great Room connecting an exterior balcony with the interior sleeping loft. Topped off with faux fireplace and walnut mantle, decorative wrought iron railings, simulated hardwood floors, and interior pillars even the most discerning guest is sure to be impressed! 

Spanish Retreat

This NHL player wanted his two little girls to have a Christmas to remember forever...do you think he tied a big red ribbon around this miniature replica? Highlights include a secret crawl space above the front columned porch, a custom play kitchen, and an interior loft that exits onto the rear balcony where a fun rock-climbing wall and 10' slide await!

Cotton Candy Manor

By adding square footage, substituting paint and shingle colors, and adding a cupola, this Cotton Candy Manor shines!

Oakmont Manor

Designed after an elegant estate in Oakmont, PA, this miniature replica is both charming and spacious. The striking columned front porch, the extensive dentil molding, and the side porch and balcony all combine to make this a true classic.

Mediterranean-style Mansion

The simulated Spanish-tiled roof and custom doors accent this miniature replica playhouse. The spacious interior features stairs, columns, a custom child-sized kitchen, and an electrical package with air conditioning.

There was a report in one of the newspapers in England that someone had bought an entire street!  Could you imagine?

A question does spring to mind for me though.  If these houses can be fitted with lighting, running water, cable, a communication system, heat and air conditioning.....what's to stop us adults from downsizing and moving into one ourselves?

Here is an article I found interesting on the matter
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/garden/playhouses-childs-play-grown-up-cash.html