The turquoise waters and lush landscapes of the Mediterranean seem a far cry from Brighton's bustling shopping centre.

So those shoppers might be a little surprised to see Roger Amerena's city pad.

Visitors to Montpellier Hall in Brighton are greeted by footman Alfredo Vazzano, sporting a Fez hat from Morocco.

Once inside the building, on Montpelier Road, guests are transported to a world of Turkish carpets, gilt mirrors and shuttered windows.

Owner Roger Amerena has dedicated 16 years to restoring the building, now a guest house, to its former glory. It is the last complete late Regency Italianate villa in the city.

Mr Amerena said: "Visitors walk through the front door and are struck by how unusual and grand the interior is. It has a colonial feel.

"The palm trees and shutters lend a Mediterranean ambience. Everything is original from the keys in the doors to the crank servant bell system. It is still gas-lit in the kitchen."

Rich hues of green and gold adorn the interior and Turkish carpets lie on the polished floorboards. The building boasts 17 original marble fireplaces.

On warm summer evenings, guests can while away the hours on the balcony.

Visitors can also lose themselves in the villa's 250ft walled garden with palms and a 100-year-old Mulberry tree.

Mr Amerena, who lives at Montpellier Hall, said: "When I first set eyes on the property I knew it needed protection. To lose such a sense of history would have been a shame.

"I am committed to preserving its original splendour."

Designed by Brighton architect A H Wilds and built in 1846, it has four floors, 22 rooms and even, allegedly, a ghost.

It was originally owned by Henry Smithers, the third mayor of Brighton, and later by Sir Joseph Ewart, three times mayor of Brighton.

Montpellier Hall is one of more than 20 unusual and historic buildings taking part in an Open Door event, organised by the Regency Town House charity, this weekend.

Last year's Open Door event, the first of its kind in the city, attracted thousands of visitors.

Many of the tours must be booked in advance.

For details of the Open Door 2001 event call 01273 206306 or for a list of participating buildings visit www.rth.org.uk