THE ICONIC 007 BOND RETREAT: A MASTERPIECE OF DESIGN AND HISTORY BY O'NEIL FORD
The Lake Travis Bond House: A Masterpiece of Design and History

Nestled high above Lake Travis, the iconic residence known as "The Bond House" is a testament to the exquisite architectural innovation of O'Neil Ford and the creative vision of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Built in 1962 and reimagined by Dick Clark and David Dalgleish in 1999, this home represents a seamless blend of historical charm and modern luxury. Situated on just under 4 acres, this private sanctuary offers stunning panoramic views of the lake, accessible by a dedicated tram leading to a private boat dock.

Ford, celebrated for integrating modernism with Southwest pioneer styles, designed the home with a focus on straightforward craftsmanship, utilizing materials that endure the Texas heat while harmonizing with the natural surroundings. The property includes a solarium pool, four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a great room with pitched ceilings, and a tranquil courtyard with a waterfall. Additionally, a walking trail surrounds the home, enhancing the sense of seclusion and connection with nature.

Ford's design emphasizes practicality and respect for local traditions, seen in features like the hand-laid brick that complements the natural landscape. Appointed to the National Council on the Arts and honored as a National Historic Landmark, Ford's work on this home captures his ethos of authenticity and function. Robert Rodriguez, who dubbed it "The Bond House," found it reminiscent of the sophisticated ambiance and international allure of the 1960s Sean Connery James Bond films, admiring its style and era-specific design.

The house served as both a writing oasis and a hidden retreat where Robert Rodriguez could unwind after busy filming schedules, enjoying the secluded pool area and lake breezes. "Driving just 15 miles from my studio to the Bond House, I'd start my weekend feeling like I was in another country," Rodriguez recalls. It's the shortest distance you can get from central Austin to Lake Travis. I'd go right through the great room with its pitched ceilings to the shaded and enclosed pool area, feeling that amazing lake breeze and watching the sunset while sipping a shot glass of tequila. I would instantly feel like I was in another country, and completing the most relaxed weekend, even though it was just beginning.

Private and gated, The Bond House is the ultimate Bond-style retreat, and a piece of architectural and cultural history steeped in the legacies of two Texas luminaries, ideal for those who value heritage, design, privacy, and architectural integrity.