In "Vladimir Nabokov: A Pictorial Biography" by Ardis Publishers,1991 (published in Brazil in 1994)  we can see the reproduction of a photograph showing a mansion in Abbazia (Villa Neptune).
The caption beneath mentions that it was visited by Nabokov when he was 5 years old and felt homesick for Vira for the first time. 
 
I wonder if this crenelated mansion in any way served as inspiration for VN's "Cloud, Castle, Lake" short-story. It certainly wouldn't be representative of any kind of "timeless happiness"!
Search the archive Contact the Editors Visit "Nabokov Online Journal"
Visit Zembla View Nabokv-L Policies Manage subscription options

All private editorial communications, without exception, are read by both co-editors.