Have you seen ‘Spectre’, the latest James Bond’s cinematic adventure?

For 50 years Britain’s most famous spy saga have been thrilling both action movie fans and travel lovers as every single episode of the 007 story offers the opportunity to embark on a journey that takes you all over the world to discover its most sensational corners. Lake Como in the Lombardy region of Italy is one of these locations!

The area has been favoured by the aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times and continues to be a top choice as a retreat destination for many, tourists and famous personalities alike, including George Clooney, Ronaldinho, Richard Branson, to mention a few, who have or have had homes along its shores.

The lake has been mentioned in countless works of literature. It has featured in numerous music videos. Soap operas and television series have had episodes filmed in the region. The beauty of the lake and the many palatial villas have made it a popular site for movie shoots including scenes from the James Bond movie, ‘Casino Royale’!

The 18th century Villa del Balbianello and Villa Gaeta were featured in the film and have been recently celebrated by many international newspapers, including The Telegraph, as one of the most amazing Bond locations of all time.

villa del balbianello

Visit Villa Balbianello

Scenes from ‘Casino Royale’ (2006), were filmed in front of Villa del Balbianello. It was portrayed as the hospital in which James Bond was recovering after being tortured. But it was also used as a scenic backdrop to ‘Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones’ (2002).

It was built in 1787 after a Franciscan monastery rising on a point over lake Como in the town of Lenno. It then belonged to many important families and personalities who each made improvements to this majestic piece of architecture and lush terraced gardens for which it is famous and from where you can enjoy unparalleled views.

The villa now belongs to FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano), a non-profit and private organization founded in 1975 to protect, maintain and enhance the artistic and natural Italian heritage by restoring and opening it to the public.

Live in Villa Gaeta

But could you ever imagine that you could even live in Villa Gaeta? Its 1st floor apartment is currently for sale on our portal!

bedroom

Villa Gaeta, dating back to 1920, was the property to which James Bond follows the mysterious Mr White in ‘Casino Royale’. It is situated in San Siro near Menaggio, with direct beach access and a boat dock. The villa obviously enjoys extensive lake views and sits on beautifully manicured grounds. The gardens boast many paths to walk and explore, benches to sit and relax while taking in the breathtaking views and an enchanting lit fountain.

The apartment for sale is 70m², has an open living area boasting original features, elegant parquet floors and breathtaking views from the lovely terrace where you can enjoy your summer breakfasts and gaze dreamily out at the lake! A wooden stairs lead to the attic level which house a wide bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a wonderful beamed ceiling designed following the traditional medieval Tuscan style giving to this room a unique touch. Additional amenities include a private garage and shared outdoor pool.

Come and live like Bond… James Bond!