rented to the St. David's Historical Society as a museum.

Currently held by the Bermuda Land Development Company, the historic Bermuda home at Southside is in "serious need of restoration'', according to St.

David's Historical Society member Rick Spurling.

"The project is estimated to cost about $130,000,'' said Mr. Spurling, who revealed that once completed, plans are to use the building as a museum.

"We want to restore Carter House to reflect more of its original and historical value, then plans are to create a museum in which we will exhibit St. David's history,'' Mr. Spurling added.

"This could include whaling, piloting, fishing and will be a dynamic exhibit.

It will change and not remain static.'' The Society is looking to sign a ten-year lease in the first instance, and then a 99-year lease after that.

Mr. Spurling noted that this approach is being taken simply to expedite the transfer.

"A 99-year lease,'' he said, "cannot be done without the matter going to Parliament. This is the way the BLDC has been set up.'' Rent of one lily bulb annually has already been agreed on between the parties.

Before the Second World War, the grounds around the Carter House were covered in a special Bermuda-bred lily -- the Howardii Lily -- named by their creator Howard Smith.

The St. David's Historical Society held its first lecture meeting last Monday night at which time they received permission from the membership to sign the lease for Carter House and to incorporate.