Some large books, due to shelf constraints, I have to stack horizontally (or if I have them sat on a coffee table). But I find it annoying from an accessibility viewpoint, like I'm playing book-Jenga when I want one from the lower half of the pile (and worse, putting it back in the same spot). I've no problem with the aesthetics - they just don't trump my annoyance. :)

mischiefdebs has good suggestions. I would clean it up but without losing the natural, rugged look. Change the base and platforms. Don't waste it on cats 'though, put potted plants on the platforms. Definitely don't put it in the garden unless you want it to rot away in no time. Don't despair, it has great potential. ;-)

Lyn Huppatz raises a very valid point with moving, particularly for those moving from the city to the country. It is very difficult to feel you are really living or belong in a place if you are not accepted and these barriers can be very difficult to cross. I've just traded city life for what I hope is some peaceful country living to see out my days and this aspect did cross my mind with thoughts of how to try to cope with it. Fortunately, I've chosen a wonderful place where everyone seems to be a newcomer, basically all escaping the city hustle and bustle so the welcome I've had is amazing with invites to join many local groups and clubs, I doubt I will have time for them all. Maybe instead of wondering about ourselves so much, we should also focus on how welcoming we make our own particular areas for newcomers - how much would we like others to say they have lived rather than just stayed.

I could see them with in a bathroom or desk area. But I’m not sentimental at all so would let them go as they where special for your grandparents but you may have other special memories of them that may mean more including photos. Focus on the ones that have meaning to you as we can’t keep everything.