What do you get when you cross Under the Tuscan Sun with an episode of Fixer Upper? Quite possibly—if you’re a home renovating obsessive— the perfect cinematic treat. At least, that’s what Netflix teases in a brand new trailer for La Dolce Villa, a new renovation-themed rom-com hitting the small screen February 13.
Eric (Scott Foley) attempts to charm the locals in a scene from the Mark Waters-directed (Mean Girls, Freaky Friday) flick.
The premise is one we can all undoubtedly relate to: Idealistic Olivia (Maia Reficco) snaps up a crumbling villa in the Italian countryside for one euro, as part of a scheme to revitalize the picturesque rural village. Her father, an uptight consultant named Eric (Scott Foley), flies into town to change her mind. However, upon meeting the town’s mayor, Francesca (Violante Placido), it’s clear that Eric—who we find out used to be a chef (cue the drizzling olive oil over a caprese salad) may have his own project to tackle. “It’s never too late to renovate your life,” the trailer assures viewers.
But enough about the romance: let’s talk about the house! The exterior of the building was shot at a real-life villa in Lazio at a centuries-old agriturismo called Torrino dei Gelsi. According to the property’s website, its tower dates back to the 12th century and its name roughly translates to “mulberry tree tower”—a reference to the silkworms that were farmed there back in the 1700s. And, if you’re so inclined, you can book your wedding there or at least buy the olive oil.
Other real-life filming locations included Rome and Tuscany, but the interiors of the villa—in which Olivia takes a hammer to dilapidated walls, rips up flooring, and restores an ancient fresco, according to the trailer—were shot on a soundstage at Cinecittá Studios in Rome. In fact, the cast and crew spent four weeks shooting in Italy.
The intrepid renovator Olivia (Maia Reficco) appears to restore a fresco.
“I’d go back to Italy this afternoon to shoot another project,” Foley told Netflix’s Tudum blog. And—via the comfort of your couch—you soon will be able to too, faster than you can say bellissima.
Anna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ELLEDECOR.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the world’s most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, she’s spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.
