Under the Tuscan Sun: Bramasole

Under the Tuscan Sun Movie House Tour:  Tour Bramasole

After a wonderful day out playing in the sunshine and searching for a “steal-your-heart” tole chandelier, I came home and pulled out one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun, for a little inspiration.

I remembered a scene with a lovely antique, tole chandelier. As I watched the movie, I realized this whole movie is really a huge “Before and After” and not just for the house. The main character, Frances, goes through a big metamorphosis as she renovates an Italian Villa she has just purchased.

Quick Synopsis of the Movie:
The movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, is based on a book by the same title. Here’s a picture of the author, Frances Mayes (on the left) and the actress who played her in the movie, Diane Lane. Frances Mayes, in real life, did buy a villa in Tuscany and renovated it. Of course, they had to spice up the story a bit to turn it into a movie, so the movie is loosely based on the book.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

 

In the movie, Frances is a writer from San Francisco (just like Frances Mayes.) She goes through a divorce that leaves her sad and in a state of shock. That part of the movie is fortunately very brief and they quickly move on to the good stuff.

We only get a few brief views of Frances’ home in San Francisco prior to her moving out after the divorce. It is tastefully and beautifully decorated.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

After her divorce, Frances briefly moves into an efficiency apartment.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

As you might imagine, she finds it very depressing and only stays there a few days before she decides to take advantage of an Italian get-a-way suggested by two close friends. Once she arrives in Italy, the real adventure begins. I love movies filled with wonderful, charming characters…add in an old house renovation and I’m in!

The scenery throughout the movie is just beautiful. Each time I watch this movie I want to go to Italy so badly, I ache. I literally ache. One day, I tell myself. One day. If I ever do go, this blog may become, Between Naps in Italy because I may not come back. 😉

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Of course, Frances goes on her Italian vacation with plans of returning to San Fran. But once she’s in Italy, life seems to conspire to keep her there. It starts when she’s in southern Tuscany walking around in a small town.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

She comes across this notice about a villa named Bramasole that’s for sale in Cortona. Bramasole in Italian means, to “yearn for the sun,” a bit of foreshadowing, for sure.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Later in the day, Frances is riding along on a tour bus and a flock of sheep crossing the road brings the bus to a stop.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

While waiting for the sheep to mosey on across, Frances glances out the window and sees this below. It’s the gate/wall of Bramasole and amazingly the bus has stopped directly in front of it. Frances feels this is truly a sign so she decides to leave the tour. She gets off the bus and the adventure begins. I bet you can see where this is going.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Here’s how the house looks when Frances first sees it. It is overgrown and neglected, but still very beautiful.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

The house used in the filming of Under the Tuscan Sun is indeed a real villa, but it isn’t the actual villa bought by the author, Frances Mayes. The book and movie are about Bramasole, the villa Frances Mayes bought in Cortona. But the house used in the movie is actually another villa, Villa Laura.

Here’s a view of Villa Laura at the time the movie was filmed there.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

And here’s the actual villa, Bramasole, that the author, Frances Mayes owns and wrote about in her book, Under the Tuscan Sun. I took this photo during a visit to Cortona in 2011.

 

 

 

Back to the movie…here’s a view of the entry of Bramasole (really Villa Laura) in the movie.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Frances realizes if she buys this house it will need a lot of work.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Here’s the living room of “Bramasole” in the movie. Notice how the rooms are dreary and kind of dark. This is a metaphor for how Frances is feeling after her divorce. As the movie progresses, the rooms become brighter and more sun-filled.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Once Frances buys her villa, she sits down outside to contemplate what she has done!

