Doctor Bruce Cole sighs every time he passes Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton.

He reckons the developers missed a glorious opportunity when building the £90 million mall.

For Dr Cole owns a mini version of the world-famous Royal Pavilion just two minutes' walk from Churchill Square.

The hugely-popular retail complex has been criticised for looking like any other modern shopping centre in Britain.

Dr Cole firmly believes it could have benefited from a touch of eastern promise, just like his own des res, complete with domes and other oriental features.

The GP was talked into buying the Western Pavilion, a grade II listed cream-coloured building off Western Road, in 1983 by his wife, Yvonne.

They swapped their Georgian home in Caterham, Surrey, for the magnificent seaside folly with the man who had just renovated it.

He said: "At first I didn't think it was a practical house to live in. But on reflection, my wife was right, and I am now very fond of the place."

The Western Pavilion, designed by Amon Henry Wilds, boasts round rooms, and a narrow spiral staircase, just wide enough for one person, up to the dome, which houses a bathroom.

Dr Cole uses the two downstairs rooms as his surgery.

But the spectacular exterior hides a multitude of architectural sins.

Dr Cole has spent tens of thousands of pounds keeping the building in good order, with damp the major problem.

Despite inquiries, he has received no financial help from either Brighton and Hove Council, or English Heritage.

"It has been a costly expense trying to maintain the building, and we have had to do it on our own."

But his patients certainly appreciate the effort. "Most people, when they first see it, simply say 'wow'."