Hi,
I was in Nassau 3 weeks ago and went to take a look at Palmyra. Didn't have the nerve to ring the door bell, but took some exterior photos. It's a shame the owner won't renovate. Just a thought - Sean Connery lives not far from Palmyra, in Lyford Cay at the west end of the island. Wonder if he'd be interested in buying it and restoring it as a museum for his fans to enjoy. Probably not, but maybe it's worth asking if anyone knows how to contact him?.
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Maybe I will try writing to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (as suggested by someone in a previous post).
I would hate to see the place demolished to make way for condos!
While I was in Nassau I also went to the British Colonial Hilton Hotel (Never Say Never Again, 1983). I wanted to have a martini at the beach bar but a hurricane had destroyed it several years ago. Also the lobby has been remodelled and looks nothing like it did in the movie - don't know why I expected it to, after all it is 18 years since the movie was made! I did pose behind one of the columns near the staircase, pretending to be Fatima Blush - my husband thinks I'm a nutcase, but he goes along with my little fantasies - bless him! The Hilton does have a suite that is totally dedicated to Bond. I could not gain access as someone was staying in it at the time, but apparently it contains lots of memorabilia, artwork, movie photo's etc. Has anyone ever seen it? Maybe I will get inside there on my next visit.
I wanted to thank you for your post on Palmyra and the Sea Wall. Being a 00 fan (since 1997), I wanted to check out some of the sites Thunderball was filmed when I was planning my trip to the Bahamas for January 2012. While I was doing my research I saw an image of some of the pictures you took on Google images, and it took me to ajb007.com. I am grateful for your post. I used it to find film locations for Thunderball. I was able to get a great pic of me by the seawall by the Atlantis. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to check out the grounds of the Palmyra estate. The day I wanted to explore Palmyra there was a Marathon passing by Rock Point, and I could not drive there. To add to my frustration, I could not go back later as I was flying home that afternoon. Next time...
Thanks again,
Rich
PS What other film locations have you been to where Bond film were shot? I am going to plan a trip in the next few years to Schilthorn, Switzerland. I want to see Piz Gloria, the restaurant where they filmed a good portion of "Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Drove by the place only a year ago. It was good to see it was still there. Hope somebody figures a way to snag it. In the early 80's when I was working on SPLASH I got the chance to dive the caves where the nuclear bombs were stored. I don't think that's going anywhere soon at least.
I wanted to thank you for your post on Palmyra and the Sea Wall. Being a 00 fan (since 1997), I wanted to check out some of the sites Thunderball was filmed when I was planning my trip to the Bahamas for January 2012. While I was doing my research I saw an image of some of the pictures you took on Google images, and it took me to ajb007.com. I am grateful for your post. I used it to find film locations for Thunderball. I was able to get a great pic of me by the seawall by the Atlantis. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to check out the grounds of the Palmyra estate. The day I wanted to explore Palmyra there was a Marathon passing by Rock Point, and I could not drive there. To add to my frustration, I could not go back later as I was flying home that afternoon. Next time...
Thanks again,
Rich
PS What other film locations have you been to where Bond film were shot? I am going to plan a trip in the next few years to Schilthorn, Switzerland. I want to see Piz Gloria, the restaurant where they filmed a good portion of "Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Hey Rich, glad you liked my post. All because Broccoli and Saltzman hooked me at a very early age. That fascination led to Fleming's novels, again at a young age. Now I'm a full blown Bondphile. Wages of a misspent youth I'm afraid. I also wrote an article about my dive on the wreck of the Vulcan Bomber mock up. It's in the article section of this forum.
I have been to other film Bond film locations in New York, Gibralter, Paris, London. I've also visited Connery's home town, Edinburgh, Scotland and visited the famous Edinburgh castle there. I have been to Switzerland, but it was Geneva and La Chaux de Fonds, the watch making
capital. I do want to visit Piz Gloria though, so it is on my list.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
A group buy can snag it, it's a question of money and then getting a work crew of fans on site in Nassau to restore it to its former glory. Bond locations are disappearing - the jetty from the scuba swim is at Atlantis resort but it's $60 to $120 plus tax for a pass to get to the grounds!
A group buy can snag it, it's a question of money and then getting a work crew of fans on site in Nassau to restore it to its former glory. Bond locations are disappearing - the jetty from the scuba swim is at Atlantis resort but it's $60 to $120 plus tax for a pass to get to the grounds!
Yes, Rock Point (Palmyra) is in a dilapidated state and it amazes me to no end. I suppose I got lucky when I was given access and free run of the grounds. The first time I went to the sea wall, it was free access. The second time I went, access restricted. I seem to remember it having something to do with it being a potential hazard, but I could be wrong.