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Then she gets busy cleaning out around her new home. I love these big old green, glass bottles. They remind me of the bottles in THIS post about bottle trees.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

There’s lots of cleaning to be done. Don’t you love the soft colors on the walls? I couldn’t resist including this pic with the old dress form. I ♥ those and have one in my guest room.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

The furniture is left behind with the house and here’s Frances cleaning her lovely wrought-iron bed.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Another view of this bedroom in the movie.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Imagine only being able to heat by burning wood in heaters like this.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

During the renovation process, Frances decides she wants to open up a wall between two small rooms, creating one large room. Her workmen get busy chiseling out a wider opening between the two rooms.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Things don’t go quite as planned and the wall literally falls down, but fortunately it works out in the end. This was one of the funnier parts of the movie.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Frances gets busy renovating a bathroom.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

And here’s that tole chandelier I remembered.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

At one point a snake crawls into the villa through a window and a big search takes place to find him. Here’s a little view of the kitchen in this old villa.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

We get a view of the old plate rack here…

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

I wonder what that is behind Frances in this view. We can’t see it very well. Do you think it’s a pizza/bread-baking oven built into the wall? Or, maybe it’s just a fireplace.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Fortunately, this beautiful villa comes with some gorgeous pieces, too. This chandelier is totally drool-worthy.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

A friend, Patti, played by Sandra Oh, comes to stay with Frances in Italy. Here’s a view of the guest room with its pretty wrought-iron bed! I would hate to paint over these walls. I guess that is centuries old dirt mixed in with that wonderful soft-blue paint.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Once the house renovations are underway, Frances carves herself out an office in one of the rooms. It’s time to get busy writing again. The desk is beautiful, isn’t it?

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

I love this scene from the movie…it may be my favorite of an interior room.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Another brief shot of Frances’ office

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Here’s a bath in Bramasole (really Villa Laura.) Don’t you love the blue paint contrasting with the white tile?

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

This is a scene toward the end of the movie after the renovations are complete. Notice in this view there’s a beautiful chair to the left of Patti (Sandra Oh) and no coffee table.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Here the chair is gone and an ottoman is in it’s place. I liked the chair better, how about you? And there’s a rather strange looking coffee table in this view. Notice the beautiful mural in the dining room.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Originally for the movie they filmed a scene where the workers uncover this hidden mural that has supposedly been painted over. I’m not sure why but for some reason that scene was deleted from the final movie. Maybe the movie was just getting too long.

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Here’s a little glimpse of the exterior. This older gentleman comes daily to leave flowers at this outdoor shrine. It’s a recurring scene/theme throughout the movie. Frances tries her best to get him to wave and be friendly. At the end of the movie, he finally tips his hat at her and she is elated. He was a hard nut to crack. 🙂

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

A wedding takes place at Bramasole in the movie and as you can see, Frances has gone through quite a transformation herself. Once Frances changes inside, her life begins to transform into the life she has wanted. Of course, there’s a romance or two in this movie…you’ll need to rent it for those juicy details. 😉

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

If you’ve been to Italy, you’ll love seeing the vineyards, orchards, rolling hills, villas and the gorgeous scenery throughout this movie. If you’ve never been (like me) you may find yourself conspiring and plotting to go. 🙂

Tour Bramasole in the Movie Under the Tuscan Sun

Frances Mayes has written several books and I think I have almost all of them. The ones I have are, Under the Tuscan Sun, Bella Tuscany, Bringing Tuscany Home and Swan.

Love movie house tours?  You’ll find more of your faves here:  Movie House Tours

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Comments

  1. Allison Shops says

    Italy is such a beautiful country. It's been ten years since I've been but movies such as this take me back to our time there. I need to watch the movie again – it's been awhile since I've seen.

    Allison
    Atticmag

  2. On Crooked Creek says

    Susan,
    One of my favorite movies , as well!"Mr. Ed" and I have done a couple of renovations. During this movie, he leaned over to me and said. . ."Now do you understand WHY we can't take out that wall!" I did!
    I understand your "hunt" during your office makeover. It's best to wait until you know you've found the "right" piece. . .otherwise it's wasted funds! Thus the TAG $ales On Crooked Creek! HA!I'll be checking your progress every step along the way!
    Fondly,
    Pat

  3. One Cheap B*tch says

    Oh how I love that movie! If I wasn't married with children, I might have done what Frances did too!

