Villa Laura Featured by Soft Surroundings
Villa Laura was the setting of a Soft Surroundings photo shoot as seen in their Endless Weekend catalog. Former guests and one of our brides-to-be are having fun seeing the soft clothes set off against ancient stone walls and arches of the beautiful villa.
Finding Villa Laura
The first time I saw Villa Laura, I clambered over vines and pushed through thickets (thinking of Prince Charming) and looked in wonder at the sleeping beauty. My client, Nancy, had asked me to check it out because she was thinking of buying and restoring it and she asked if I thought it was worth her while to fly to Italy to see it.
What I discovered was the estate used as Bramasole for the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. There was a hole in the roof of the chapel and birds fluttering up at our approach— we found spider webs, plaster dust and little lizards on the walls.
But under the cobwebs and vines, there were beautiful beamed ceilings, arched doorways and original stone steps, and the fake Hollywood painted fresco featured in the film. Outside was a beautiful ancient fountain, a cistern and a lake that was covered with fallen trees.
What a beautiful opportunity! I called Nancy and the rest is history. She came, she bought and she restored. And the result is magical!
Highlights from the Villa Laura Photoshoot
We've collected up a few of the photos from the shoot and juxtaposed them against photos of the villa, so you can compare the two.
Villa Laura and Farmhouse Exteriors
Villa Laura Interior
Farmhouse Interior
Renting Villa Laura
Villa Laura is not a hotel that rents rooms by the night, but rather a private vacation rental. The villa, farmhouse and limonaia are available for rent as one estate. The estate comfortably sleeps a group of 20 in 10 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom— and is ideal for weddings and events like family reunions, birthday or anniversary celebrations or even for groups of friends who love wine and cooking.
The setting is perfect with the stunning Tuscan scenery, rose gardens, ancient stone walls and fountains. It is quintessential Tuscany.
The original features of the property were meticulously kept and exposed, with modern comforts carefully installed without losing any ancient charm.
If you're not traveling with a large group, we recommend taking a look at some of our small to mid-sized properties in the Cortona area of Tuscany — a wonderful, magnificent place to visit.