Apart from that, I don't like group travel. I prefer to explore on my own. I did a lot of er "exploring" when I was sailing in the Merchant Marine, what the Brits call the Merchant Navy.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I am off to Bahamas in September. Do you have to go through the Atlantis Resort to get to the steps used in the Thunderball film?
If you mean the steps by the sea wall, then the answer is yes.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
There are over 35 Bond locations in Nassau/Providence Island. You're going to pay a lot of money to go see those steps. Visit the One and Only Ocean Club instead.
Yeah, it's unfortunate that Rock Point (Palmyra) has fallen into disrepair. It is in serious need of TLC. For all the owner's apparent wealth, I never understood why it is so dilapidated, at least the grounds anyway. Although I love all of Connery's Bond movies, Thunderball is very special. To me it was the absolute peak of Bond. OHMSS brought Bond back after YOLT, but of course it did not have Connery. So, to me, Thunderball was the peak and Nassau/Paradise Island was where a good deal of it was filmed.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
The land that Palmyra sits on is likely worth a fortune for hotel/condo developers. When it changes hands, I can't imagine it being a single private property again. It will be bull-dozed and gone forever. The family claim to be very attached to it, but considering that they're not short of money and yet it's falling apart around them, I strongly suspect they're just waiting for the right offer...the right mega offer.
The land that Palmyra sits on is likely worth a fortune for hotel/condo developers. When it changes hands, I can't imagine it being a single private property again. It will be bull-dozed and gone forever. The family claim to be very attached to it, but considering that they're not short of money and yet it's falling apart around them, I strongly suspect they're just waiting for the right offer...the right mega offer.
Not so. I have the owner's phone number and have brought several tour groups through with his express permission and am bringing a group there when we cruise in March (hint-hint).
It's owned by a widower, one of the biggest island developers, the property will stay with his company upon his passing, to be turned into a newer condo space with a few units.
I still would like to see it become a museum/attraction but get in while you can with me!
Interesting indeed, one of the main reasons I resurrected this thread was simply due to the fact my missus is planning next years vacation well in advance and we will no doubt end up in Florida yet again etc. I think I will use the opportunity to visit Nassau and do the usual Bond stuff hence was researching all the bits and I remembered this great thread!!!!
I must agree Thunderball is prob also my fave 007 flick, everything is so damn exotic and has all the magic Bond ingredients (inc the best ladies!) Prob why I love the first half of Casino Royale also when they revisit!!!
Although the estate is now degrading and run down etc its still very cool to still see it in practically its original form, you would expect most places to have been heavily modified etc over the years and then left to crumble!!
Interesting indeed, one of the main reasons I resurrected this thread was simply due to the fact my missus is planning next years vacation well in advance and we will no doubt end up in Florida yet again etc. I think I will use the opportunity to visit Nassau and do the usual Bond stuff hence was researching all the bits and I remembered this great thread!!!!
I must agree Thunderball is prob also my fave 007 flick, everything is so damn exotic and has all the magic Bond ingredients (inc the best ladies!) Prob why I love the first half of Casino Royale also when they revisit!!!
Although the estate is now degrading and run down etc its still very cool to still see it in practically its original form, you would expect most places to have been heavily modified etc over the years and then left to crumble!!
Well, be sure to look me up when coming to Florida, OO7, to visit me and another local collector with screen used props, rare books, toys, autographs, etc, etc.
Its interesting reading through this thread. I stumbled across it a couple years ago doing some research on the original history of Rock Point before my grandfather George Mosko purchased it. I made an account back in 2013, but never used it until now. I was actually trying to do some research on a mural that is in the pool house on the property. I am working with a local very talented artist to restore it. Contrary to popular belief, we will not be tearing down the house. In fact it is quite the opposite. At some point Rock Point will hopefully be restored to its former glory in the following years. My grandfather really does love the house, but he didn't like to spend money on the outside of a house that got battered every single year by hurricanes. Having to shovel the sand out of your living room after every hurricane is no fun. Dont let the outside fool you, until a couple years ago the inside was a lot nicer than the outside would lead you to believe. Until some criminals decided to try burn it down. But Rock point is a tough old girl and shook it off. The Abaco pine lining the attic doesn't burn so well, and almost everything nice was salvaged. There is a lot of cypress hand carved stuff throughout the house and its all in good shape. While the house does need a lot of work, there are zero plans to tear it down. My grandfather enjoyed every square inch of that property, gathering welks and curbs on the rocks, walking the beach, Having family get functions, or watching the sunset with my grandmother when she was still alive. He was robbed at gunpoint multiple times in that house, and still wouldn't move at 80. There is still a bullet hole in the front door window from the last robbery from my grandfathers gun where he fought with the robber. also my grandfathers original profession was a master carpenter. most prominent families in Nassau have mahogany furniture made by him in their dining rooms. The huge table in govt house was made by him. There is even a piece currently in one of the royal palaces in Britain made by him. His full name was originally George James Moskovakis, he later shortened it to Mosko. It is now George James Mosko OBE. He didnt really have a problem with people asking to see the property, but there were a lot of people who would just tresspass anyway. people would just come wandering through the pool deck like it was nothing. I was raised in the house from a small child, and have many enjoyable memories there right through my adult life, as do the rest of my family. It is an amazing house, and when it was built no expense was spared, everything was bespoke.
