Villa Bramasole: Tuscany Under the Sun

“It’s market day in Cortona. The piazza is an ongoing party and everyone is invited. Clichés converge at this navel of the world. You almost want to laugh but you can’t help feeling these Italians know more about having fun than we do. I eat a hot grape from the market, and the violet sweetness breaks open in my mouth. It even smells purple. I wish I could stay here longer, but the bell reminds me of time. ‘Ding-dang-dong,’ the bell says, instead of ‘ding-dong.’ I wish you were here.” 
~From the 2003 movie, Under the Tuscan Sun

This week I had the privilege to visit Cortona, an ancient hilltop village in Tuscany with beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant public squares and spectacular views of olive groves and vineyards terracing to the valley below. One of the oldest settlements in Italy, Cortona is known to have been a city of the ancient Etruscan civilization and later became a Roman colony. It is one of the best preserved historical centers in Italy.

Cortona is surrounded by Etruscan walls, around 3000 years old.

Cortona was featured in the Hollywood films A Beautiful Life (Roberto Benigni) and Under the Tuscan Sun, a romantic comedy starring Diane Lane which was
loosely based on the book by author Frances Mayes. One of my first thoughts as I was flying into Italy, noting the countless old and seemingly abandoned villas and farmhouses that dot the countryside, was of the movie and the lovely Villa Bramasole.

In the movie, Diane Lane is intrigued by Villa Bramasole.

She decides to buy the villa and begin the big job of renovating.

The living and dining rooms during the filming of the movie in 2003.

It turns out there are actually two villas referred to as Villa Bramasole. The real deal was purchased by Frances Mayes and her husband in 1990 and painstakingly renovated (the subject of her book) into a beautiful family home which they still own today.

The real Villa Bramasole owned by author Frances Mayes.

The villa used in 2003 for the movie is actually called Villa Laura. It was purchased in 2006 by the Cline family of Sonoma, CA (think wine), and lovingly restored. Originally built in 1504, Villa Laura consists of two buildings—the main villa and adjacent farmhouse—plus a large double suite. Combined there are 10-bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms accommodating up to 20 guests. The property is a perfect setting for a family or group vacation, wedding or special event. 

Villa Laura consists of the main villa and farmhouse

Villa Laura features a Travertine swimming pool, heated Jacuzzi, al fresco dining, wine cellar, fruit trees, organic vegetable garden and their own homemade jams, pasta, sauces, and oils. There is table tennis, a 9’ American pool table, a home theatre, as well as a large gourmet kitchen, pizza oven and BBQ for culinary fun. The villa provides the finest linens, bath products, fluffy bathrobes and slippers. Clearly, Villa Laura is nothing short of five stars.

Villa Laura living and dining rooms (compare with the movie set above)

One of ten bedrooms

Kitchen

Pool and garden

Villa Laura is available for weekly hire all year round. In the high season it is only rented as a whole however at other times of the year it is possible to stay less than a week or use just one building at a reduced rate.

Not surprising, the villa is quite affordable for a group. Exclusive hire starts at €12,800 per week which includes daily maid service, mid week linen change, a welcome hamper full of treats to get your holiday started and all facilities. 

For villas, apartments and other unique accommodation to rent in Italy, including Villa Laura in Tuscany, please contact The Villa Hunter.