The Lake Como Villa From Daniel Craig’s Most Iconic James Bond Moment Is For Sale

‘The name’s Bond, James Bond.’ It’s one of the most iconic lines in all of cinema history. And yet, that oft-quoted phrase comes from a much more recent point in cinema history than most fans may realise. Though Bond has always had a habit of introducing himself last name first, straight from his literary conception in Casino Royale (1953), through to Sean Connery’s first on-screen appearance in Dr. No (1962), it took until Daniel Craig’s stint as the spy in the 2006 adaptation of Casino Royale for this exact rendition of the zeitgeist-defining line. And now an apartment in the very same villa where those words were first spoken, is for sale. 

Inside Villa La Gaeta

Perched above Lake Como, Villa La Gaeta is a neo-medieval structure dating back to the early 20th century. Having been originally designed by the renowned architects of Coppedé, the villa was more recently renovated in 2023. Located in San Siro, on the north-western shore of the lake, Villa La Gatea boasts one of Italy’s most sought-after waterfront settings. The property enjoys access to a jetty and dock, alongside designated mooring reserved for its residents. Residents also benefit from two parking spaces, a park lush with rare and exotic plants, private beach access to the lake and – if a dip in Lake Como fails to suffice – a communal swimming pool.

The apartment now for sale occupies two floors of Villa La Gaeta’s annex. This south-facing annex was part of the original 19th-century villa and houses five medium-sized apartments. On the lower level, sits a double bedroom with a dedicated bathroom and additional study or closet space, as well as two cellars. Up above, a living area, a fully-equipped kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom. Beyond its cinematic legacy, the real highlight of this home is its waterfront views. These panoramic vistas of Lake Como can be enjoyed from the living area, which overlooks the home’s private terrace, or from the dock down below, which is accessed via two French windows.

As Casino Royale celebrates its 20th anniversary, this home’s appearance on the market couldn’t be more timely. A chance to own a piece of James Bond history, this property is the perfect way to plug the Bond-sized hole in our hearts as we continue to eagerly await news on who will be the next 007. In the Casino Royale film, Villa La Gaeta starred as the lakeside residences of Mr White – the Bond villain who heads-up the secret organisation known as Quantam and who is also a high-ranking member of SPECTRE. 

Played by Jesper Christensen in the 2006 film, it is at Villa La Gaeta where Bond finally gets his victory over him. As Mr White answers the phone, a gun goes off from the shadows, striking him in the leg. He collapses to the ground, as Bond steps out in a three-piece suit to utter the famous line: ‘The name’s Bond, James Bond’. Where previous Bonds had used the words ‘My name’s Bond, James Bond’, this is the first time that the now more frequently quoted line, which uses ‘the’ instead of ‘my’, was used. 

Fans of the film will know this wasn’t the only scene to be shot on Lake Como’s picturesque shores. Villa del Balbianello served as the recovery clinic where James Bond convalesces and kindles his romance with Vesper Lyd (Eva Green). Set in the comune of Lenno, other feature films to be filmed on the site include the romcom A Month by the Lake (1995) – starring Vanessa Redgrave and Uma Thurman – and the lake retreat scenes in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002). Unlike Villa La Gaeta, Villa del Balbianello is open to ticket-holders, with many flocking to visit the James Bond beauty spot.

On the market for €1.2–1.4 million. Find out more at italy-sothebysrealty.com