A brilliant read, and more - Rated 
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!
It changed my mind - Rated 
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 has family connections. My main reason for buying was having enjoyed Parris' other writings but this book has sparked my curiosity about an area I knew nothing about, and have avoided as being too close to the most "touristy" parts of Spain. I have had my error pointed out, and now intend to correct it by visiting as soon as possible
ALMOST A CASTLE IN THE AIR - Rated
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.
Mixed feelings about this book - Rated 
Hmmmmm....I am an avid fan of Matthew Parris' writings and have read several of his books including the superb Inca Cola. I enjoyed many parts of this book but mainly these were the sections where he gives us a very honest and personal insight into the trials and tribulations of this incredible restoration. I sensed his deep love for the Catalunya region and its people but I also felt that he had become a little detached from the nitty-gritty of the project itself, which I suppose is unsurprising given that he mainly lives and works in the UK. Somehow the chronological account of the building process lacks detail and the narrative gradually becomes more distant and dispassionate.
I cant quite put my finger on it but I suspect that so much energy and emotion had already been invested in this project that there just wasnt much juice left in the tank for the book. For me the writing seems a bit jaded and it simply lacks the depth, quality and sparkling humour of his other works.
Disappointing - Rated 
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. All I read was a travelogue and history of the Catalunya region of Spain. References to the house were almost incidental and really only put the property into context. There were very few references to the restoration process, no floor plan of the property and no sense of the issues or problems of tackling such an ambitious project.
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