Some years ago Frances Mayes began a new life moving from the USA to restore an abandoned villa in the beautiful, Tuscan countryside. If you have seen the movie 'Under The Tuscan Sun', you will be all too familiar with her story about 'Bramasole''. In 2006 Bramasole was sold and further restored and is now one of the most beautiful villas available to rent in Cortona. With three buildings, the Villa, Farmhouse and Limonaia, I thought today you may enjoy a little tour.
Under The Tuscan Sun is one of my favourite movies, in fact I would go as far as saying that I cherish my DVD copy so much, I feel more than reluctant to loan it out in case it doesn't make its way back. I am also too embarrassed to say how many times I have watched the movie. Bramasole, the countryside and Italy, are totally irresistible to me. It is said that Diane Lane, the actress who played Frances in this movie, didn't want to go home at the end, and I am not at all surprised. You might want to dig deep in your pocket though, as a week at Villa Laura (formerly Bramasole), complete with daily maid, doesn't come cheap.
Friends are coming to pick me up today and take me to lunch, a birthday treat. Turning my head towards the window and looking at the cloudy Auckland skies, I am thinking how wonderful it would be to rent out villa Laura for a whole summer (our winter) and have friends and family visit...well everything has to start with a dream and who knows, if you got 20 people together, maybe it could become a reality?
If you wish to rent Villa Laura (formerly Bramasole), or view more images you can find... more information here.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, I have a few things to look forward to so not too worried about the dreary weather, although... I think I can just see a peek of the sun.
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Omg, you have no idea how much this post resonated with me! We were in Tuscany this past April, as my daughter was studying in Florence and we went to visit her. I, too, watched the movie before our trip and just loved it. I never did get to Cortona, but that's because the entire countryside is dotted with wonderful places to visit. We stayed near Castelnuovo Berardegna (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) and I so loved the region. But I would have loved to see Bramasole. How gorgeous it looks, especially that magnificent painted ceiling!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lory for commenting, I haven't been to Cortona either we stayed half hour out of Florence at a tiny place called Corsignana which was in easy reach of many places although I didn't get to Cortona either and like you say all of the countryside is just so beautiful. I believe that Lucca is also a very lovely place. My brother in law has a place in Le Marche, this is also a lovely area, cheaper than Tuscany and more hills but beautiful and not too far from the sea. I am going to see if I can find the place we stayed in and maybe post it if there are some images as it was lovely too but not as beautiful as Bramasole.
DeleteLee :)
It is absolutely stunning! I've never seen "Under the Tuscan sun" movie, now I have to see it.
ReplyDeleteOh definitely you must watch it Anna, it is a lighthearted story which I am sure you will enjoy. It is a little slow in the first part where it is set in New York but once it moves to Italy it is magical. The movie was filmed at this location but obviously before all the renovations were complete. Its such a fun movie...let me know what you think when you've watched it.
DeleteLee :)
I could soooo live here
ReplyDeletejane
Me too Jane :)
DeleteI've never seen the movie but I want to live there! What a pretty villa! Saying g'day from g'day Saturdays!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Angelina, you must get out the DVD, its such a lovely movie.
DeleteLee :)
G'Day, Lee,
ReplyDeleteSo lovely to discover your beautiful blog. Like you, Under the Tuscan Sun, is ons of my favourite movies, as I am an incurable romantic. I live on the island of Crete, and can say that there are many similarities between Tuscany and the island, so I absolutely appreciate all its serene splendour and spectacular prettiness! I so enjoyed reading your post today with all the lovely details and tidbits about the villa, (which is rather unrecognizable, I think, since the movie). Thanks for sharing and happy weekend!
Poppy
Thank you for stopping by, I have a little dog called 'Poppy', she is on my side bar and often mentioned.
DeleteHow wonderful that you live on Crete, I couldn't think of anything more wonderful although I haven't been to Crete, I have visited the surrounding region and realise that there are similarities, especially in the old buildings. I agree the villa has changed a lot, I guess they had to modernise it quite considerably to be able to rent it out. However I am glad they have kept the ceiling fresco and other original details.
Thank you again for visiting.
Lee :)
Visiting via #saygdayparty. Loved the images. It reminded me our stays in Italy. So peaceful in the country side.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting, yes me too, reminded me of my stay some years ago. Beautiful countryside and gorgeous old buildings. I reside in New Zealand and we just don't have the same heritage sadly.
DeleteI hope you can visit again.
Lee :)
Beautiful pictures! I also blog about my travels, and hope you will stop by for a visit!
ReplyDeletehttp://karanandmichael.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-road-tripthe-beautiful-florida-keys.html
Stopping by from Natasha in Oz...
Thank you Karan, I will hop over and take a look at your blog post. Thank you for taking time to comment.
DeleteLee :)