The Hallmark Channel’s newest movie, “Villa Amore,” premieres on Saturday June 21, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry. Read on to learn all about where it was filmed and the cast involved.
‘Villa Amore’ Was Filmed in Rome, Italy
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Roman holiday, Hallmark’s “Villa Amore” is your passport to la dolce vita. The film, starring Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry, sweeps viewers into a world where love, history, and renovation collide; all set against the magical backdrop of Rome, Italy.
Part of the Passport to Love line-up, Hallmark’s Villa Amore was filmed on location in Rome, Italy, Mumford told The Happy Place blog during an interview. The production captured the city’s blend of ancient history and lively modern culture, using iconic landmarks and charming local spots.
Rome was a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and “an absolute dream,” she said. Her mom joined her on the shoot, and they’d visit locations together when they weren’t filming.
We “would go to the local butcher and little markets while I was at work and so I would come home at night, exhausted, to the most delightful home cooked meals of whatever local ingredients she gathered. They were not just delicious, but so, so full of love.”
McGarry told Swooon that he loved “wandering the streets” of Rome on the weekends.
“To be honest, my absolute favorite was the people I worked with. The crew was 100% Italian, and it was an absolute joy to go to work with them every day,” he said.
Director Clare Niederpruem shared some photos while filming the movie.
According to 4filming, some filming locations included:
- A picturesque estate in Rome was the villa where the main character, Liara, reconnects with her family’s past.
- La Pasticceria di Luca, a local pastry shop
Mumford told The Happy Place that her favorite spots in Rome during filming were “Palatine Hill, the Botanical Garden of Rome, Antico Forno Roscioli (best takeout), Emporio Centrale (the best best shop), and Il Mio Salumiere (the best butcher!)”
Filming took place in early 2025, which allowed the crew to film during the city’s vibrant spring scenery.
Kate Gordon shared a series of photos from filming, writing “Five incredible weeks in Italy. Long hours. New friends. Stunning locations. So much gelato. And one beautiful love story.”
The producer of the movie was on the Heart in Motion podcast and shared some tidbits about behind the scenes moments He shared how one of the characters, a donkey, was originally meant to be a goat, and also how he got engaged in Italy!
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads: “Liara goes to Italy and impulsively buys the villa where her parents met. She soon learns she is in way over her head and must ask a lawyer-turned-handyman to help her renovate.”
Eloise Mumford is Liara. Her TV debut was in the Fox series “Lone Star.” She also played Dakota Johnson’s best friend in all three “50 Shades of Grey” franchise movies. She’s known for many Hallmark films too, like “The Presence of Love,” “The Baker’s Son,” “A Veteran’s Christmas,” and more.
Kevin McGarry plays Leo in the film. He’s perhaps best known among Hallmark fans for his role as Nathan Grant on “When Calls the Heart.” But he’s also well known for playing Mitch in a non-Hallmark series called “Heartland.” As far as his Hallmark credits, he also starred in “The Wedding Veil” series and “My Grown-Up Christmas List,” “Feeling Butterflies,” and more.
McGarry is married to Kayla Wallace, his co-star from “When Calls the Heart.” The couple began dating in 2020, announced their engagement in December 2022, and quietly wed in September 2024, later sharing the news and photos with fans.
Comments
Where Was ‘Villa Amore’ Filmed? See Cast Stories & Locations