    Jeanine

  4. laxsupermom says

    I've never seen Under the Tuscan Sun and must rent it now. What a lovely tour of the villa! Thanks for sharing it with us.

  5. Melissa Miller says

    One of my all time favorite movies ever. It's a feast for the eyes for sure.

    Happy Sunday Susan!
    ~Melissa

  6. This is one of my favorite films. I've watched it again and again!

  7. Hi Susan, loved this movie went to see it with my mom. Thanks for hosting, Martina

  8. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    I actually didn't have the desire to go to Italy until I watched Letters to Juliet. That made me want to go to Verona. And now I want to go to Tuscany too!

    Yep, that's a bidet in the bathroom.

    I prefer the living room with the colourful chair too 🙂

  9. Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says

    Gorgeous! I love that movie! Thanks for hosting!

  10. Kim @ Second Time Furniture says

    That looks like a great movie! 🙂 Thanks for hosting the party!!

  11. The Little Red Shop says

    What a dreamy place, I only spent 1 day in Italy…a good portion of that time exhausted on a train between Rome & Brindisi, but one thing I remember well is that the atmosphere was golden. As an Art History major, I'd always wanted to spend some quality time in Italy…but at that time, I was on my way back to Greece…

    I hope you get to see Tuscany someday!

    : )

    Julie M.

  12. Glenda/MidSouth says

    Talk about a Metamorphosis!! Can you believe I still have not seen that movie.
    Thanks bunches for hosting again this week. I have a small contribution, but I am in.
    Have a great week.

  13. tales from an oc cottage says

    I only saw about the last 30 minutes of this…now you are going to make me rent it, aren't you…yes, you are!
    OK…I will. {just to see that little kitty that was sitting on her desk! ;}

    m ^..^

  14. I remember being so inspired by the beautiful buildings and country when I first saw this movie. Thank you for giving us a fresh glimpse.

  15. I have to say that the movie was a little bit of a let down after reading the book, but that is often the case. I did love the scenes of Italy.

    Kathy b

  16. I have had the pleaure to visit Italy twice. We stayed in an old Villa in Tuscany just outside of Florence on one of our visits. I too love Frances Mayes and thought I had all her books. I don't have The Hills of Tuscany, so I will look for that one. I do have some you would like. Bella Tuscany, Everyday in Tuscany, A year in the World, and In Tuscany, all by Mayes. I hope you get a chance to visit Italy . I love it and hope to go back one day. Janet

  17. Pamela Graham says

    This was my favorite movie ever…I loved it. Thanks for breaking it down in several different scenes, amazing. I did not know it was from a book. I will have to find it on my Galaxy Tablet, my first book to download there! Have a wonderful week! Happy everything! Pamie G.

  18. Handy Man, Crafty Woman says

    Oh, I love that movie! what a lot of work it looked like.

    Thanks for hosting!

  19. I loved this movie also. The scenery was beautiful too! My friend actually met the young Italian she likes when she was in Italy. We talked and laughed about it for days! Thanks for bringing back the memory for me!

  20. Hi Susan! Hope this finds you doing well and enjoying this Daylight Savings Time Sunday! It's been a long time since I joined MM, so I'm glad to be here today. My metamorphosis is tiny, but it's fun to be here with you. As always, thank you for hosting a wonderful party!

  21. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    I love that movie, Susan! I think it's everyone's dream to have a home to redo in another country! I surely would love to have a little house in Provence! And can you imagine shopping the flea markets? lol Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

  22. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    This movie is full of beautiful sets and scenery … but I love the book so much more! Even so, it sounds like we need to start thinking about a BNOTP trip to Italy! Now wouldn't THAT be fun?!!

  23. Mary Ellen says

    Gosh now I am going to have to finally see that movie!!

    Thanks for the great party!

    bee blessed
    mary

  24. This is my Favorite movie!!! I watch it over and over again, I love seeing the places that i had seen on my trip to Italy, It is magical there, The history,and way of life. The food so good,Every time i miss Italy , i watch the movie, I like to watch it also with the Talking about each scene and why , i also like Letters to juliet, that came out recently. Don't you wish we could actually do something like that , i keep saying maybe one day. Need lots of money first, Well back to reality. And my little cottage in the country.Another good movie is. It was a good year.

