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Step inside some of Bermuda’s most beautiful homes

Date Posted: Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Author: Carra Maybury

Sprawling acres of open land, Persian rugs, and eclectic furnishings are only a few of the impressive possessions on display at Open Houses & Gardens 2007. The event, which begins tomorrow, lasts four weeks and offers visitors a unique opportunity to view some of Bermuda’s finest homes.

Each Wednesday afternoon three homeowners will throw open their doors and invite members of the public inside.“It’s a fun event enjoyed by many people. Many choose to take a day off work just to attend,” says Open Homes & Gardens Committee Chair, Diana Chudleigh.

This charitable event, which started in 1921, has grown each successive year. Last year more than 1,285 people took part, half of whom were visitors to the island.

Open House & Gardens is a chance to reconnect with the environment, while experiencing Bermuda’s hospitality at its best. Being welcomed into a private home is a rare occurrence and this is an opportunity to view some of Bermuda’s best-kept secrets up close and personal.  

Home owners open their doors to the public, allowing them to view historical architecture and natural beauty that makes their homes so unique. In addition, each home is skillfully decorated with local flowers and foliage.

Although many of the homes have been totally refurbished, adding a modern touch to historic architecture, the event enables locals and to see Bermuda as it once was.

All the homes have something special to offer and expert Garden Club members will be on hand to lead guided tours. Last year the committee raised $20,000, which was donated to Buy Back Bermuda, an organization that preserves Bermuda’s land, buildings, artifacts, and places of beauty and historical interest.

Scholarships are also awarded to individuals seeking financial aid who want to pursue study in horticulture, landscaping, floriculture, environmental studies and all related subject fields. In 2006 a sum of $31,000 was awarded to seven students who plan to return to Bermuda and put their newly learned skills into affect.

This week three houses in Pembroke will be opening their doors. Olympic Gardens, in Mill Shares Road, boasts a stunning formal garden, while paintings, prints and photographs are on display inside. Just a short walk away is Mill Shares, which takes its name from the grain mill that once stood nearby. Surrounded by three acres of land, it started life as a small farmer’s cottage. The third property is Alongside, which won The Bermudian 2006 Residential Award Design. The original cottage was almost completely rebuilt by local architect, Harold Conyers, to create a stunning home.

Attendees have their choice of viewing the homes any order. Most of them are within walking distance but comfortable shoes are recommended. For those not able to walk the full distance a shuttle is provided, although some houses are on lanes that can only be reached by foot. In previous years there were some problems with parking so this year there will be designated parking areas, which will be clearly marked, and volunteers will be present to direct traffic.  

Admission for adults $25. Season Tickets are $80 for all four weeks. If attending in a group of 15 or more admission is $20 per person.  

For more information contact Diana Chudleigh at 293-0128 or email dchudlei@logic.bm Visit Open House and Gardens website at www.gardenclubbermuda.org

Visit BNN's Photo Gallery for more photographs of the featured houses.

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