I can promise you that Palmyra will live on, it may not happen right away, but it will never be torn down. or sold
What an interesting story, bundles78. I'm glad to hear that the house won't be torn down, but I'm so sorry to hear about all the trouble your family has had. Hurricanes I can expect, but criminal activity is sad. Is it possible to build some sort of protection around the house? And my grandfather was also a carpenter who made mahogany furniture, so that's very nice to know.
George, that is great news and it feels like you have given the Bond community a great Xmas present, to lose such an iconic location would have been terrible. I would love to see the place restored to it's former glory. {[]
Marvelous news, Mr. Mosko! With your grandfather's kind permission, I've brought several groups to enjoy the property over the years. We'd been told the plans were to take this beautiful promontory and beach and build new condos. Again, just in the last few weeks, several people asked me what were the plans for the site, so this is welcome news indeed to all Bond fans and fans of beautiful, historic New Providence. Thank you for sharing!
The members here at AJB are among the most knowledgeable Bond fans in the world. Some here have connections to the Bond movie folks and the heirs of Ian Fleming. In addition to supporting the Salvation Army, a cause near to your grandfather's heart, I'd previously offered to Mr. Mosko help from the Ian Fleming Foundation in restoring the home and/or advising on specifications to make everything just like it was during filming in 1965 (if that is desired).
Please know AJB and IFF and others are happy to help. Let me please say thank you again for marvelous hospitality for my visiting tour groups over the years. Particularly on my Bond trips visiting the Bahamas, many of the attendees present love Thunderball above all and it has been a literal dream come true to visit Rock Point. Please count on me and the folks here if you require any details, history, etc. or want to get in touch with Luciana Paluzzi and the actors and technical crew who were present during the Thunderball shoot to say hello, answer questions or help guide your restoration planning.
This is a great thread . I make a trip to Nassau each Easter usually and we are there again for a couple of days on a cruise. We have done a number of the bond sites on our travels.
Last year we were looking for where the Connery steps are and couldn't work out where and whether it possible to see them and also the largo villa.
Does anyone know who has been recently .
Last year we did the ocean club .
Any tips for other places we can easily get to on a day trip.
I have my White Bahamas shirt from casino ready for the occasion
This is a great thread . I make a trip to Nassau each Easter usually and we are there again for a couple of days on a cruise. We have done a number of the bond sites on our travels.
Last year we were looking for where the Connery steps are and couldn't work out where and whether it possible to see them and also the largo villa.
Does anyone know who has been recently .
Last year we did the ocean club .
Any tips for other places we can easily get to on a day trip.
I have my White Bahamas shirt from casino ready for the occasion
I have not been there recently, but Palmyra is the Largo villa and in real life it is called Rock Point. It is located on the main drag and can be easily seen. As for the steps and the sea wall, that is located on Paradise Island on the the Atlantis Resort grounds if it is still there. I certainly hope it is still there, it would be ashame to destroy it. The little bridge is long gone.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Comments
I was in Nassau 3 weeks ago and went to take a look at Palmyra. Didn't have the nerve to ring the door bell, but took some exterior photos. It's a shame the owner won't renovate. Just a thought - Sean Connery lives not far from Palmyra, in Lyford Cay at the west end of the island. Wonder if he'd be interested in buying it and restoring it as a museum for his fans to enjoy. Probably not, but maybe it's worth asking if anyone knows how to contact him?.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I would hate to see the place demolished to make way for condos!
While I was in Nassau I also went to the British Colonial Hilton Hotel (Never Say Never Again, 1983). I wanted to have a martini at the beach bar but a hurricane had destroyed it several years ago. Also the lobby has been remodelled and looks nothing like it did in the movie - don't know why I expected it to, after all it is 18 years since the movie was made! I did pose behind one of the columns near the staircase, pretending to be Fatima Blush - my husband thinks I'm a nutcase, but he goes along with my little fantasies - bless him! The Hilton does have a suite that is totally dedicated to Bond. I could not gain access as someone was staying in it at the time, but apparently it contains lots of memorabilia, artwork, movie photo's etc. Has anyone ever seen it? Maybe I will get inside there on my next visit.
