My name is Ara Bentley, and I created the Addams Family Mini Mansion. This project was inspired by the kooky family because of their devotion to one another and the fact that they were never afraid to be themselves. I also love the fact that the house is basically a character of its own, providing the perfect backdrop for the family to live their lives.

This project took 11 years to complete, starting in 2009. The house was made of 3 separate dollhouse kits. However, I had to custom build the long-dark hallways you see to the right of the living room and Gomez's Office. Every version of the house I have seen has at least one long dark hallway with creepy portraits on either side, so for me it was a necessary addition. One of the Hallways is partially blocked by a removable 2-part staircase which I created to solve the problem of getting visitors to the 3rd floor. In the 1960's television series the family was able to use the fireman's pole to ascend to the next floor up. You can see the fireman's pole stretching from Gomez's office into the attic space.

Cousin Itt's Room and Uncle Festers room were also custom additions made from foam board, unlike the rest of the house which is made from wood products. While most of the main family is present in doll-form, there is a nod to Pubert (who was introduced in the 2nd Addams Family film) in the form of a bassinet in the attic space and a crocheted onesie (which was gifted to me by a friend) in the living room.

There are a few details you might miss if you're not looking closely. In Morticia's conservatory you will find Dr. Pinderschloss wrapped up in vines in the upper corner. On the side of the house you will find two exit doors, marked with Wednesdays and Pugsley's names. And in the children's room on the top floor, the wallpaper trim is a replication of an original Charles Addams illustration as a nod to the creator of the Addams Family.

I like to sign all of my pieces with a single shoe that has no partner. The shoe in this house is a reference to a missing in-law. Be sure to look around and see if you can find it. If you would like to know more about how this house was built and tutorials on many of the miniatures within, you can visit my youtube channel, Bentley House Minis and find all my links and more photos on my website, www.bentleyhouseminis.com