Palladian Days

Finding a New Life in a Venetian Country House

By: Sally Gable, Carl Gable

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

A chronicle of an influential villa by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio that brings a sense of discovery to the Italian countryside and its larger national history. • “If a vacation in Italy this summer just isn’t going to make the cut, this book might be the next best thing.” —Chicago Tribune

In 1552, in the countryside outside Venice, the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio built Villa Cornaro. In 1989, Sally and Carl Gable became its bemused new owners. Called by Town & Country one of the ten most influential buildings in the world, the villa is the centerpiece of the Gables’ enchanting journey into the life of a place that transformed their own. From the villa’s history and its architectural pleasures, to the lives of its former inhabitants, to the charms of the little town that surrounds it, this loving account delivers generosity, humor, and a sense of discovery.

“Palladian Days is nothing short of wonderful–part adventure, mystery, history, diary, and even cookbook. The Gables’ lively account captures the excitement of their acquisition and restoration of one of the greatest houses in Italy. Beguiled by Palladio and the town of Piombino Dese, they trace the history of the Villa Cornaro and their absorption of Italian life. Bravo!” —Susan R. Stein, Gilder Curator and Vice President of Museum Programs, Monticello

©2005 Sally and Carl Gable (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Delightful." (Publishers Weekly)

"Palladian Days lifts the notion of buying a summer house to dizzying and delightful new heights. Sally and Carl Gable's fascinating account reads like a fast-paced, marvelously satisfying adventure story." (John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil)

"Sally Gable’s sincerity and humor never fail her as she tells of her quest to understand Italian life and history, and to restore Palladio’s villa to its full splendor.” (Kim Williams, author of The Villas of Palladio)

So interesting, wow what a way to retire

I can't think of a more fun way to spend your "empty-nester" years. This couple's passions leads them to create such a great life in Italy. Enjoyed it very much!

Charming and Well Narrated Memoirs

What an adventure this couple had by opening themselves up to a new, and at times challenging, life as owners of a Palladian villa! They capture the sense of community in a small Italian village along with the Veneto's rich history. The narrator deftly shifts between English and Italian without ever sounding affected. So many narrators mangle the foreign pronunciation, but this one caught the rhythm and beauty of Italian. This production was a joy.

Rather boring

This book might be for someone interested in architecture. I managed to get through most of it but found it very boring. Some of their experiences are what interested me. But they were few and far between.