A dad has managed to create the ultimate magical world for his Harry Potter-loving daughter, having transformed the space behind her wardrobe into her very own Diagon Alley.
Dylan, 42, decided to surprise his six-year-old daughter Ella with a mini version of the wizarding world's shopping district, wanting to do something special for her after a tough few months of homeschooling and being cooped up at home during lockdown.
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The single dad, who lives in Berkshire but is originally from Caernarfon in Wales, realised that there was a space behind her wardrobe that wasn't going to much use, but felt there would be just enough space to house a mini street.
After coming up with the idea in April and starting the build on 24 August, Dylan had it ready for Ella's birthday at the end of September - before unveiling the incredible space to her as a total surprise.
Dylan told LADbible: "Ella was so grateful, and kept asking if we can keep it forever and how had I built it!
"We played all weekend on the first weekend and we are in it a lot when she is here, which is half the time."
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The street features everything from Ollivander's wand shop and Eeylops Owl Emporium to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor and Quality Quidditch Supplies - although Dylan said he plans to add to the ambitious project with more shops in the coming months.
"I haven't had time to add it up, but I spread the cost over the last six months as I bought things for it," he said.
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"It didn't break the bank as I saved on not commuting or going out and buying a few things here and there, and reusing wood I already had.
"If I was to guess I would say just over £1,000, which is more than any present Ella's ever got but it's more than that - it's to help her and I with work, entertainment and learning in the lockdown, so totally worth it and all the work!"
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Dylan said the hardest part of the build was putting a 'massive two metre by 1.4 metre sheet of wood up', as it kept falling down on him.
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However, overall he's as chuffed with the results as Ella, adding: "My favourite bit is probably the reading nook as it's where Ella likes to be most, and I can talk to her from the street through the upstairs windows."
Dylan said the build may not have been smooth-sailing all the time, but urged anyone who has an idea like his to help someone else to just 'keep trying'.
"Keep researching, keep talking to others about it," he said.
"I surprised myself when it turned out so well!!"
Follow Ella's Secret Street on Instagram and YouTube, where Dylan will continue to share updates about how the project's going.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Life in LockdownTopics: Harry Potter, Daily Ladness, DIY, Dad, Community, Harry Potter, Daily Ladness, DIY, Dad, Community