Words: Jonathan Wells
Where did James Bond live? It’s a question often considered by fans of Fleming’s books and the film franchise. But we’ve never had a definitive answer. With the author only ever offering scraps and snippets of 007’s home life, the secret agent’s address has eluded enthusiasts for decades.
All we know is that Bond lived in a small two-bedroom ground floor flat, in a converted Regency house, on a little tree-lined square off King’s Road. We’re also told it took him just 15 minutes to drive to the MI6 offices on Albert Embankment. Many people have used this information to identify Bond’s home as Wellington Square in Chelsea. But, this year, one aspiring homebuyer has scooped up a new property inspired by the literary character — and one in a location that would cut down on his commute, too.
This January, sales opened for luxury residences at 20 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair (a 14-minute drive to MI6 HQ, if you were wondering). Marketed by Four Seasons Private Residences, they’ve been snapped up fast — with amenities including a private wine cellar, spa with 25-metre swimming pool, library and 24-hour concierge on call.
But the new homes offer more than luxury; they offer history. After all, the iconic quadrangle is a hive of London heritage. Dwight D. Eisenhower set up his military headquarters here during the Second World War. Oscar Wilde lived there, and wrote the address into several of his books. The Bentley Boys even took over a corner of the square — Bond, who also drove a ‘Blower’, would almost certainly have approved of the racers as neighbours.
So, with starting prices of $21.2 million, 20 Grosvenor Square is selling more than just material luxury. And, while every one of the homes — developed by Squire & Partners and designed by Finchatton — is befitting of Bond, one in particular has the super spy’s name on it. Literally.
Apartment 0.07 is a triplex development in the 20 Grosvenor Square development, spanning 5,863 square feet and boasting a double garage in the basement. If that wasn’t ‘Q Branch’ enough for you, there’s also a private elevator to smoothly carry you between floors.
It’s also a little more decadent than 007’s original digs. Despite literary Bond’s ornate Empire desk, Cole & Sons wallpaper and book-lined sitting room, he also slept in a ‘smallish’ bedroom and had a similarly basic bathroom. And there’s nothing basic about Apartment 0.07.
In fact, it’s not a surprise that this Bond-homage home has already sold — as it was being offered completely furnished and ready to move-in. The furniture and adornments are custom, from the plush Stark rug in the living room to the Lee Broom pendant in the stairwell. There’s a marble fireplace, three bedrooms and a gallery-style kitchen.
The dining table, found in the open-plan living area, sits ten — and there’s even a classic drawing room upstairs, if the new owner fancies sitting down and penning a couple of spy novels himself. The primary suite is perhaps the most subtly impressive room, with dual walk-in closets, an ensuite and a touch of tweed on the headboard nodding to Bond’s Scottish origins.
As for the least subtly impressive room, the basement-level games room claims that title. Automotive art hangs on the walls, which themselves have been tailored in trim, wool-pinstriped wallpaper. A vast, leather-trimmed sofa adds comfort, while a Sir William Bentley chess table and a handcrafted pool table bring the fun. There’s even a marble-topped bar, presumably already stocked with Gordon’s and Kina Lillet for those all-important Vesper Martinis.
But the real attraction is that cinematic window onto the garage, framed by theatre-ready red velvet curtains and allowing guests a sneak peek at the new owner’s car collection. Let’s just hope he’s got at least *one* Aston Martin. Because if he’s moving in to Apartment 0.07 without a DB5, what was the point in buying it at all?
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