Castles in the Air

By: Judy Corbett

Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens

Castles in the Air is a beautifully written, autobiographical story of rescuing an ancient mansion. Gwydir Castle was inhabited by ravers and rats until Judy Corbett and her husband Peter Welford found and acquired this 500-year-old house mouldering in the foothills of Snowdonia. Despite the toads, strange smells and squatters, they decided to mortgage themselves to the hilt to bring the castle back to life.

This is an evocatively written and genuinely moving book and is infused with an extraordinary sense of place. The couple's adventures in a gothic wonderland lead them through plots both supernatural and historical. In a museum storeroom in a Bronx warehouse they find a missing room, in the castle's Solar Tower the ghost of a young woman appears and from the far edges of the woods a silent man called Sven emerges to befriend the couple and their beloved castle.

©2003 Judy Corbett (P)2010 Random House Audiobooks

Well told historical novel

Very interesting story about the acquisition and restoration of Gwydir Castle in northern Wales. It has lots of detail and even has ghost in it. Also, it culminates shortly after a visit by the Prince of Wales after the restoration was nearly 100% complete.

Fantastic

A lovely story, beautifully written, and magically narrated. The descriptions made me feel like I was there, and the words made the people come alive! It was wonderful! Highly recommend!

A truly inspiring account

An old favorite that I now have on audio. The story of the magical changes in the life of a couple who were willing to take a leap of faith and pay the necessary price. The fascinating tale of the restoration of Gwyddr Castle. Well written and narrated. A very easy and enjoyable listening experience.

A delightful story in every way

What did you love best about Castles in the Air?

I am about to finish this book, and am tempted to start right back at the beginning again. If you've ever dreamed of restoring a ruinous old manor house and making it your home, this is the book for you. A true story, warts and all, written in a strong voice with intelligent dry wit. Highly recommend.

Story of an old house

Very well done. This is a story of an old house (and I mean old) in Wales, and the restoration of it. The struggles, joys and experiences of the people restoring the house as well as the story of the house, including the unearthed skeleton, and incumbent ghost. Please note it is not a ghost story, outside of the standard ghost that come with any old castle.

I actually found it to short, when it ended I found myself wanting it continue and hear more for I know there had to have been more to tell. That is honestly the reason it doesn't have 5 stars.

Smug and Condescending

A very disappointing book, poorly read by narrator. In general, smug and condescending. I kept listening, hoping for better, but there was never an interesting story here.