His home is surrounded by a powerful elemental enchantment that enables him to grow land plants and even keep a pet Cat, whilst not interfering with any spells that may be affecting his guests - such as magical gills (or lungs, in the case of his aquatic neighbours). The book illustration depicts him barefoot; this may have to do with his eccentricity and/or the fact that he has no need for footwear due to living at the sea bottom.