- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd (4 May 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0141019433
- ISBN-13: 978-0141019437
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 458,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Walking in the Pyrenees, twenty years ago, Matthew Parris and his sister came upon a magnificent medieval house. It had crests and a date 1559 chiselled into the stone: its walls and foundations were intact but the ancient oak ridge timber supporting the roof had split and was ready to collapse into the rotten floors beneath. Renovation would be an epic undertaking a massive investment of time, money and emotion. And, the locals warned, nobody ever left L'Avenc with any money. A few years ago, Matthew (with his family's help) went back and bought the place. Astonishing and arguably idiot, his decision resulted in a phenomenal amount of hard work, and this hugely enjoyable book. Inspirational, instructional and utterly irresistible, this is the story of one man's dream to turn a forgotten ruin into his very own Castle in Spain.
About the Author
Matthew Parris was born in Africa in 1949 and grew up in Cyprus, Rhodesia, Jamaica and Britain. He worked for the Foreign Office and Margaret Thatcher before becoming an MP in 1979. For seven years a Conservative MP, he quit to present LWT's Weekend World, after which he became the regular parliamentary sketchwriter for The Times for 13 years. His books include his autobiography Chance Witness, Read My Lips, Scorn with Added Vitriol, and Inca-Kola, about his travels in Peru. He is a regular travel writer, reviewer, broadcaster and columnist and divides his time between London, Derbyshire and Spain.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have visited this little visited part of northern spain and loved its unusual "grand canyon" like geography. The book completely captured the nature of the coutry, its history and people. The massive task of restoring L'Venc has just the right detail to draw you on so that you felt part of the team and longed for its success. Although Matthew says it is is not a travel book. I am off to see the place first chance I get.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is an enchanting story, about a spectacular house, in a magical location - in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. Having enjoyed reading Parris's periodic articles about the restoration of this property in 'The Times' between 1999 and 2006, I nevertheless approached this book with a degree of caution - mindful of the old saw that 'a journalist never lets the truth get in the way of a good story'. My caution was misplaced. Unlike Peter Mayle, et al, Parris has both feet planted firmly in the real world. Having fallen in love with this mysterious and majestic old house through the pages of his book, I visited it for a short holiday in June 2007. I discovered that the book is indeed non-fiction, and 100% honest and true to life. It was the holiday of a lifetime, which I unreservedly recommend to all except members of the 'disco brigade'. A stunning location, blissful views, unspoilt medieval villages, and walking trails without equal. Although it feels a world away from the UK tourist trail, 'L'Avenc' is only a 90 minute drive from Barcelona and the Costa Brava. Read the book and visit one of the delightful and very high standard holiday cottages which adjoin the old house (www.avenc.com). You will not be disappointed!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A lot more than an account of how an spectacularly-situated, isolated mansion in Catalonia was rescued from dereliction. Parris uses that enormous project as the centrepiece for a heart-felt tribute to an unfamiliar Spanish locale. His style is highly visual and his family's local knowledge extraordinary. Thus the book avoids, by a distance, the trappings of the eccentric-Brit.-bloody-foreigner narrative.
The financing of this enormous restoration project is rather mysterious, and a ground plan of the mansion would help. But there's an overwelming sense of rediscovered dignity in a special place.
The financing of this enormous restoration project is rather mysterious, and a ground plan of the mansion would help. But there's an overwelming sense of rediscovered dignity in a special place.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Revised edition with new features
Revised edition with new features.
There is a new edition of the book that will be on sale in May 2012, and I've been able to read it, as I'm Matthew Parris's nephew. Read more
There is a new edition of the book that will be on sale in May 2012, and I've been able to read it, as I'm Matthew Parris's nephew. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Adam Macia Parris
A Castle in Spain
Fabulous book written by Matthew Parris, describing his obsession and passion for this beautiful house l'Avenc. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mrs S
A Castle in Spain
Having long been a fan of matthew Parris and his writings I knew I was going to like this book. The story of his and his family's love affair with an extremely old building in... Read more
Published 12 months ago by franny
A place I'd like to visit
One spring morning in Catalunya, Matthew Parris came across an awesome sight; a large, moldering, old house that immediately spoke to him. Read more
Published 21 months ago by M. K. Burton
Interesting book
This was an interesting read about doing up this ancient house, however, I would have liked more photos and descriptions of how the work was done. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2009 by john
It changed my mind
Unlike other reviewers, I was not looking for a guide to restoring houses (in Spain or anywhere), but was interested in Matthew Paris' view on an area he knows well and where he... Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2006 by MarkE
Mixed feelings about this book
Hmmmmm....I am an avid fan of Matthew Parris' writings and have read several of his books including the superb Inca Cola. Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2006 by marcus s
Disappointing
This book was very disappointing. I was expecting something that would give me an idea of how Matthew Parris went about restoring the house to its former glory. Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2006 by "keithc@englandmail.com"
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