A former MI6 agent who might have been the inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond character lived in a modest cottage in Smeeth, which is now up for sale.

Peter Wilson, who died in 1984 aged 71, was friends with the 007 author - who once lived in St Margaret's Bay near Dover - and reportedly threw wild parties at Towers Cottage, inviting glamorous film stars.

But Mr Wilson, who ran the village store in Smeeth with a male friend for several years, also appreciated his home's remote location where he could enjoy a quiet private life.

After leaving British intelligence, Mr Wilson spent a short time working for Reuters before joining Sotheby's auction house in 1936.

He started as a furniture porter and progressed to the post of chairman, a position he held for 22 years.

In the late 1950s, Mr Wilson took New York by storm by selling seven impressionist paintings belonging to banker Jakob Goldschmidt.

It was to prove a record-breaker when a painting by Paul Cezanne sold for $220,000, more than seven times what any other work of art had sold for in Britain at the time.

After leaving Smeeth, Mr Wilson settled in France with his own art collection and lived there until his death.

Remaining with the art theme, the cottage is now being sold by two artists.

The detached mid-19th century elevated cottage is surrounded by grazing cattle and countryside that has remained untouched for generations.

It has been on the market for £365,000, but the owners are understood to be considering renting it instead.

The house is being marketed through Ashford-based Hobbs and Parker. Phone 01233 506212 for details.

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