  25. Hi Susan….I loved that movie! I'd love to go to Italy, too. I think it must be a really beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing. Susan

  26. Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy says

    Hi Susan,

    Thanks for all the great photos of the movie. I really want to watch it now. I think it is a flock of sheep (somebody probably already has said that).

    Have a wonderful week, and thanks so much for hosting Met Mondays for us!

    Best and God bless,
    Kathy

  27. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    Hi Susan,
    That really was a wonderful movie! Thanks for reminding me, I need to rent it and watch it again!
    Thanks for hostessing too,
    Cindy

  28. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Susan (My Place to Yours)…now that would be something, wouldn't it? 🙂

  29. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Kathy, thanks for that info, glad someone knew. Too funny, I would never have thought of that…sounds like birds. LOL I just changed it in the post. 🙂

  30. Debby Hall says

    I worked on a project and one of the partners was the couple who own Villa Laura. They also own and run a very successful vineyard in Sonoma. They purchased VL after the movie was completed and so much of what we see in the movie is just a set. The house was truly in need of major renovation and they have done a beautiful job.
    Love the movie, love the house and love Italy! I hope to visit soon:)

  31. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Debby, I had wondered about that. I figured the mural and the wall opening, and some of the other scenes…were all done on sets. Thanks for sharing that!

  32. Love this movie too, one of my favs. How did you get all the pictures from the movie?

  33. Meadowsweet Cottage says

    It's raining this evening so I think I'll pop my DVD in and enjoy some Italian sunshine instead.

  34. Farmer's Wyfe says

    I've never seen that movie, but feel like I just did. I got sucked right in and lost in your pictures and commentary for a while. What fun. I'll have to watch the movie now. What a beautiful place!! Thanks and also for hosting the fun party!!

  35. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    Susan, This movie made me want to run out and buy an Italian villa. I never noticed the large wine bottles in the movie. I would have loved to have found those. Thanks for hosting.

  36. Hi Susan!
    One of my fave movies as well, I have kept in in my Tevo, for like, years. So funny you would profile it, without the love disaster, this movie is perfect. And I love the old renovation, and especially the old man who brings flowers every day to the home. I would live here in a heartbeat, wouldn't you?
    Hugs, Lisa

  37. Susan, I saw this in theatres when it first came out and many times since. I love this movie! And what a transformation. It's a lot more exciting than my 'spring cleaning' this week. :o)

    Thanks for sharing such gorgeous excerpts from the movie. This movie makes me pine for France! I want to go!

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

  38. Susan I need to watch this movie again. we went to Italy last year so I think watching it again would be more fun and meaningful to me. I love this move and it is so romantic to think about selling everything and going to Italy to live. Only in the movies. Fun post Happy Monday,Kathysue

  39. charmine. says

    Tuscany is a fab place to vacation in and I've been there and stayed in a villa around San gimignano.This movie and whatever I saw of Tuscany on discovery made me want to head there and it really is beautiful.
    I love the small villages in the area,just charming.

    Hope you go there soon.

  40. Mom in High Heels says

    I so love this movie! I have been to Italy (I'm a lucky girl) and would LOVE to buy a villa there, even an old one that I could renovate. We have friends who are actually looking at doing this(in Tuscany!) when he retires from the Army. If they do, you can be SURE I will visit them as often as possible. I need to watch this movie again.

