The magic of miniature homes not just for kids

But for Yapton artist and sculptor, Peter Jones, 57, the magic of miniature homes is not something just for kids.

Peter has created a house, which at more than 10ft tall and 9ft wide, could be described in many ways as a miniature home for adults.

Built over three storeys, with five windows and its own fireplace, it is large enough to fit a table and several chairs.

And its interior, fitted with check wallpaper of a dog with a man's eyes, is not child-friendly in any conventional sense.

But for Peter, the point was less to exclude children and more to reclaim the use of a space normally associated with childhood.

"I wanted to show that the miniature house wasn't just for children. It could be used by adults or even as an animal sanctuary."

Made over a year with painstaking detail from timber and clay, the quality of craftsmanship, Peter insists, will ensure the house lasts for many years.

"The house is made from the finest timber, with the tiles and chimneys hand-made from clay. Its better-made than most houses and will probably last longer."

The house was not left to gather dust though, instead travelling to the Chelsea Flower Show where it won Silver Prize at the trade stand.

It was there it attracted the admiration of the Queen, Colin Firth, and in particular Helena Bonham Carter.

The Queen was impressed by the immaculately-constructed hedges which were part of the house's display, but for Helena Bonham Carter it was the house she was drawn to.

Best-known for her gothic style and roles in Fight Club and Sweeney Todd, she proved to be an appropriate match for the house and its alternative design.

Peter admits, though, when she entered the house he had not realised at first who she was. "I thought she looked pretty in the house, so I asked if I could take a photo of her in it. It was only after she'd left that my wife told me it was Helena Bonham Carter. I hadn't realised who she was."

Bonham Carter expressed an interest in buying the home, but it was eventually sold to a man from Brussels at auction for 15,580 on October 22.

While selling the home to a celebrity may have made for a bigger story, Peter is happy it will continue its travels.

"It started as Little Ranelagh House and has changed its name depending on where it's been. Now it'll be Little Brussels house."

Peter doesn't know how it will be used, but in many ways, he says, that's the point of the house.

"I wanted it to have many uses. And if one day it is no longer being used, it can be recycled."

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