‘Bond villa’ on the French Riviera owned by Sean Connery goes back on the market for £20m

Dream of summering in a private villa on the French Riviera like James Bond with chilled martini in-hand (shaken not stirred, naturally)?

Now you can – if you have about £20 million (€23.5m) burning a hole in your linen-suited pocket, that is.

Home to Sean Connery and wife Micheline Roquebrune during the glamorous 70s and 80s, Villa Roc Fleuri – known locally as the ‘Bond villa’ and located at the foot of the Mont Boron hillside – is your chance to snap up a piece of celebrity history.

The 16-room Art Deco property was first put on the market in 2020 but took a break during Covid and the years following while the current homeowners enjoyed it themselves.

(Savills)

They have now re-listed it with Savills for the revised (and reduced) price this month.

Chuck McGee, sales agent at Savills French Riviera, says: “Roc Fleuri is undoubtedly the most desirable property in Nice right now and always has been – the sheer size and proportions of the villa, its rich history and the location just above the waterline puts it in a category of its own.

(Savills)

“We’ve also tailored the offering to include the main villa and guest villa (currently arranged as two apartments) with the third villa – a three-bedroom, 160-square-metre property with three bedrooms and the same number of bathrooms – remaining optional as a separate purchase.

“Our advice? Buy whole thing to include the hillside and all three houses!”

Built in 1930, history buffs will be as enamoured with the property as movie-lovers thanks to details like mosaic inlays, intricate wood panelling, ceiling mouldings, wrought-iron staircases and – pure 007 vibes – even the original elevator cabin.

(Savills)

Entertaining swanky A-list friends? Serviced by a professional-grade kitchen and wine cellar, why not make use of the enormous dining room that opens onto expansive terraces with views towards the Cap d’Antibes?

The rooftop terrace with barbecue area and similarly Instagrammable views is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

Elsewhere, the villa comes with five bedrooms – the main bedroom spread across the entire top floor with not one but two ensuites and a walk-in closet for designer garb – three guests suites on the lower levels and a fifth on the main floor.

There’s a study – for those thinking of doing a spot of work while away from the capital – as well a dedicated wellness spa with heated infinity pool, gym and pool.

(Savills)

Meticulously-manicured lawns and terraced gardens lead directly to the shore for your very own Ursula Andress moment – bikini at-the-ready.

Post-pandemic, Nice has reestablished itself as a luxury destination with a significant number of people – in particular, Parisians – having moved there to improve their lifestyles.

Not only that, but many of the city’s historic buildings have been revamped and repainted, the gardens in the centre are currently extending and a conference centre is being built in the port to cater to business as much as leisure.

(Savills)

Plus, there’s a slew of new restaurants and hotels while the airport provides easy international connections – including London – for those looking to make a move.

For house prices, this all means a 10 to 20 per cent increase in some locations, making it a good time to invest for secret agents or otherwise.