California Romantica

By Diane Keaton

California Romantica features the most important, yet rarely seen, residential exemplars of the California Mission and Spanish Colonial styles, by such noted architects as George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, Richard Requa, Lilian Rice, and Paul R. Williams, among others. From whitewashed stucco walls and cloistered patios to tile roofs and sumptuous gardens, each house shown is a rare masterpiece, splendidly appointed with authentic Monterey furniture, California tile, and Navajo rugs. Among the magnificent seaside estates, canyon villas, and courtyard bungalows shown is Diane Keaton's former home in Beverly Hills, which she thoughtfully restored with noted designer Stephen Shadley, and for which she has been recognized as a committed preservationist. She brings her cinematic eye, a keen sense of natural drama, and a profound appreciation for the nuances of shadow and light to the elucidation of these buildings, through the selection of specially commissioned photography. Authoritative text by D. J. Waldie lucidly explicates the architecture and provides an intimate tour of a historic and distinctly Californian lifestyle.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0847829758
• ISBN13: 9780847829750
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Rizzoli
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 5.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 13.5" x 1.3" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Most Informative !

The photography in the book is "Breathtaking" ! Learned so much about my new home , California , early architecture ! A great help for restoring homes here in Southern California !

California Romantica

Classic!, Like a fine wine or a beautiful woman over 40 this book captures the essence of the Spanish architecture along the California coast. Must read for any historian doing restorations. Builder and designor alike will enjoy.

five stars

Truly beautiful. It is so beautifully presented that seeing the real thing might be a let down. It was after the second go through that I realized that there is no presentation of the actual house itself. It's not a this- is- the- living- room- and- this- is- the- kitchen presentation. It is all visual on an emotional level. The authors did a great job.

Truly Lovely Book

This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful book I have ever purchased. The photographs are both artistic and illustrative. The text is informative and interesting, while being both scholarly and accessible. Califonia Romantica is exquisite in every detail.

" Diane Keaton's new book, "California Romanica" is a Work of Art !

Speaking as both an artist and a collector of books on Spanish Revival Architecture, I can truly say that Diane Keaton's new book on Spanish Architecture is fabulous! Ms. Keaton and her photographer really captured the unique and splendid features of the style. They have isolated both quiet and monumental vignettes from the homes featured. I would love to see a second book done on other homes. I am building a Spanish Rivival home in Southern Baja and have done alot of research on this style of architecture. Thank you Ms. Keaton.