For the Love of Books

The Library is Among the Parnes’ Favorite Spaces

The dark tones of the walls, the millwork, the marble fireplace – all enhance the feeling of warmth in the library of Dr. Edmund and Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” Parnes’ townhouse west of downtown Coral Gables. Both are advocates of historic preservation, so the old-world feeling fits the bill. 

“We had lived previously in a beautiful Coral Gables historic home, with an extensive library,” says Dr. Parnes, a retired oral surgeon. “Books are a very important part of our life. We both knew that even though we were rightsizing our space in our new home, a library would still remain a featured room.” 

In addition to their historic inclinations (Dr. Parnes is on the board of the Dade Heritage Trust), both Parnes are Merrick Society donors to the Coral Gables Community Foundation, where Liz is also a board member. 

“The ‘Library Bar’ is the first stop when guests join us for cocktails,” says Elizabeth. “Having a fireplace and a charming bar, our current library is a very cozy and welcoming space. We spend a considerable amount of time in this room… Having the light stream in during the day and city lights in the evening, make this room a very special place to relax, listen to wonderful music, sip cocktails and enjoy a good book.”