Villa La Gaeta on Lake Como, where the finale of 007: Casino Royale was filmed

"007: Casino Royale" ends with the most iconic line of all James Bond's films: "The name's Bond. James Bond". And the setting of the first Daniel Craig interpretation of the English spy was no less iconic: Villa La Gaeta on Lake Como is a private estate on the western shore of the lake, in the municipality of San Siro (Acquaseria). Let's dive into the history of this architectural treasure.

Villa La Gaeta's history

The origins of the villa date back to the early 20th century. Built upon the foundations of a more modest 19th-century residence formerly owned by the Ambrosoli family, the new owners commissioned renowned Florentine architects Gino and Adolfo Coppedè to design a new home. Completed in 1921, the estate instantly became one of Lake Como's most beautiful estates.

Later acquired by the Count Gerli family in the 1940s, the villa features a centuries-old park filled with Lebanon cedars, cypresses, and plane trees shading the private shoreline and harbor.

Today, the villa is divided into exclusive, high-end private apartments. It cannot be visited by tourists, but if you're willing to buy a part of its endless charm, one of the apartments is now on sale.

The setting for a cinema legend: 007: Casino Royale

Villa La Gaeta became worldwide famous thanks to 007: Casino Royale. The estate served as the backdrop for the finale of the 2006 blockbuster: the villa plays the private lakeside retreat of the antagonist, Mr. White. Standing on the grand stone staircase leading up to the main entrance, Daniel Craig (in his debut performance as James Bond) delivers the iconic line that defined the franchise: "The name's Bond. James Bond".

Alongside with Villa La Gaeta, the film starred other Lake Como's estates, such as Villa del Balbaniello, that was used as Bond's retreat after Le Chiffre's ordeal.

Discover the historic villas of Lake Como with Como Boat Charter

Whether you are seeking inspiration for your next lakeside residence or wishing to immerse yourself in an afternoon of pure relaxation, Como Yachting invites you to experience the wonders of Lake Como from its most privileged perspective: the water.

For true 007 aficionados, we craft exclusive, tailor‑made tours of Lake Como, retracing the footsteps of Casino Royale with unparalleled privacy and elegance. From private yacht transfers and guided visits to Villa del Balbianello to lakeside views of Villa La Gaeta or even a full day experience of lake Como's villas, each itinerary is enriched with curated storytelling from your captain, cinematic anecdotes, and indulgent touches such as champagne served at sunset. An unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the world of Bond, with style worthy of the secret agent himself, on an unforgettable Venetian Limousine Water Taxi.