You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like?

I would love to have a proper reading and writing nook. I do most of my reading in the living room and often write on my laptop in there too. I also have my desktop computer which I have in the stairwell but there is barely room for me there let alone any books.

If I could have a book nook I’d definitely want a room with a view. A few years ago I looked after a house for some people I knew. They lived on a hobby farm in the Huon Valley. Their house had a big wraparound verandah which was a nice place to sit and read and admire the view. Indoors they had a window seat which I also enjoyed sitting on to read, I usually had to share it with the cat but that was fine.

In my previous homes I had a lot of bookshelves built into alcoves as well as freestanding book cases. They would usually be in a spare bedroom although in Geeveston we had a long wide passage which easily took three book cases.

My ideal reading and writing space would be a room with good natural light from a window with a nice view and good overhead lighting or lamps. I do like a well lit room. It would have a wall of shelves like I used to have or a row of bookcases with shelves to take different size books. My desk would be there with the computer and there would be cupboard space for pens, accessories and so on. I’d have a few favourite knick knacks on display and some pictures on the walls. Maybe I’d print some of my own favourite photos. My seat would be something where I could sprawl and stretch my legs out.

I’d want to use my room all year round, day or night so I’d need a heater for those chilly days and nights. Hopefully the room would be well insulated with high ceilings and I would not need air conditioning but I’d have it if I needed it. It would be a colourful room but relaxing to be in.