Granny Pod!

Great idea. It looks nice from the outside, but I'd prefer a kitchen living room in the centre with a separate bedroom to the side.

Yes, I would prefer a livingroom/kitchen too, and the bedroom does not need to be as big, particularly if there is a single bed - if it can only legally house one person, why a double bed? Should the Aged Parent need nursing care, carers would rather they are in a single bed.

A visitor could sleep on a fold-out bed in the livingroom if it only for a few days.

There is no handrail on that slope at the entrance. A wobbly granny could end up in the rockery.

I hope there is internet access.

Just noticed that one photograph has the caption "The bed takes up most of the living space" and another "Bit of a squeeze: At least there is not far to go when you tire of reading and fancy a nap"

If you purpose-build a structure, why not build in enough space for a living-room that does not have a bed taking up most of the space? Is the assumption that the parent will spend his/her waking hours with the family? That is a recipe for disaster. They need somewhere to retire to with their own interests and hobbles.

It's just a few mod cons up from being parked in a left luggage locker.

Looks like solitary confinement to me! Where do you put your friends when they come round? There doesn't appear to be any wardrobe space or anywhere to put books, laptop etc. This pod is for someone who is pretty well bed bound.

My thought too, anno

So if we didn't have to be realistic our version would have.........?

Twice the size to start with. Internet connection of course, and a selection of iEverythings. A phone line through to the main house that over-rides when the person you are phoning is blogging/on Facebook/texting friends/surfing Mumsnet . Plentiful supply of wine. John Lewis and Occado accounts.

Any more?

One of those machines from Star-Trek that cooks you whatever you want in seconds, using no ingredients at all, and does not have a slot for coins.

That other thing from star-trek that the Doctor waves over you that diagnoses all your ailments and prescribes the correct treatment, which cures you of anything in a few days (hours even) unless you are a new character who is destined to be written out in the course of this episode anyway.

I love the Star Trek theme Elegran! How about a transporter? Beam me up!

A transporter would take you anywhere in a flash with no jetlag or lost luggage or aching feet.

An instant translator would be handy for conversations with teenagers and monosyllabic OHs. Maybe it could even translate for those with Alzheimers.

A silencer/freeze button for when you have had enough of your darling grandchildren and would prefer an hour's zzzzz. Another button to summon them when you have not seen them for too long.

A self-renewing supply of caloriefree chocolate and and hangoverfree

And Spock? Can I have Spock please?

If we're having a Doctor-on-the-spot to instantly diagnose and cure.....could it be the very best Doctor? David Tennnt

That's the answer - we need a Tardis!

Of course....perfect solution!

I think I should rather die than be imprisoned in such a soulless container by my own daughter.