featured in Robin Leach's "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous''.

The entrance to the architecturally distinct `Caretta' is secured electronically by ornate, white gates on the front. A large driveway welcomes to the left side with a tennis court on the right. The colossal pink home with white columns and a contrasting cedar door cordially greets visitors.

Owners Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wahl have created an enchating home where they have lived or the past 18 years.

The foyer of the home is flooded with natural light in all directions from the unique circular dome skylight with hanging crystal chandelier. The stunning dome was imported from America. Sunlight reflects upon the marble foyer where nearly all areas of the house are approachable.

A marble staircase leads the way to the "Great Room'' which takes up the entire lower south wing of the property. The room is spacious, almost gymnasium size, with highly polished wooden plank pine floors and an attractive beamed ceiling. At the far end of the room, bay windows offer a fine view of the grounds and private beach.

Mrs. Wahl advises that the orginal cottage was designed by famed Bermudian architect Wil Onions.

"We fell in love with the cottage and surrounding natural beauty,'' she said.

Over the years, project by project, the Wahls built and designed today's magnificent `Caretta'.

Asked what she enjoyed most about her home, Mrs. Wahl replied: "The rooms are very large, yet cozy -- particularly the `Great Room' and it lends easily to entertaining. I can comfortably have 200 guests.'' Centred on the wall, opposite the door leading to the tiled porch, is a grand natural stone fireplace with matching cedar doors on either side and a sturdy bevelled cedar mantle.

"We had wonderful craftsmen from D&J Construction to build on to the house.

The men periodically gathered stones from the South Shore and built the fireplace. If you look closely you can find a skull, a fish and the map of Africa in the unique stones that surround the fireplace,'' elaborated Mrs.

Wahl.

The meaning of the name, `Caretta'? "It comes from the Greek word carettacaretta which means Logger Head turtle, said Mrs. Wahl. "The original owner of the home chose this name because the turtles used to spawn on the beach.'' During a tour of the house, Mrs. Wahl explained: "The kitchen used to be our living room in the original cottage.'' The kitchen is a master chef's delight with lots of built-in cabinets, double sinks, and ceramic tile counter tops, Vulcan gas stove and an air-conditioned wine cellar. A breakfast nook adjoins the kitchen.

As an artist, Mrs. Wahl has a distinct flair for decorating and design and this is evident in the home. The decor comprises superior antiques mingled with stuffed chairs and settees. Lively colours abound with more subtle shades of whites and pastels.

There is a vast art collection from around the world. Mrs. Wahl's daughter, Stephanie Wahl, resides in Calgary, Alberta and is also an artist. Miss Wahl has provided some of her imaginative work to her parents as gifts.

Mrs. Wahl is proud of "The Big Five of Hunting'' series painted by Stephanie which includes an elephant, buffalo, lion, rhinoceros and a tiger.

A home for a hunter About 27 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Wahl travelled to East Africa where they participated in "conservation hunting''. Mrs. Wahl proved to be an expert markswoman.

The formal dining room has the same wide plank pine floors found in the `Great Room'. There is a stunning table that seats twelve. The walls are "celadon green'', the colour used widely in oriental porcelain, and creates a peaceful aura for the room.

Mrs. Wahl's procelain collection can be admired in the `China Room' which leads off of the dining room. The colours are rich hues of peach, red and blues that give the room a warm ambience. Built-in concave shelves line one wall of the room. The tray ceiling is hand painted with a floral pattern Mrs.

Wahl drew from an oriental art text that states the pattern originates "from a very old china dish''.

The house has two bedrooms on the lower level and two on the upper level. The master bedroom is directly above the `Great Room' and encompasses the same spacious dimension of 53 feet by 35 feet. Inside this suite are his and her baths appointed with large vanity sinks, hand-painted tile from France, fitted sunken tub, large shower, large closets and a window with an ocean view.

Mr. Wahl has an office off the master bedroom decorated with a lot of cedar.

He has a passion for golf and golf trophies are displayed here.

The extensive grounds are lush and artistically planted with palms and exotic shrubbery. Mrs. Wahl employs a gardener two hours every evening during the week and generally works with the gardener planning and designing the flora.

Features of the 1.6 acreage includes a kidney-shaped pool and patio which are an enchanting oasis amid stately palms. One can sit off or lie off and listen to the sounds of the surf.

There is a private, secret garden (near the kitchen) outdoors used for sunny morning coffees, afternoon teas and quiet suppers on summer evenings.

There is a private pink sand beach and all this is within easy walking distance to the renowned Mid Ocean Club. This fine home exemplifies true grace and style.

SET IN STONE -- Caretta's stone fireplace and a cosy seating area.

Graphic file name: DEADANIM FRESH WATER FUN -- Poolside at `Caretta' in Tucker's Town.

Graphic file name: POOLLL