-{
I wanted to thank you for your post on Palmyra and the Sea Wall. Being a 00 fan (since 1997), I wanted to check out some of the sites Thunderball was filmed when I was planning my trip to the Bahamas for January 2012. While I was doing my research I saw an image of some of the pictures you took on Google images, and it took me to ajb007.com. I am grateful for your post. I used it to find film locations for Thunderball. I was able to get a great pic of me by the seawall by the Atlantis. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to check out the grounds of the Palmyra estate. The day I wanted to explore Palmyra there was a Marathon passing by Rock Point, and I could not drive there. To add to my frustration, I could not go back later as I was flying home that afternoon. Next time...
Thanks again,
Rich
PS What other film locations have you been to where Bond film were shot? I am going to plan a trip in the next few years to Schilthorn, Switzerland. I want to see Piz Gloria, the restaurant where they filmed a good portion of "Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Hey Rich, glad you liked my post. All because Broccoli and Saltzman hooked me at a very early age. That fascination led to Fleming's novels, again at a young age. Now I'm a full blown Bondphile. Wages of a misspent youth I'm afraid. I also wrote an article about my dive on the wreck of the Vulcan Bomber mock up. It's in the article section of this forum.
I have been to other film Bond film locations in New York, Gibralter, Paris, London. I've also visited Connery's home town, Edinburgh, Scotland and visited the famous Edinburgh castle there. I have been to Switzerland, but it was Geneva and La Chaux de Fonds, the watch making
capital. I do want to visit Piz Gloria though, so it is on my list.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Yes, Rock Point (Palmyra) is in a dilapidated state and it amazes me to no end. I suppose I got lucky when I was given access and free run of the grounds. The first time I went to the sea wall, it was free access. The second time I went, access restricted. I seem to remember it having something to do with it being a potential hazard, but I could be wrong.
Apart from that, I don't like group travel. I prefer to explore on my own. I did a lot of er "exploring" when I was sailing in the Merchant Marine, what the Brits call the Merchant Navy.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
If you mean the steps by the sea wall, then the answer is yes.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Anyone who scuba dives MUST dive down to the Tears of Allah, but more importantly the remains of the Vulcan bomber from TB.
Yes, drinks at the Library of the one and only (ocean Club), specifically a Mont Gay and Soda, awesome drink!
What is the deal to get into the ocean club?
EON want to splash some cash and buy Palmyra!!!
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Not so. I have the owner's phone number and have brought several tour groups through with his express permission and am bringing a group there when we cruise in March (hint-hint).
It's owned by a widower, one of the biggest island developers, the property will stay with his company upon his passing, to be turned into a newer condo space with a few units.
I still would like to see it become a museum/attraction but get in while you can with me!
I must agree Thunderball is prob also my fave 007 flick, everything is so damn exotic and has all the magic Bond ingredients (inc the best ladies!) Prob why I love the first half of Casino Royale also when they revisit!!!
Although the estate is now degrading and run down etc its still very cool to still see it in practically its original form, you would expect most places to have been heavily modified etc over the years and then left to crumble!!
Well, be sure to look me up when coming to Florida, OO7, to visit me and another local collector with screen used props, rare books, toys, autographs, etc, etc.
I can promise you that Palmyra will live on, it may not happen right away, but it will never be torn down. or sold
Regards
George Mosko
www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
The members here at AJB are among the most knowledgeable Bond fans in the world. Some here have connections to the Bond movie folks and the heirs of Ian Fleming. In addition to supporting the Salvation Army, a cause near to your grandfather's heart, I'd previously offered to Mr. Mosko help from the Ian Fleming Foundation in restoring the home and/or advising on specifications to make everything just like it was during filming in 1965 (if that is desired).
Please know AJB and IFF and others are happy to help. Let me please say thank you again for marvelous hospitality for my visiting tour groups over the years. Particularly on my Bond trips visiting the Bahamas, many of the attendees present love Thunderball above all and it has been a literal dream come true to visit Rock Point. Please count on me and the folks here if you require any details, history, etc. or want to get in touch with Luciana Paluzzi and the actors and technical crew who were present during the Thunderball shoot to say hello, answer questions or help guide your restoration planning.
Thank you again!
Last year we were looking for where the Connery steps are and couldn't work out where and whether it possible to see them and also the largo villa.
Does anyone know who has been recently .
Last year we did the ocean club .
Any tips for other places we can easily get to on a day trip.
I have my White Bahamas shirt from casino ready for the occasion
I have not been there recently, but Palmyra is the Largo villa and in real life it is called Rock Point. It is located on the main drag and can be easily seen. As for the steps and the sea wall, that is located on Paradise Island on the the Atlantis Resort grounds if it is still there. I certainly hope it is still there, it would be ashame to destroy it. The little bridge is long gone.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.