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Showpiece Homes, Luxury Living… and James Bond

Unless you have been marooned on a remote Antarctic iceberg or your internet server has been down for several months it will be almost impossible not to know that the new James Bond film is now out. Non-fans are no doubt overcome with bemusement that this news is covered with such a substantial level of media attention that transcends its appeal as a mere film. The release of any new James Bond movie becomes a veritable global cultural extravaganza, and Spectre – the 24th big-screen instalment of this famous British spy tale – follows the script diligently. For example, one report this past week in Business Insider (a US-based news website that tends to focus more on such transcendental issues as the presidential election) waded into the controversy over who should play the next 007. The current incarnation, Daniel Craig, has declared publically that he is tired of playing the character but his contract apparently requires him to Armani-suit up for one more film. If he manages to wiggle out of that commitment, some commentators are already speculating about whether the producers might move the casting goalposts – significantly. Is it time, they ask, for Bond to be a person of colour, gay, or even a woman? Probably not unexpectedly, the issue has attracted as much robust discussion as a Republican presidential debate. Roger Moore, who played Bond in seven feature films, was unequivocal. Political correctness should not be pandered to, he was quoted as telling the Daily Mail. “I’ve heard people talk about how there should be a lady Bond or a gay Bond,” said the 88-year-old actor. “But they wouldn’t be Bond for the simple reason that wasn’t what Ian Fleming wrote… It is not about being homophobic or, for that matter, racist. It is simply about being true to the character." For Business Insider, this view is skating on the kind of thin ice that would make a perfect Bond action scene. Noting that Moore himself had been criticised for not being close enough to the original Fleming version – far too debonair – the website recalled fans’ protests when Craig was hired. “His hair was too blond!” So what has all this got to do with the Costa del Sol, apart from the fact that from today (Friday 6 November) we can catch the film at one of the Coast’s numerous plush cinemas? Well, as we have mentioned before, at least one “James Bond” has lived in Marbella, and who knows how many others have motored into town unobtrusively in their Aston Martin D89 GT for a weekend soirée or even a summer holiday in Puerto Banús, the southern European capital of tuxedos, dry martinis and long-legged blonde spies in jewel-encrusted evening gowns. Sean Connery moved on a few years ago after a tiff with Marbella’s infamous mayor Jesús Gil, but long-time residents still recall the splendour of his mansion on the beach near Banús (now converted into a luxury apartment complex) and the many rounds he played at Costa del Sol courses with his mates from the Los Bandidos golf society. Roger Moore was also a regular fiesta-goer at the Marbella Club during its golden era, and even reportedly honeymooned in Gibraltar (really!); while more recently Pierce Brosnan has been seen holidaying in the area. For home-seekers looking for a Hollywood lifestyle just a short stroll from Sean Connery’s former home, the apartment featured here is located in Puerto Banús’s most prestigious residential complex, Playas Del Duque. It looks out over 30,000 square metres of immaculately manicured gardens, has direct access to the beach, boutiques and marina, and is exceptionally well-priced at €1,050,000. Special Selections We appreciate your taking the time to read about this outstanding property, but perhaps it is not exactly right for you? If not, we invite you to have a look at our other special selections for: La Zagaleta, Luxury Villas, Golf Properties, Seafront Properties, Apartments and Special Offers. Click on the category of your choice and follow the link. Also please feel free to roam around our website: www.villamarbellanow.com.
Pictured above: Mexican actress Stephanie Sigman, who plays Estrella in the film, savours a Belvedere Spectre 007 Martini; and the Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition.