Peter Mooney Reveals Why He Loves Hallmark’s Muddy Fake Town

Hallmark’s *Mistletoe Murders* has become one of the network’s most intriguing holiday hits—not just for its cozy mystery storyline, but for the one-of-a-kind location where it’s filmed.

Most Hallmark productions use charming small towns across Canada or the U.S., but this one was built from scratch. *Fletcher’s Grove*, the picture-perfect little town fans see on screen, doesn’t exist anywhere on a map.

It’s a completely fabricated set constructed in a field in Pickering, Toronto. Some actors might dread the muddy roads, lack of electricity, and remote conditions, but Peter Mooney, who stars as Detective Sam Wellner, absolutely loves it.

His enthusiasm for this *fake town* has become almost as legendary as the show itself. Fans are even more curious about what goes on behind the scenes of Hallmark’s most ambitious small-town creation yet.

The Magic Behind Fletcher’s Grove: Hallmark’s Handmade Holiday Town

Most Hallmark productions rely on real-life towns with storybook charm—cobblestone streets, quaint coffee shops, twinkling lights. For *Mistletoe Murders*, though, the team decided to go big by building Fletcher’s Grove entirely from the ground up.

Nestled in a wide-open field in Pickering, Toronto, the set is both a technical marvel and a logistical challenge. The crew had to construct every storefront, home, and street corner that fans now recognize as the heart of the show.

It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character that adds depth and authenticity. Sarah Drew, who stars alongside Mooney, described the set as a *little fake town* filled with character and charm, even if it comes with its share of challenges.

There’s no running water, no permanent electricity, and the roads leading in can turn into a muddy obstacle course after a rainy day. Yet, despite these difficulties, the cast and crew have turned this isolated patch of land into a cozy, cinematic wonderland.

Why Peter Mooney Can’t Get Enough of the Fake Town

Some actors might prefer the comfort of filming in bustling cities or scenic resort towns. Peter Mooney thrives in the rugged, makeshift environment of Fletcher’s Grove.

He’s admitted that he *loves it so much*—even when everyone else is grumbling about the mud or the cold. For him, the imperfections are part of the charm.

There’s something about filming in a place built from scratch, where every brick and snowflake was placed by hand, that fuels his passion. Mooney’s enthusiasm is infectious.

He talks about the backlot as if it’s a second home, describing the crew’s lunchtime skateboarding sessions and the surreal sight of fake snow glistening under the midday sun. It’s this sense of camaraderie and creativity that makes the show’s atmosphere so special.

The actors aren’t just performing in a set—they’re inhabiting a world they helped bring to life.

Sarah Drew’s Take: Finding Beauty in the Chaos

Sarah Drew may not share Mooney’s full-on love affair with the location, but she’s found her own reasons to appreciate it. She often talks about the sunsets that paint the sky over the open field, turning the fake town into a golden, dreamlike landscape.

The production team frequently positions the actors facing the setting sun, capturing that natural glow that makes every scene look like a postcard. Drew has admitted to snapping countless photos outside her trailer, capturing those fleeting moments of beauty between takes.

Building a Town from Scratch: The Challenges and Rewards

Creating an entire town might sound glamorous, but it’s a monumental task. The team behind *Mistletoe Murders* had to think of everything—from constructing facades that could withstand unpredictable weather to ensuring that every window, lamppost, and storefront looked authentic on camera.

The production operates on generators, and the crew often battles mud, wind, and cold temperatures during long shooting days.

• No permanent power or water: The set relies on generators and portable facilities.
• Weather challenges: Rain turns roads into muddy tracks, making access difficult.
• Maintenance issues: The buildings, while charming on camera, can be fragile and require constant upkeep.

The town’s imperfections give it a rustic, lived-in charm that perfectly fits the tone of the series. Every creaky door and slightly crooked lamppost adds to the illusion of a real, cozy community tucked away from the modern world.

Hallmark’s Love Affair with Canada—and Beyond

Hallmark has long relied on Canada as its go-to filming destination, thanks to its scenic beauty and welcoming production environment. British Columbia and Toronto have served as the backdrop for countless holiday classics.

The network occasionally ventures further afield, filming in places like Utah or even Europe. For instance, *Keller Christmas Vacation* took its cast and crew across various European locations, while *Christmas on Duty* was shot in Utah’s picturesque landscapes.

*Mistletoe Murders* stands out because it didn’t rely on an existing town or city. Instead, Hallmark invested in a creative experiment—building a world from the ground up.

The Fans Want More: Hopes for Season 3

The second season of *Mistletoe Murders* wrapped up on November 21, leaving audiences hungry for more. The finale tied up some mysteries but left just enough unanswered questions to fuel speculation about what could come next.

While Hallmark hasn’t officially confirmed a third season, fans are already campaigning online, urging the network to bring back their favorite detective duo. Sarah Drew has been vocal about encouraging fans to make their voices heard.

She’s urged viewers to post on social media, write to Hallmark, and express their love for the show. *We can’t start those conversations until they give us the go-ahead,* she explained during a recent interview.

It’s a call to action that Hallmark fans are taking seriously—after all, this is a network known for listening to its audience.

The Legacy of Fletcher’s Grove: More Than Just a Set

As *Mistletoe Murders* continues to capture hearts, Fletcher’s Grove has become more than just a filming location—it’s a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and holiday spirit. In an age where digital effects can create entire worlds, Hallmark chose to build one by hand.

That decision has given the show a tangible warmth that resonates with viewers who crave authenticity in their holiday entertainment. For Peter Mooney, the muddy roads and generator hums are part of the magic.

For Sarah Drew, it’s the sunsets and the sense of community. For fans, it’s the knowledge that somewhere in a field in Pickering, a little fake town exists—one that feels more real than most places we see on screen.

And maybe that’s the secret behind Hallmark’s enduring charm: even when it’s fake, it still feels like home.

What’s Next for Hallmark’s Handmade Town?

Whether or not *Mistletoe Murders* gets a third season, Fletcher’s Grove has already made its mark in Hallmark history. The set is a real testament to what happens when creativity, passion, and a bit of holiday magic all collide.

Fans are left wondering if the next chapter will bring them back to those muddy roads and twinkling lights. There’s something about those unforgettable sunsets that makes this *fake town* hard to forget.