What six-year-old children don’t dream of something this spectacular? A space ship theme was considered, as were race cars and medieval castles … but with pirates you can never go wrong, right? Argh!!!

“The rope bridge is connected to the top of the jail cell, built to accommodate evil doers, thieves and little sisters.” At the end of the bridge, across from the crow’s-nested-and-steering-wheeled vessel, sits the faux-stone prison turret with a theme-fitting wood ladder.

Curved wooden ribs support plywood planking (sorry, no actual plank!) covered with plaster and epoxy for stability and aesthetic effect.

A knotted climbing rope drops down from the lofted play area to a closet below … and then a secret spiral slide spins you the occupant the way down to the first floor.