Perfect place for indiscretions

The four pavilions at Hampton Court were originally built as romping grounds for courtiers. They had a party room upstairs, servants' quarters downstairs and enough space separating them from the palace to allow indiscretions to go unnoticed. Three pavilions were destroyed during Queen Victoria's reign, but the fourth was saved and converted into a grace and favour residence.

The Pavilion, which is listed Grade I, was built by Sir Christopher Wren for William III. It still has original panelling and its oak doors display the royal monogram. On one side it overlooks the Thames and on the other its windows look out across landscaped gardens towards Hampton Court Palace.

Now the Crown has sold The Pavilion through Knight Frank & Rutley on a 50-year lease to a business man. Such is the location's sensitivity that he had to pass security clearance as well as finding pounds 1.45million.