Beckham buffer zone

As one of the world's most publicity-conscious couples, David and Victoria Beckham are well used to being stared at wherever they go.

But when it comes to their English mansion, they will do - and pay - anything to avoid prying eyes.

The couple have forked out £500,000 just to get their hands on a pasture worth just £100,000 adjoining Beckingham Palace in Hertfordshire.

It has now been fitted with security cameras and night lights to keep the public away. And to the dismay of neighbours who used to have an open view, the field is now guarded by a 10ft barbed-wire-rimmed metal fence and two padlocked gates.

The Beckhams took exception after the 30-acre field backing on to their property began to be used by hikers, who soon realised that it offered a unique opportunity to look into the England football captain's garden.

So when the offending land went up for sale nine months ago, the couple were quick to snap it up - even though it meant buying the £1.75million seven-bedroom house that came with it. Now, after spending a further £50,000 on security, they have accepted an offer of £1.3m for the house - minus the land, which is classed as green belt and cannot be built on. It is part of a historic park once owned by Henry VIII.

'David and Victoria couldn't believe their luck when the house came up for sale,' said a source. 'For years they have been plagued by nosy parkers. They believe that land is worth every penny - they feel like they've got their privacy back.'

News of the property deal emerges amid speculation that the troubled couple might be planning to return to England.

The Daily Mail revealed on Saturday how the couple both remain unhappy in Spain, where Beckham plays for Real Madrid, and yesterday Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was said to have plans to bring him back to London.

Whether the couple will do anything else with their new land remains to be seen. The current garden - which is 24 acres - contains a full-size football pitch, golf course, Buddhist shrine, rugby posts, swimming pool, replica ruined castle, playground and trampoline.

Since moving into Beckingham Palace in 1999, the couple have bought the gatehouse and two adjacent bungalows for staff use. As well as a Spanish mansion they also have a huge holiday home on the Cote d'Azur.