Villa Laura

Villa Laura is the very villa featured in the filming of Under the Tuscan Sun. It served as the stand-in for Bramasole because Frances Mayes’ actual Bramasole had already been renovated, and the Hollywood crew needed a ruin. Built in 1504, Villa Laura had been abandoned for several years before undergoing a complete renovation, transforming it into a stunning luxury estate.

Overview

The property, purchased in 2006 by the owners of Cline Cellars and Jacuzzi Wineries, underwent a complete restoration. Original terracotta floors were cleaned and re-laid, while kitchens and bathrooms were custom-made by local craftsmen using marble and restored stone walls.

The estate includes a villa, limonaia, and adjacent farmhouse, featuring a rose garden and travertine marble pool. The villa’s formal décor contrasts with the farmhouse’s rustic charm, both offering comfortable accommodations for large groups, families, or weddings.

Dating back to the 16th century, the villa retains its historic features while adding modern amenities like travertine marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The interiors blend antique and contemporary pieces with original Tuscan fabrics and furnishings.

Located near Cortona, the villa is ideal for day trips in Tuscany and Umbria. A short drive from shops and restaurants, it offers easy access to Florence, Rome, and local attractions. Cooking classes and wine tastings are available.

Villa Laura, rented for a minimum of one week, includes a rose garden, marble pool, Jacuzzi, bocce court, pizza oven, private lake, billiard room, and more. Featured in American Express Departures Magazine as one of the top 10 private villas in Tuscany.

GROUND FLOOR

The ground floor is a wonderful open plan design, with original doors from each room to the rose garden and terrace.

• Kitchen (state of the art)
• Wood-fired pizza oven
• Dining room
• Sitting room – opens to the limonaia courtyard
• Study with desk and fax machine
• Guest powder room
• Can be accessed using the lower entrance from the limonaia court
• Vaulted TV room; opens onto the limonaia courtyard
• Club and music room with billiard table
• Laundry room staff

LEMON HOUSE (SLEEPS 2)

• Sitting room with sofa bed and frescoed ceiling
• Bedroom with queen bed
• Bathroom with shower accessed from the bedroom

FARMHOUSE

• Built on two floors, the farmhouse is four thousand square feet.

MAIN FLOOR

• Double queen bedroom (can be twins), en-suite bathroom with shower.
• Accessed from the upper entrance
• Entrance hall (up 5 steps from ground level)
• Living room
• Dining room with large dining table (seats 16)
• State-of-the-art kitchen with marble countertops, island, gas stove, large refrigerator, microwave, DeLonghi espresso maker
• Master bedroom with queen bed – en-suite bathroom in travertine with double sink and shower over tub
• Powder room
• Entrance to the private balcony overlooking the family chapel

SECOND FLOOR (SLEEPS 8)

• Bedroom with queen bed – en-suite bathroom with shower
• Bedroom with queen bed – en-suite bathroom with shower over bathtub
• Twin bedroom – en-suite bathroom with shower
• Master bedroom with king bed – en-suite bathroom with shower over bathtub

TOP FLOOR

• Diane Lane room with king bed and view over countryside – en-suite bathroom with shower and double sink
• Blue bedroom with king bed and view to garden and farmhouse – en-suite bathroom with shower over tub
• Yellow bedroom with queen bed and views over garden to farmhouse – en-suite bathroom with double sink and shower over tub
• Master bedroom with king bed and sitting area, views to a castle and countryside – en-suite