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Before The Holiday became a seasonal must-watch, Nancy Meyers had already mastered the art of dreamy movie interiors. From Something’s Gotta Give to It’s Complicated, her homes are as famous as her leading ladies. But few have reached icon status quite like Cameron Diaz’s glassy, sun-drenched mansion in The Holiday.
And while Cameron Diaz’s character, Amanda Woods, might flee to England for Christmas heartbreak recovery, she leaves behind a sleek Spanish-style mansion with sunlit courtyards and effortless L.A. charm. And yes, you can visit it. The real-life filming location that gave Amanda’s world its glamour is a sprawling San Marino estate just outside Pasadena. Your next holiday outing just got a little more cinematic.
Amanda’s Mansion: The Real-Life Dream Home From The Holiday
In The Holiday, Amanda Woods (played by Cameron Diaz) is a successful movie trailer producer who impulsively swaps homes with a stranger. Her L.A. mansion, all glass walls and symmetry, represents her meticulously controlled life before she learns to slow down, sip wine, and fall in love with Jude Law. And whilst she flees to an English cottage, Kate Winslet finds her confidence in the luxurious home Amanda leaves behind.
Those iconic exterior shots weren’t filmed in Hollywood Hills, they were filmed at 1883 Orlando Road in San Marino. The home, designed by architect Wallace Neff in the 1920s, is a Spanish-style masterpiece. Some of the most recognizable spots include a grand motor court, curved archways, and a pool that’s made plenty of movie cameos.
Universal Pictures
Though the interiors were recreated on a soundstage the real mansion remains an architectural gem. Visitors can drive by and catch a glimpse of Amanda’s home (from the public sidewalk, it’s a private residence!). It’s a quick stop, but for fans of The Holiday, it’s a thrill to see the setting where Cameron Diaz dramatically declares, “I’m leaving for England!”