h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In the US we also have something called, variously, a "guest house", mother-in-law house (now there's a description for you!), or back house. These are small houses in the rear of a larger house. Almost rented one myself; the owners almost had me until they began detailing the comings and goings of the previous tenant -- that's when I spotted the only path leading right in front of their picture window. I'm not a privacy nut, but I'd rather not have anyone know which size of cereal boxes I purchase.