20 Things You Didn't Know About Licence To Kill (1989)

15. Mi Casa Es Tu Casa

James Bond Timothy Dalton Carey Lowell Pam Bouvier Licence To Kill
MGM/UA

Franz Sanchez’s luxurious home was represented by the Villa Arabesque in Acapulco de Juárez, Mexico.

Finished in alabaster with a distinctly nautical theme, the dream house was an ideal home for a Bond villain, representing Sanchez's megalomania, as well as his lust for beauty and fineness in the best tradition of Bond’s colourful array of adversaries.

Built between 1978 and 1982 by architect, Aurelio Muñoz Castillo for Baron Enrico di Portanova, the property’s surreal waterfall, funicular railway, and private helipad - all great traits for a Bond villain’s lair - were all actual features of the property.

Being good friends of the Baron and his wife, Baroness Alessandra di Portanova, producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and his wife, Dana, stayed at the property during filming in Acapulco, before the production returned to Mexico City. The Baron is thanked during the film's end credits for lending the property to the production.

A lavish Bond location, the Villa Arabesque was once a key party location in Acapulco, but was sold following the Baron's death in 2000.

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