Seacrest, located on Harbour Road, is the dream cottage of artist, Elizabeth Mulderig. This elegant, yet casual home, has an alluring, enchanting personality which captivates each visitor.

It was built around 1940 and purchased by Ms Mulderig and completely renovated in 1998 to become light and airy and the perfect place for the home and studio of a talented artist.

"Originally, this cottage had tiny windows and was rather drab. After six months of renovation, and a total re-wire and replacement of all the plumbing, I have a beautiful home which reflects me,'' Ms Mulderig said.

When you enter the home the dome of the entry foyer is an interesting focal point; there is a mural of her favourite dogs, Millie and Gus, floating in hot air balloons through clouds. When asked how she came up with this unique idea she explained: "I bought this brass chandelier of a hot air balloon from a London brass shop. I wanted something fresh and captivating for the foyer so I decided to paint my dogs in a mural.

"It was a harrowing task and I almost killed myself doing it as the drop is very steep. It was a work of love.'' This fanciful cottage, with distinctive eclectic antique decor, has three rooms upstairs and three rooms down all painted in light pastels with pickled white ash floors.

Upstairs has two bedrooms and her art studio and there is an open balcony which encourages harbour breezes.

The downstairs houses the living room, dining room, kitchen and a covered verandah. A beautiful spiral staircase connects the two floors with cedar banisters custom designed for the house.

The freshly cut flowers, beautifully arranged through out the home, and the soft harbour breezes give the cottage a natural floral fragrance.

One of the most stunning rooms is the dining room which reflects the whimsical drawings of a monkey about to chew bamboo canes on a lemon yellow wall.

The creative scene lifts your spirits instantly. In the middle of the room is a handsome round antique dining table with four matching chairs.

Ms Mulderig reflected: "I call the dining room my "Monkey Room'' and it is a compilation of me, my friends and relatives as they have given me things for the house which are displayed in the dining room.

"I saw some bamboo and a monkey in an Architectural Digest one-day and that motivated me to create my whimsical version. Everyone seems to adore my monkey.'' It seems that Ms Mulderig has been painting walls for a long time. Her mother believes that she was born to be an artist as she was painting house walls with various mediums before she was even a year old. She describes herself as an illustrator and a painter.

Her "Mama Ruthie,'' a beloved childhood nanny, Mrs. Ruth Davis, is immortalised in ceramic hand painted tiles in the lovely bath.

The tiles grace the walls around the beautiful white antique bathtub, with pedestal feet, which was a house gift from the owner's brother. They reflect the activities she and Mrs. Davis used to do like catching butterflies and dancing around.

Ms Mulderig actually trained as a professional ballerina in New York.

She also earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature which has helped her career as a writer and illustrator of children's books.

French doors lead out onto the lower level to a covered verandah with three attractive arches reminiscent of the 1940s.

A magnificent blue view of the harbour is seen and welcoming arm steps lead outdoors to a perfectly manicured lawn.

The eye is immediately drawn to the picture perfect dock pavilion graced with Italianate columns reminiscent of romantic Venice. An inviting hammock and dock chairs await for relaxing.

Seacrest is a gracious home for entertaining as there is an easy flow from the dining room to the veranda and then out to the dock. It affords a panoramic harbour view.

The sound of the water splashing gently at the water's edge is quite tranquil, relaxing and the ideal place for daydreaming or enjoying afternoon tea. A glass of champagne would do nicely in the evening too.

"I am addicted to this house. It is like living an eternal holiday in a mini resort. It is small but very pleasing,'' concluded Ms Mulderig. This fine home was featured as part of the Open Houses and Gardens 2000 Tour, sponsored by The Garden Club of Bermuda this spring.

Seacrest offers many rooms with a view of Hamilton harbour.

Seacrest was on display for the Garden Club of Bermuda this spring.

Seacrest appeals to the senses The monkey on the wall is a focal point in the light and airy dining room of Seacrest.

Dockside at Seacrest.

The foyer ceiling is adorned with hot air balloons floating around with the owners doggie passengers, Millie and little Gus. Artist Elizabeth Mulderig conjured up with the creative scene to match the brass lamp hanging in the foyer.