Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne at the Italian villa in a scene from Normal People
The Italian villa in Normal People
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Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne at the Italian villa in a scene from Normal People
Ellen O’Regan
It’s the chance to walk in the footsteps of Marianne and Connell under the Italian sun.
Fans of last year’s TV hit Normal People are flocking to the villa that featured in the friends’ Italian holiday.
Aficionados of the show might recognise this stunning villa in the countryside just outside Rome as the one visited by Marianne and Connell in episode eight of the series.
Dreams of an idyllic getaway like Marianne and Connell’s are not as far-fetched as they might seem as the spectacular villa is listed on Airbnb.
It is now getting floods of bookings from fans around the world.
Giadda Riccioni is the owner and Airbnb superhost behind Tenuta di Verzano, the historic farmhouse in Sant’Oreste, Lazio, where Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal and the crew of Normal People filmed the pivotal scenes.
The house has been in her family since it was built in 1890, and they regularly rent it out to both tourists and those looking to film on the stunning property.
Hollywood star Julia Roberts has also filmed a movie in Tenuta di Verzano in the past.
While Ms Riccioni has yet to watch the series which has inspired legions of fans to visit her villa, she says many of her friends have and she has noticed a surge in interest.
“The Normal People series was filmed between September and October 2019,” Ms Riccioni said
“I met the cast, the actors, and they were really nice and friendly, they were all young guys.
“It is not the first film which was filmed here, for example a few years ago the film with Julia Roberts Eat Pray Love was shot here too,” she added.
Since Normal People aired, fans of the show have been busy booking up holidays at the villa, with only a handful of available dates left for the rest of this year.
“Lots of people are coming due to Normal People, and for us it is a pleasure,” Ms Riccioni said.
“People who have seen the series are enthusiastic to see the location where the series was filmed.
“We have had Irish people, English people and Americans, in general, who have seen the series.
“Having a famous home on Airbnb is certainly a great satisfaction, however there is a lot of work behind it,” she said.
The Airbnb listing says “the villa is ideally located for guests to relax and enjoy poolside comfort in a rustic setting”.
Guests coming to stay will have full use of a private apartment with two bedrooms, kitchen, and living room.
They will also have access to the garden for al fresco dining, a barbeque and pool with “incomparable” views.
Guests are told they will be treated like royalty by the Riccioni family who live in the main house.
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway for one, all of this will only set you back €35 per night, while it costs €215 per night for a group of six.