Bobby and Dana Mello are living in history in the heart of St. George's.

They own the venerable Storekeeper's Cottage — built in 1816 — on Ordnance Island along with their 17- year-old daughter, Chelsea, and the family's black cat, Noel

The Mellos love sitting out on their verandah watching the world go by on land and sea. It is a dreamy and tranquil spot — perfect for reading the morning paper with a fresh morning brew or an after five cocktail.

The vantage point is exceptional as you look over Ordnance Island. You have a fascinating view of the town which has many moods.

Twilight makes it especially beautiful. The town's cheery lights flicker upon the evening's turquoise harbour. It changes colour to velvet blue as darkness progresses. Sometimes Ordnance is bustling with tourists, especially when the cruise ship is docked there.

"Frequently the curious tourists wander up this way to inspect our home. They think it is a fort or museum of special interest," said Mrs. Mello. "My husband, Bobby, is so friendly and outgoing that sometimes he invites them in for a tour and a drink He enjoys relating the history with them."

She adds: "The harbour view is interesting because like people, the harbour has its own mood which constantly changes. Sometimes there are whitecaps and other times it is as smooth as glass."

Mr. Mello recalled: "When I was a boy I used to jump off the sea wall with my mates here. I have many fond childhood memories.

"We were advised by an old school friend that this property was for sale and it instantly piqued our interest. In fact, we live beside my school mate as she purchased one of the four units."

The Mellos designed each room. When you walk into the spacious living room you are impressed by the expansive feeling. The ten-foot ceiling is painted a soft green colour — the same as the walls and this gives the room a unique look.

The home is great for entertaining with an open floor plan and can accommodate up to 20 guests. To the left is a dining alcove with three attractive elongated windows.

You walk into a light and airy state of the art kitchen with forest green Corian counters. Also there is a casual dining table for four.

Between these two areas is an attractive fireplace, the only original one of the four units, heated by electric logs for ambience. Their insurance plan forbids gas logs or wood burning in the fireplace.

That's okay as Noel, the cat, loves sleeping in her special lounge chair in front of the historic fireplace.

From the fireplace you enter into the sleeping chambers. The master bedroom is graciously dressed in long flowing curtains and there are three beautiful armoires. Both bedrooms host splendid, spacious bathrooms.

It is incredibly quiet in the historic home as the interior walls are constructed of 15 inch walls.

The family says the house is quaint, cosy and very comfortable. They particularly enjoy the convenience of being so close to town and walking about to the bank, the grocers, the drug store and fine restaurants.