Sean Connery wasn’t just the first James Bond—he was the definitive one. Knighted in 2000 and named “Sexiest Man of the Century” by People magazine in 1999, the Scottish-born star brought wit, strength, and sophistication to the screen. With a career that spanned decades and earned him an Oscar, multiple Golden Globes, and fans worldwide, Connery also lived as boldly off-screen as he did on it. Sadly, he died in 2020 but his many movies live on.
Now, one of his most iconic residences is up for sale: a $26.4 million mansion perched above the Mediterranean in the South of France. Locals still call it “Sean’s place,” and fans may recognize its elegant terraces and cliffside views from scenes in Never Say Never Again, filmed in nearby Nice and Monaco. Tucked away behind private gates, the home stands as a stunning example of 1920s French architecture, covered in wisteria vines and offering sweeping views of the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Port.
Set over an acre, the five-level stone villa includes an elevator, a rooftop terrace, and five bedrooms with en-suite baths. The grand entrance opens to floor-to-ceiling windows with dramatic sea and mountain views, while parquet floors and period details run throughout. Other features include a family room, kitchenette, dining room, and kitchen that opens to a garden terrace. The master suite offers his and her bathrooms, a dressing room, and a private balcony. On the lowest level, a fitness complex with a gym and indoor pool opens directly to the gardens—perfect for a Bond-worthy retreat.
Photo Credit: Knight-Frank
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
Side Entry
This image shows a quieter angle of the villa’s entryway, lined with smooth stone and finished with cream-colored stucco. Lush planters flank the gentle stairs leading up to a sheltered door, with vines still climbing the exterior walls. A pair of classic lanterns in brushed steel rest on the windowsill, adding a subtle nod to old-world charm. The wide cobblestone path continues toward a two-car garage, bordered by a tall rock wall draped in flowering greenery. Everything about this space feels tidy, secluded, and full of understated grace.
Coastal Stairs
This path leads down the terraced estate, offering one of the most postcard-perfect views on the property. Stone stairs curve alongside manicured flower beds and tall cypress trees, all opening to a scene that stretches from the cliff’s edge to the blue horizon. The house rises behind it in elegant symmetry, with wisteria vines and bright shutters completing its classic French Riviera style. Every step down this walkway invites a pause—and a deep breath of sea air.
Hillside Garden
Here, the estate’s green hillside garden runs parallel to the cliff, providing a long, shaded path for peaceful walks. Towering palms and mature evergreens offer privacy and cooling shade, while the crisp lawn and flowering plants keep the space bright and alive. At the path’s edge, a curved stone wall separates the greenery from the open sea below, with a glimpse of the curved outdoor pool nestled further down the slope. It’s a rare kind of natural luxury—where every step offers a view.
Seaside Pool
Framed by natural rock and ornate wrought iron gates, this round pool looks like something from a Mediterranean fairytale. The turquoise water glistens in the sunlight, mirroring the endless blue sea behind it. Beyond the gates, the curved railing traces the cliff’s edge and gives a full, uninterrupted view of the harbor and hillsides of Nice. It’s bold yet serene—exactly what you’d expect from a villa once owned by James Bond himself.
Indoor Pool
The indoor swimming pool is sleek, modern, and absolutely stunning. Clean lines and white columns frame the crystal-clear water, while full-height windows run the length of the room, flooding it with sunlight. From inside the pool, swimmers can look straight out to the sea below—a rare and luxurious blend of indoor comfort and outdoor splendor. A sitting area and billiards table lie just beyond, making this entire level feel like a private spa retreat.
Entry Hall
This hallway shows off the villa’s rich character, starting with the beautifully detailed wrought iron elevator—an original feature that nods to the home’s 1920s roots. The marble floors are polished and elegant, with subtle peach inlays that lead the eye toward the arches and doors beyond. A curved staircase with carved iron balusters and a wooden rail adds a layer of drama without feeling too formal. It’s both stately and warm—much like Connery himself.
Living Room
The main living room is a showcase of light and air. Wide-plank wooden floors stretch across the open space, while five large windows and doors pull in the incredible coastline just outside. A grand piano sits in one corner, with modern and antique furniture arranged to enjoy the views. Whether it’s for entertaining or simply relaxing, this room is all about openness, natural light, and connection to the sea.
Family Room
This room feels like a hidden den made for downtime. Deep, striped couches, a flat-screen TV, and soft lighting create a calm space for watching movies or reading. The walls are painted a soft gray, giving the room a quiet elegance, while an arched window lets in just enough light from the outside. It’s relaxed, comfortable, and lived-in—a contrast to the grandeur found elsewhere in the home.
Primary Bedroom
This primary bedroom suite blends luxury and simplicity with wide-plank floors, soft neutral tones, and sweeping sea views from multiple windows. The room is oversized, with enough space for both a full seating area and a small crib, making it as functional as it is elegant. Light floods the space thanks to tall curtains and unblocked windows, while modern recessed lights and minimal decor keep the focus on comfort and natural beauty.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom adds a dramatic flair with wide, vertical charcoal stripes on the walls and vintage-inspired double sinks. Two round mirrors and sculpted gold sconces flank the vanities, while a classic marble table in the center offers both function and style. A window near the dressing counter brings in natural light and offers a view out to the harbor—proof that even a daily routine feels indulgent in this home.
Private Gym
This fully equipped fitness room is bright, open, and thoughtfully designed. Exercise machines line up along the large windows, giving full views of the sea while you run, row, or bike. Light wood flooring and modern ceiling ducts give the space a sleek, high-end feel that matches the rest of the home’s contemporary updates.
Dining Terrace
This outdoor dining terrace is shaded by mature trees and overlooks a burst of colorful garden planters. A long table with ample seating makes this a perfect spot for summer lunches or evening dinners, with views stretching toward the sea and nearby mountains. A large umbrella provides shade, and a built-in grill hints at casual outdoor entertaining with serious style.
Driveway
One of the most charming paths on the estate, this winding cobblestone driveway is framed by thick trees and tall palms. As it curves toward the water, the view opens up to show the marina and lighthouse in the distance, all bathed in golden sunlight. With hedges, ivy, and manicured beds, it’s as much a garden walk as it is a functional drive.
Sunset Views
The final view is pure magic. The sun sets over calm water, casting orange and lavender tones across the sky and reflecting off the sea’s surface. You can just make out the curve of the cliff and the villa’s iconic pool nestled into the rocks. It’s a quiet, stunning moment—the perfect Bond ending to a day in paradise.
Photo Credit: Knight-Frank
Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com