  41. Beautiful post!!
    I've never watch that movie and now I'm sure I'm gonna see on the internet if I can menage to find it and watch it free on streaming it seems really nice!!
    I can only agree with the beautiful things you said about Italy, as I'm italian, currently working in the UK the only thing that I can say is yes! you should really visit the wanderful Italy is such an amazing country and not only in Tuscany, yes I'm really patriotic 😀
    Anyway I also wanted to say that I'm finding myself really interested on house renovations and If you don't mind me asking I wanted to know if you had any kind of study courses to renovate houses or is just an hobby, because I'm really considering to do it as a job in a future, so I just wanted some kind of info.
    And in the lovely picture that you posted I find some similarities with my grandparents country villa in Piedmont and I think that the oven/fireplace is suitable to cook also like the one I know from my grandparents house, we cook so many pizzas during parties!! And yes in the bathroom that strange thing is a Bidet!! You can find it in any italian house, and I can say that is a real time saver and I really miss it 😀
    Anyway thanks for the great post and if you want you can visit my blog, I know is really different from yours but I might posts some italian related picture, of my country house and stuff when I'll go back to Italy
    so FEEL FREE TO FOLLOW!!
    http://isallinmyhands.blogspot.com/
    Have a nice week
    Bye!!
    (Sorry for my crappy English :P)

  42. Oh, Susan, this is the movie house I've been waiting for you to post about! Wasn't that movie wonderful?

    "Italian Country Living" is right here at my side; after years of a Cape Cod cottage style, I'm ready to get back to my roots, and have started to incorporate some touches from Campania, the central mountain region that runs along the spine of the Italian "boot."

    I've enjoyed living with the rich honey color I chose for my dining room, and now my sisters are going to help me paint the living room a grayed down Robin's Egg blue color. As usual, your blog posts are so helpful and inspiring.
    A big ole 'wave' from Cape Cod,
    Judith Ann
    P.S. Someday, would you please consider posting about the house from my favorite movie, "Moonstruck?"

  43. You must plan a trip. I went with 5 other women and we rented a villa in Tuscany and did day trips. We saw the actual Bramasole and my picture of it looks just like the one you posted. Once when I was watching the movie, I had to pause the video and check my pictures because there was a scene of a side street in Cortona that was in my photos. I couldn't believe it! Put this trip on your bucket list for sure!

  44. Hello Susan,
    thank you for sharing this nice movie with the lovely pictures. It was one of my favoured books and I have read it in Tuscany during a holiday. That was perfect. To see those pictures reminded me so much to the old houses we rented for holidays. Just lovely.
    Greetings, Johanna

  45. Sally Lee by the Sea says

    What a lovely way to welcome a Monday! Under the Tuscan Sun is my all-time favorite movie!!! I love the character development; home renovation and all the gorgeous landscapes featured. I hope to visit the region some day :O)

  46. Buon Giorno Susan,

    What a beautiful way to start the week! This is my all time favorite movie..I love it for so many reasons and it also makes me proud of my Italian heritage. I know you also love movie houses and this is a fabulous house. I cant wait to see a post of the Villa now. Thanks so much for such a beautiful post!

    Ciao
    MJ
    Lucky 7 Design

  47. Linda Burt says

    Did you know that Frances May has a line of gorgeous furniture that she has named after her Villa and that she also sells Olive Oil? I purchased a beautiful Round solid wood table for my Park City home. Researching to find out if there was a larger round, I was looking up name and came across info that it was a line of Frances May and that she was the author of Under the Tuscan Sun. How crazy is that? I planned to blog about the table and my decision to go with a round table. Watch for it on my Blog, http://Lindaaburt.wordpress.com

  48. Simone @ Doberman's by the Sea says

    Thanks for the memories-i read the book and watched the movie and loved them both. And of course I love Tuscany.

  49. Designs on 47th Street says

    Such a great post. I would love to visit Italy!
    Donna

  50. IAMSNOWFLAKE says

    I loved the book, never got to watch the movie. I'll have to now. That is actually a bidet, awkwardly placed though to be used comfortably (imagine walking over there from the toilet with your knickers down!).

  51. Curtains In My Tree says

    I loved that movie but hated her freind who kept from her about her lover coming to her house looking for her.

    I have seen the movie about 3 times and could watch it again.

    What a dream to do that. I am so connected to my family I couldn't leave them behind. However all my sisters have their own life.

    Thanks for showing the highlights to the movie

  52. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anita, I don't really know of any home renovation courses but if you google anything your thinking about doing, I bet you'll find a good many tutorials online. I often do that and am able to find what I need. 🙂 I thought your English was great! I admire anyone who speaks, much less write, two languages! I'll check out your blog…thanks so much for you comment and insight!

  53. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Hi Judith Ann! Thanks for the suggestion…I will definitely post on that one, too! That paint color sounds beautiful! I bet it will be wonderful! I get so much inspiration from movies. 🙂

  54. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Linda, I did know about the olive oil but totally forgot about the line of furniture. Cool! Linda send me a link when you do so I can read it!

  55. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Curtains in my Tree…you know, I felt that way at first but then I finally decided he was a cad and she was better off without him. LOL

  56. Jane @ Jane's Junk and Treasures says

    One of my favorite movies
    I have always kept it in my head!
    I would love to have a place like that!!

  57. Donna@Conghaile Cottage says

    Oh Susan, This is SUCH a Romantic post! LOVE,LOVE,LOVED it…AND "YES,YES,YES" you MUST go to Italy! It is Gorgeous and Warm and SO EASILY connected to the surrounding countries of your dreams… I am SO SURPRISED that the elderly gent didn't have his own shrine. It was one of the things that amazed us about Italy… EVERYONE had shrines, they seemed to line the road like our mailboxes… I made a remark to my hubby that THIS is why all our Italian Immigrants had a statue in the back yard…It was SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing.
    I'm having a GIVEAWAY so I'd LOVE for you AND Everyone to enter@
    http://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/conghaile-cottages-1st-giveaway.htm
    Have a wonderful day,
    Hugs, Donna

  58. At The Picket Fence says

    Hi Susan! I am so excited to be linking up this week after not having much to share for awhile! Thank you for always being a gracious hostess and for the fabulous inspiration from the movie! 🙂
    Vanessa

  59. Thanks for hosting Susan and loved your "Sleeping With A Mouse post!

    😀 Lynda

  60. Modern Country Lady says

    Hi Susan, thank you for this lovely post, and taking the time to lead us through this lovely movie- I had read the book but not seen the film- it takes me straight back to Cortona which we visited a few years ago- it has a restaurant with the best steak ever which I would realy recommend going to ( is in the Michelin guide ) – and the whole town has such a lovely atmosphere, you feel like you are back in time… and the architecture is so lovely..you should definitely go!! You might have to ship a couple of nice antiques back home as they have wonderful things so take a little pot of gold with you :-)) We went in October which was at the end of the season, and that is really a very good time as it is less busy and the weather is still fabulous- you can still sit outside.The part where Cortona is, in Tuscany, is still less touristy, then Siena and Florence so it has more of a relaxed feel… Florence and but have sadly become very , very busy and touristy..

  61. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks for those great tips. If I ever get to go, I'll refer back to this post for all this good info!

  62. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    Thanks for the reminder of one of my favorite movies…this was a fun post. In answer to your opening questions…no, I didn't have a fun weekend (see my post) and no the weather here isn't beautiful like it is where you are. BUT…I'm still in good mood!

  63. I love how you pick up on small details in the movies! One of my favorite movie houses is from Something's Got to Give! love the kitchen!!

  64. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Thanks, Karen! I'd love to post about that movie, too. That would be a great spring/summer movie post. 🙂

  65. 9405018--Pat says

    Yes Susan, you must go to Italy someday. It's been two years and I can't wait to go back. This is one of all time favorite movie..thanks for sharing…Pat H

  66. Om Kareem أم كريم says

    I lived in Sicily for 3.5 years from Apr 03-Oct 06 and it was absolutely, positively amazing! I loved every second of my time there. The food, the people, and naturally the scenery were all beyond words. It was truly a life-altering experience. I highly recommend going. I can't wait to go back for a visit. I will have to post some pics soon.

    Lori

  67. Wsprsweetly Of Cottages says

    I just watched this movie a few nights ago. My sweet daughter in law brought it to me since I have been a bit under the weather..alone with her famous Tomato Bisque soup..(son and wife own a restaurant/bakery) so the good food is always coming.

