Talliston House and Gardens in Great Dunmow will magically expand in a new fantasy novel.
Dubbed 'Britain's most extraordinary home', Talliston House was created by Dunmow resident John Tarrow, who transformed a three-bedroom ex-council house into a fantastical tourist attraction.
The house is divided into 13 locations, each set in a different time and place - including a Victorian living room, Scottish Edwardian bedchamber and Canadian log cabin.
The book is both a prequel and sequel to The Stranger's Guide to Talliston (2019) - which was adapted into a short film last year - and Letters from the Labyrinth (2020).
Beginning on Twelfth Night, 1590, the story starts with13-year-old Briane racing to save her grandmother from execution for witchcraft.
Only one thing can prove her innocence - a magical grimoire owned by the town's dark and sinister lord.
Briane loses the precious book at a crossroads of all worlds called The Forest of Doors. Can she find the spell book in time to save Old Mother Moore from her terrible fate? Or will she fall victim to the wood's dark and dangerous puzzle of doors and rooms?
The novel is set in Great Dunmow and mentions various places around the town, including Thremhall Priory and Newton Hall.
A book launch will be held at The Starr Inn, Great Dunmow on Thursday, September 26 from 7pm to 9m.
The event will take place in the first floor Market Room, while visitors can get their books signed and talk to author John Tarrow in the Oak Room.
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To be added to the guest list email info@talliston.com.
John Tarrow is a storyteller, poet, shaman and author, who created Talliston House and Gardens over 25 years with the help of more than 130 volunteers, opening the attraction to the public in 2015.
He was born John Tode in 1965, and adopted the surname 'Trevillian' for his work transforming the house, later adopting the name 'Tarrow' for his literary work.
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