A home that is warm and welcoming in true Bermuda style — a condo in what was a small Somerset hotel.

This Sugar Cane unit, which is both the largest and the newest in the complex, offers the best of all worlds — an embracing and traditional ambience in the public areas of the complex, leading into a modern and tastefully designed family-sized condominium, with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.

The Sugar Cane property was originally a hotel, operating through the 1950s, 60 and 70s. From there, it became a guest house and then in the late 1980s, developers Myron Piper and John D’Alessio developed it into a residential condominiums.

This condo sits on a large communal lawn, which along with the newly built pool are accessed through double French doors. There is also access to the waters of Somerset and a dock, all part of a package which at the price of $675,000 for a leasehold, for a total of 999 years, give this home a lot of bang for the buck.

In addition, for a family for whom this is their first home, its ARV makes it eligible for stamp tax exemption.

And owner Curtis Richardson, a recently qualified architect, is upgrading the property in preparation for the sale.

Listing agent Jack Kripl said: “This is a good starter family home. It is close to the village and water rights at the end of the lane, with a dock. There are restaurants and stores nearby in Somerset Village, it is near Dockyard and the amenities there, and it is close to the Police Station as well.”

The Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty agent said the condo, which is at 11 East Shore Road in Somerset, will be open this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, when interested prospective buyers can visit it.

“This town house style unit is unique to the complex in that it was built in 1996, making it the newest condo. It offers slightly more space than the other units — 1,532 square feet.

“Just off the entry foyer is a powder room on left, with full size washer and dryer closet on the right, which leads into spacious living room and dining room combined (40 feet, four inches, by 16 feet, six inches). On the left is the kitchen with a feed-through to the dining room.

“Upstairs are three bedrooms and two bathrooms — the master bedroom is en suite, and includes ample storage with a walk-in closet, hallway closet and bedroom closets. The new stainless steel refrigerator and stove with oven plus microwave are included, along with the washer and dryer; there are two new ceiling fans; four reverse cycle remote Daikon AC systems; wall shelving; and all window dressings.”

He said Mr Richardson has purchased new French doors, a front door, patio railings and a new vanity, and they are currently being installed.

“It is an excellent investment, family home, or starter home with that tax exemption given to first time buyers.”

He added that new wood flooring has just been installed in the living room, and the complex is scheduled to be painted by the association this year.

Located on East Shore Lane, this Sugar Cane condo is located in one of Somerset’s most attractive inland niches, and with well kept homes and gardens lining the neighbourhood’s roads, this is an area in which its residents take pride.

Mr Richardson explained he bought the condo while he was still in university, and he has put his professional training to use in maintaining and now upgrading the unit, which demonstrates the flair design of the owner. Mr Kripl said: “There is lots of light inside, and unique finishes. The fixtures and fittings are all done in a mix of contemporary and traditional, including a chandelier in one of the bedrooms. The light fixtures are all from the high end American supplier Restoration Hardware. There are also some vintage elements sourced by the owner.” And Mr Richardson added that the closets are all fitted with John Louis Home closet organisers.

The condo association, which is run by the condo owners, looks after the exterior of the property, and leaseholders must pay a $500 fee towards maintenance.

Also open on Saturday for viewing is Spruce Cottage, 10 Sylvan Dell Road, Paget, priced at $425,000.

The one bedroom, one bathroom modern, stand alone cottage is described as a “great opportunity for professionals or couple just starting out”, by Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty. There are approved plans for expansion.

Open from 3pm to 5pm, it is off Ord Road heading west. Take Sylvan Dell Lane, on the left. Follow the road downhill. It is the green house on the right.

Look for signs.