That doesn't mar the view from Wohlford's home, which overlooks Thunderball Grotto, a snorkeler's paradise (see box).

FORBES: Blackbeard's Beach

It's been 47 years since a James Bond film last won an Oscar, when Thunderball won for best special effects.

BBC: Reporter's log: Oscars 2013

Black, who worked with the composer on his Born Free, Thunderball and Diamonds are Forever theme songs, said Barry remained unaffected by his international success.

BBC: Bond composer John Barry dies aged 77

The filming in the Highlands in February reportedly involved a car chase featuring Aston Martin DB5s - the same car driven by Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball.

BBC: Highlands & Islands

While "Dr. No" may have introduced Bond to the big screen, it was the spiraling success of Sean Connery's subsequent films "From Russia With Love, " "Goldfinger, " and "Thunderball" -- each tapping into the mid-'60s appetite for taut espionage-themed thrillers -- that transformed him into a universally recognized icon of popular culture.

CNN: James Bond: The world's favorite spy