Villa Spies: A Retro-Futuristic Dream for Filmmakers

Perched on the rugged cliffs of Torö Island in Sweden’s stunning Stockholm archipelago, Villa Spies is a masterpiece of bold, futuristic design. Built in 1969 for Danish businessman and travel magnate Simon Spies, the villa combines architectural innovation with natural beauty. Designed by Swedish architect Staffan Berglund, it’s a structure that feels like something straight out of a sci-fi film—making it a dream location for filmmakers and location scouts seeking something truly unique.

A Bold Vision in Architecture

Villa Spies’ standout feature is its circular design, crowned with a self-supporting dome roof made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic. At the heart of the dome, a skylight floods the interior with natural light, creating a sense of openness and tranquility. The villa’s two-level layout integrates harmoniously with the rocky terrain, with the lower floor resembling a concrete bowl that grounds the structure in its surroundings.

Built in just three months, the villa’s construction was a marvel of its time. Prefabricated roof segments were light enough to be lifted into place by two people—no cranes required. This innovative approach set the tone for a home that was as much about ingenuity as it was about aesthetics.

High-Tech Living Ahead of Its Time

Step inside Villa Spies, and you’ll discover a home filled with forward-thinking features. One of its most iconic elements is a circular dining area that can be raised or lowered between the floors, offering breathtaking views under the dome or practical dining access in the kitchen below.

The villa also boasts electric window shading, customizable climate control, and lighting that can adapt to any mood. Even in the 1960s, Villa Spies was wired for the future, with advanced controls embedded in a sleek, modernist design. These features make it not only a marvel of design but also a versatile and visually compelling backdrop for filming.

Why Filmmakers Can Only Dream

As much as Villa Spies might seem like a perfect filming location, there’s a catch: the villa is not accessible for commercial use or filming. It remains privately owned by Simon Spies’ widow, Janni Spies, who has ensured the property is preserved in its original state. Since its completion in 1969, no renovations or expansions have been made, and the pop-art-inspired interior remains exactly as it was.

The villa is a personal and historical treasure, meticulously maintained to honor its unique legacy. This commitment to preservation means that Villa Spies is off-limits to outside productions, ensuring its timeless charm and exclusivity remain untouched.

A Unique Icon Frozen in Time

Villa Spies isn’t just a house—it’s a piece of architectural history frozen in time. While filmmakers and location scouts may never get the chance to use it as a backdrop, it still serves as a powerful source of inspiration. Its bold design, advanced technology, and stunning surroundings are a reminder of the endless possibilities when creativity meets ambition.

Although Villa Spies remains out of reach, it continues to capture the imagination of architects, designers, and filmmakers alike. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when vision and innovation come together—a true icon of its era. More reading http://www.bubblemania.fr/en/villa-spies-simon-danemark/