After 25 movies, the James Bond franchise has explored 007 in depth, but the character still retains an air of mystery, and one important detail has only popped up three times in over 60 years. There have been six actors who have played Bond over the years, each of whom has brought their own distinct style to the character.

Although a lot of people will know some of Bond’s most recognizable icons, like the suits, the martinis and the Aston Martins, it can be difficult to get a sense of who the character is on a deeper level at times. Only a few movies provide clues about Bond’s past or his real personality outside his job, if he has one.

As the James Bond franchise embarks on a new era, the characterization of 007 will be a key to establishing the tone. This is one reason why the casting of James Bond is so important, because the character can change so much depending on who gets the chance to play him. Casting could be an indication of the kind of Bond fans can expect.

Some movies examine aspects of Bond’s private life, but he’s the kind of character who keeps most people at arm’s length. This is partly because the nature of his work necessitates a level of anonymity and a lack of attachment. Still, there have been three movies that have shown a peek into one important aspect of Bond’s true nature.

Only 3 James Bond Movies Have Shown 007’s Actual Home

Bond’s Home Changes A Lot In Different Eras

Out of the 25 James Bond movies produced so far, only Dr. No, Live and Let Die and Spectre have actually allowed audiences a glimpse of where Bond lives. Others, like No Time to Die, have shown some temporary lodgings, but not his actual home. Mostly, Bond is on the move, jetting between exotic locations on the job.

In Dr. No, Bond arrives home to find Sylvia Trench getting in some golf practice in his bedroom. His apartment appears to be surprisingly lavish, with several large rooms adorned with statues and expensive-looking furniture. It’s the kind of home that reflects Bond’s love of the finer things in life.

Roger Moore was introduced as Bond in Live and Let Die, as M and Moneypenny visit his home while he hides an Italian spy in his bedroom. This version of Bond’s home is still upscale and comfortable, but it has a decidedly 1970s feel to it. The kitchen, with a coffee machine that M remarks upon, seems particularly dated now.

There was a 42-year stretch when the James Bond franchise didn’t show 007’s home at all, ending with Moneypenny’s visit to Bond’s flat in Spectre. This is a less luxurious apartment, giving off the impression of a cozy bachelor pad with paintings yet to be hung and boxes yet to be unpacked after he loses his old home in Skyfall.

Why The James Bond Movies Are So Reluctant To Show Bond’s Home

Bond Is Usually On The Move

There are reasons why the Bond franchise has avoided showing the main character’s home, and it’s not just because the narrative rarely calls for it. Of course, Bond movies take the spy all over the world, so there isn’t often much time to see him at home, but this is just one explanation.

Someone’s living space can reveal a lot about who they are, and the Bond franchise has preferred to maintain an aura of mystery around 007. Refusing to show his home means that the possibilities remain open, and it also underlines the fact that Bond is defined by his work more than his home life.

Bond is the rare kind of character whose home doesn’t matter too much. If the movies started showing more scenes from his domestic life, it would fundamentally change how audiences see him, no matter what his home looked like. He’s meant to be traveling the globe, making homes out of luxury H๏τel rooms wherever he can.

The Problem With Showing Where James Bond Lives

None Of Bond’s Homes In The Movies Seem Right

Showing Bond’s home means making a choice about how he might choose to live and sharing this with the audience. The problem is that Bond isn’t exactly a homebody, so it’s hard to design a home that seems like the right fit for him. Each of his three homes in the movies have their own problems.

Dr. No‘s home is too lavish, Live and Let Die‘s is too trendy and Spectre‘s is too shabby. While these choices are appropriate for the tone of Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig respectively, the apartment scenes still feel strangely out of place, and the homes don’t quite fit the character.

Ian Fleming described Bond’s home as a small but comfortable two-bedroom flat with a book-lined living room and a large desk overlooking a leafy square in London. None of the Bond movies have replicated this vision faithfully, but it’s not certain that this would be right for the character either.

Ultimately, Bond’s flat should probably stay hidden, since there’s little to be gained and a lot to be lost from showing it. For other characters, a look into their homes can be extremely revealing, but this isn’t something that’s needed for the James Bond franchise. Don’t expect the new movies to suddenly take an interest in 007’s private life either.