An architectural gem has been restored to its 18th century splendour in the "most significant renovation project" in the Bermuda National Trust's history.

Tomorrow the organisation opens the doors to Palmetto House after almost two years of painstaking renovations.

Described as "one of our most significant historic properties", the building dates from the early 18th century and is considered an outstanding example of early Bermudian architecture.

The $1 million restoration of the Devonshire property was funded by the sale of a 1950s cottage in Somerset, bequeathed to the Trust by the late Marjorie Jackson.

The Trust has described the work as "the most significant renovation project in the Trust's 40-year history".

Bermuda National Trust executive director Jennifer Gray said: "It is probably the biggest project the National Trust has taken on in its 40 years, because of the size of the building and the number of years it was not in our hands for daily renovation and restoration."

The cruciform stone house was originally built around 1700 by William Williams, a descendant of Captain William Williams who bought the land in 1650.

The last member of the family to own the property was Benjamin Williams, an overseer of the roads, church warden, choirmaster and organist at Devonshire Church.

Palmetto House was appropriated by the War Department for inclusion in the Prospect Garrison and in 1868 was taken for single officers' quarters. It later became the club house for the Garrison Golf Course but deteriorated over the following decades.

In 1948 Historical Monuments Trust founder Hereward Watlington acquired a lease out of concern at the property's rundown condition.

He spent the next few years restoring it, undoing the military's alterations and facilitating replacement fittings from other properties on the Island.

Palmetto House came into the ownership of the newly-formed Bermuda National Trust in 1970. For many years it was the home of RAF Wing Commander A M (Mo) Ware and his wife Sylvia.

With the completion of the Trust's renovations, initiated in December 2008, the property is now available for rent.

"It has been renovated as a commercial rental to generate revenue for the National Trust," said Ms Gray.

"We are looking for a tenant who will respect the historic value of the home and the sensitive renovations that have taken place. It is a large enough property for a small family."

Tomorrow Palmetto House will be opened to National Trust members and the media. There may also be an opportunity for members of the public to view the restored property in the future. Ms Gray explained that many Trust properties subject to commercial lease have a condition for tenants to open them up to the public by appointment.

"It is a beautiful renovation and greatly adds to the built heritage of Bermuda," said Ms Gray.

During the extensive renovation work the floors, roofs and beams were retained as far as possible. Old windows were also patched rather than replaced.

The Trust said it had aimed to "repair rather [than] to renew, and to remove past inferior work".

It said: "Where decay has progressed so far that reinstatement is not possible we attempt to replace it. That has been a huge undertaking as, due to the building's age, many of the features, such as windows, doors and hardware, differ greatly from one another, creating a challenge with regard to their repair or replacement."

What the propert offers

You can rent the grade one listed Palmetto House for $9,500 a month.

Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty is inviting viewings on the property, which is available for rent from next month.

The agent's literature states: "Only minutes from Hamilton, you can enjoy the wonderful ambience of this exquisite home which offers the combination of freshness and freedom of new home living with all the charm of a traditional Bermuda home.

"Built in the early 18th century this home is an outstanding example of early Bermudian architecture. Palmetto House comprises a formal dining room, state-of-the-art kitchen with access to your private courtyard, spacious living room with exposed wood beams and a wood burning fireplace, and powder room on the ground floor."

The home also boasts a master suite with a fire place and a master bath with his and hers sinks and a toll top tub. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath situated on the second level of the home and there are "attractive and expansive gardens offering a sanctuary for children to roam free".

The 2,050-square-foot property has a separate guest cottage, and views over the North Shore.

Dorcas Roberts, Bermuda National Trust Director of Preservation, said: "The Trust is keen to find a tenant who appreciates the unique and special qualities of Bermuda's historic buildings and ultimately, will enjoy living in the house and take good care of it."

Anyone interested in viewing or renting the house can contact Nakia Warner at Coldwell Banker: 292-1793, 300-0730 or nwarner@brcl.bm.