Shubhabrata Dutta
Directed by Clare Niederpruem, Hallmark’s romantic drama ‘Villa Amore’ shows how a woman’s loving act for her mother brings love to her own doorstep. Liara is in Italy when she spots a picture of a house inside a store. It is her mother’s dream house, and turns out that it can be bought for €1. So, she buys it without a second thought. However, the thing with such €1 houses is that the renovations must begin within the first three months and be completed within a year. Clearly, Liara needs help, and she thus reaches out to Leo, the charming American lawyer-turned-handyman, whom she met at a café earlier. Romance blooms as the two move ahead with rebuilding the house and turning it into a home. The setting of the story in Italy, one of the world’s most romantic destinations, naturally calls for attractive visuals that are in sync with the genre of romance.
Where Was Villa Amore Filmed?
‘Villa Amore’ was filmed in Italy, specifically in Rome. Principal photography reportedly took place in March 2025. The creative team behind the movie spent almost a month scouting various locations, opting for the ones they thought were apt for the story, and filming. One of the producers of the movie, Alexandre Coscas, even proposed to the love of his life, Kaley McCormack, around the time. The wholesome gesture of the lovebirds getting engaged during the shooting schedule became a real-life love story unfolding behind the scenes, adding another layer of sweetness to the entire endeavor.
Rome, Italy
‘Villa Amore’ was filmed entirely in Rome, the capital of Italy. In accordance with the title, the crew used a spectacular villa that doubled for the house Liara buys. As for the outdoor scenes, the crew captured as much of the beauty of Rome as they could without steering away from the script. The Spanish Steps, at Piazza di Spagna, which is connected to the Trinità dei Monti church, were used as a backdrop for a few shots. The Trevi Fountain, which sits by the Palazzo Poli at Piazza di Trevi, was also utilised as the setting for several sequences. Many scenes were filmed near the Pantheon, a famous 2nd-century temple-turned-church at Piazza della Rotonda. The Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most vibrant squares, was used for filming additional scenes and establishing shots. Sequences taped in the cobblestone streets with cafés and eateries, including the renowned bakery Antico Forno Roscioli, at 34 Via dei Chiavari, were used to add warmth to the romantic drama and highlight the Italian aesthetic.
Other iconic structures and spots that reportedly served as settings for outdoor scenes include the Palentine Hill, adjacent to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and the Botanical Garden of Rome, at 24 Largo Cristina di Svezia. The Il Mio Salumiere supermarket at 3/b/c Viale del Vignola, and the Emporio Centrale novelty shop at 1 Largo del Teatro Valle also served as backdrops for scenes incorporating the hustle and bustle of a major city. While distinctly different in appearance, which enabled the crew to enhance the visual canvas, the locations contribute to the overall appeal. All the locations mentioned are among the go-to spots for tourists worldwide. Other Hallmark films that have utilized the beautiful city for production are ‘Christmas in Rome’ and ‘Rome In Love.’
Villa Amore Cast Details
‘Villa Amore’ stars Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry. Inspired by the famous musical play, South Pacific, Eloise began community theater when she was eight years old. She is an avid hiker and loves spending time outdoors. Kevin can sing and ice skate, and has used these skills in various projects onscreen. Both Eloise and Kevin have been working with Hallmark for years. However, ‘Villa Amore’ is their first Hallmark project together, though their onscreen chemistry says otherwise.
Eloise Mumford as Liara
Eloise Mumford plays Liara in ‘Villa Amore.’ She is known for playing Kate Kavanagh in the ‘Fifty Shades’ movies. Her other feature film roles include Becky in ‘Standing Up, Falling Down,’ and Syd in ‘The Night Is Young.’ You can also spot her as Shannon Whitmer in ‘Cross,’ Trudy Cooper in ‘The Right Stuff,’ Hope Jacquinot in ‘Chicago Fire,’ and Lindsay Holloway in ‘Lone Star.’ Some of her Hallmark projects are ‘Sweeter Than Chocolate,’ ‘The Presence of Love,’ ‘One December Night,’ ‘The Baker’s Son,’ ‘A Veteran’s Christmas,’ and ‘Just in Time for Christmas.’
Kevin McGarry as Leo
Kevin McGarry portrays Liara’s romantic interest, the lawyer-turned-handymen Leo, in the movie. Besides ‘Villa Amore,’ his Hallmark performances include Nathan Grant in ‘When Calls the Heart,’ Kyle Newman in ‘A Reason for the Season,’ Scott in ‘Checkin’ It Twice,’ Peter in ‘The Wedding Veil Expectations,’ Luke Malone in ‘My Grown-Up Christmas List,’ and Joey Castelluci in ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From Paris with Love.’ He can also be spotted as Mitch Cutty in ‘Heartland,’ Benson in ‘Murdoch Mysteries,’ and Officer Shine in ‘Taken.’ In the feature film ‘Saw 3D,’ he plays the role of Charlie.
