More than 20 years ago, filmmaker Robert Rodriguez had an idea for a movie about two children who become spies to save their parents. Now, brokers are trying to sell the house that inspired “Spy Kids” — and they’re emphasizing its celebrity connection to attract buyers.

The $8.9 million lakefront property overlooks Lake Travis, a reservoir about 20 miles outside Austin, Texas. Situated on nearly 4 acres, the “private sanctuary” includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a solarium pool, lake access and a walking trail, according to a listing shared by Christie’s International Real Estate.

Because of its owner, listing agents Dara Allen and Monica Fabbio have privately listed the house, keeping it off the online multiple listing services brokers use to list and find houses. Instead, they’re relying on the property’s connections to fame, both in Hollywood and the architecture world.

“I work with a lot of celebrities that I can't talk about" because she's under nondisclosure agreements, Allen said in an interview. But Rodriguez asked how they would reach buyers, and Allen said she replied: "We have to tell them it's your house.”

Allen said that’s a common practice in Los Angeles, where she previously worked, and a necessary approach to take in Austin.

“There are enough people here, that that's going to be important,” she said.

Part of that marketing tactic is a website for the listing that includes photos, descriptions of the property, and a statement from Rodriguez crediting the “secluded retreat” as “a source of inspiration for films like ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ and ‘Spy Kids.’”

In the statement, Rodriguez said the house “holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it brings as much joy and inspiration to its next owner as it has to me. He nicknamed the house "The Bond House" because it reminded him of the aesthetic of a James Bond movie.

Beyond its filmmaking owner, the property, completed in 1962, also has a unique architectural background, agents said.

It was designed by O’Neil Ford, an architect recognized by the National Council on the Arts as a National Historical Landmark, according to The Cultural Landscape Foundation. Ford is known for designing Trinity University in the 1940s as well as residential commissions in Texas.

The house was reimagined in 1999, but its original historical features remain intact, according to brokers.

“There are two homes under the main roof, and then you've got that solarium pool, which is incredibly beautiful, hard to come by,” Allen said. “You don't see that very often, and it's probably one of the most peaceful places you've ever been in.”

Another strategy used by brokers: a team approach. When Allen was asked to list the property, she knew she’d be more successful with a partner, so she enlisted Fabbio’s help.

“Two heads, in my opinion, with properties with celebrities are always better than one,” according to Allen. “You get a lot more marketing bang for your buck, and Monica and I are a really good team that way.”

Now, the duo is looking to find a buyer who wants a second house in a desirable location, especially because Austin “doesn’t have a lot of necessarily destination places,” Allen said. That buyer will likely be someone who can pay in cash.

“It's really set up for somebody who comes in to enjoy the property, have guests over where they're not underfoot at all times; they can go to their room and have their peace and quiet and have the beauty and all that,” Allen said. “The other good news — this place, 4 acres, there is way more room to build more structure. So, somebody could easily come in and add pickleball courts or tennis. Whatever they want to do, right?”