A room with a view over Florence

Florence, and Tuscany more in general, has been the landscape to thousands of films. Some of those films became icons and real symbols renowned worldwide. One of those famous films is “A Room with a view“, English movie directed by James Ivory in 1985.

The movie was shot in Florence and its surroundings, but the main location was Villa di Maiano. And last week I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful place.

Villa di Maiano

The villa dates back to 15th century and was property of the Florentine family of Alessandri, then of the Pazzi family and the Tolomei. But its most famous owner was Sir John Temple Leader, who bought the entire property in 1850.

Sir Temple Leader restored the villa outside and inside, adding the large “Renaissance-style tower”, making a ballroom and creating a large romantic park. It transformed the property into an enchanting location with a great view over Florence.

As a matter of fact from the villa, its windows and gardens you can admire Florence, the Duomo and the city surroundings. Because of the beauty of its rooms and views, Villa di Maiano was chosen as the location of the movie “A room with a view” by James Ivory.

Most of the famous scenes were set at the villa, such as the first kiss between George (Denholm Elliott) and Lucy (Helena Bonham Carter), that was shot in the dining room underneath the Merano glass chandelier that you see in the picture below.

Fattoria di Maiano

Today the Villa of Maiano is property of the Corsini family and is a museum and a wedding location. Part of the large estate, counting 110 hectares of olive trees and woods and producing a quality olive oil.

As a matter of fact Fattoria di Maiano, this is the name of the farmhouse, is part of Laudemio the famous trademark for an excellent and natural extra virgin olive oil made in Tuscany. The production is based on strict rules and quality control, that make this extra virgin olive oil almost unique for its taste, smell and incredibly green color.

The farm is also a teaching farmhouse with donkeys, chickens and other animals. You can take your kids there and enjoy a day out, as well as spend a green holiday in Florence surroundings in one of the holidays apartments for rentinside the large estate.

In addition the farm has a restaurant open for lunch and during the weekend where you can taste the Laudemio oil and the wine produced by Fattoria di Maiano, as well as local and organic food.

I recommend you visit the Villa and the property to taste a bit of dreaming Tuscany! Now if you have time watch a quick resume of “A room with a view”!