    Loved the movie and like you, anything that has to do with home renovation, romance and Italy..it perfection. It was fun going over the movie with you especially since I know the entire story…

  68. Love the picture story 🙂 Italy has been always beautiful to live in.I am thinking of at least visit there some time.
    -Romantic Pictures

  69. Thank you for this wonderful post, Susan.

    This is one of my favorite movies.♥

  70. CalypsoInTheCountry says

    Great movie! Love the pictures too! Thanks for hosting!

  71. Robynne's Nest says

    Oh Susan, this is one of my favourite movies. The scenery, the house, Dianne Lane, the estate agent, the tradesmen…everything about it was terrific. I have also read the book which was different but a good read all the same. I must get it out this weekend and watch it! Robx

  72. ~CC Catherine says

    Hey Susan, Loved the post! I will keep my eye open for your chandie, as I have seen quite a few that match this description of the one in the movies. 🙂 Will email you with the details when I come across it again. Had a great time on Saturday with you too! 🙂

  73. Andrea (Softer Side of Me) says

    Oh Susan, what a beautiful post and my favorite movie! Whenever I feel the need to escape back to Italy, I put in the movie. Traveling through Tuscany last year was absolutely breathtaking. The villas on the hill tops, the vineyards, and the fields of sunflowers! This year I will be going to Venice, Lake Como and the Italian Riviera. Put it on your bucket list, you must go. And your right, you won't want to come back!

  74. Marilyn Holeman says

    Hi Susan, Thank you so much for this post! I somehow missed this when it was out, so I've ordered the book from the library, and after I read it, I'll order the movie, too.

    Looking forward to them,
    Marilyn

  75. Susan, after reading this post I went "on the lookout" for this movie. Found it at Target for just $9, so I purchased it and watched it this weekend. I really, really loved it! Thanks so much for the recommendation, it was delightful! I'll be checking my local library for the book as well! ~ Janet

  76. Karin Şen Cankan says

    I just love that movie, it was a great one and yes I've been to Italy so many times every part of the land is beautiful and I have one of does big green bottles myself but from here in Istanbul it was used as an oil bottle back in the days and I have a bit smaller one in light green which was used for water in the old days just loved your post

    Regards,
    Karin
    karinsfairytale.blogspot.com

  77. After reading the book, and before the movie came out, I went to Cortona, to see the House that Frances renovated. Cortona was everything that you could imagine in a small Italian town. The people were incredible, because I learned a small bit of Italian. Bramasole was so beautiful. Unfortunately, I had just missed Frances, by a few days. She had flown back to the states. The restaurants in Cortona were magnificent. If you've never been, you have to go. But go late spring, maybe early June. No crowds, very few tourist. I guarantee, you'll fall in love!

  78. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Dan, I can't wait to go someday! Thanks for the tip on the best time. A couple of friends of mine were talking about going next year…but I think they were talking about going in the fall…not sure why. I'll suggest late spring or early June.
    Thanks again!

  79. Hi there! =)

    I fell in love with this movie and Bramasole and Marcelo many years ago! All I’ve ever wanted to do was go to Italy to visit this magnificent villa and find my own Marcelo…..and I am happy to report I have found my own Marcelo (fiancé) here in Melbourne, Australia and we are booked to travel to France & Italy this September (2012).
    Any tips on how I can get a tour of this beautiful villa???
    I look forward to hearing from you!
    May the sun always shine on you…
    SJ
    xx

  80. This indeed is a movie to watch a thousand times, i have. God willing I plan to retire in “Carbone Bramasole”!! Keep me in your Prayers, then we can all share Vino y Pasta:)))))

  81. Terry Tate says

    Wonderful Movie, I watch it over and over again, during the year. I am a man, but love the movie.

  82. Bruce Dingeldein says

    You mention a bottle tree article in this article but how do I find
    the bottle tree article? Thank you….well done.

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