Plans are underway to turn one of Bermuda's treasured historic houses into a museum.

After renovation work is complete, it is hoped that the 18th century Carter House -- which is thought to be one of the Island's oldest stone houses -- will become an important landmark.

Revealing the plans in the House of Assembly, Richard Spurling said it was an exciting opportunity for Bermuda to capture its folklore in the East End.

A board of trustees are to be formed, as well as the St. David's Historical Society, to control the plan, said Mr. Spurling.

Later the Government Whip highlighted more features of the scheme, which would see the society come to an arrangement with the Bermuda Land Development Company, to run the house as a museum.

It would reflect the folklore and traditions of St. David's, with whaling, fishing, farming and weaving making contributions.

In addition it is hoped to restore the kitchen and re-establish in the garden a unique lily grown by the Carter family.

Already $25,000 has been earmarked for repairs and improvements.

It is also hoped to include exhibits from the Sea Venture and Carter family -- the ship that was wrecked in 1609, bringing the Island's first real settler Christopher Carter.

"We are interested in anyone who might represent the history of St.

David's,'' said Mr. Spurling.

After negotiations with the BLDC were complete then a constitution could be formed, with work to restore the building and prepare it for opening planned for completion by the late summer -- coinciding with the finishing of the new Corregidor Avenue.

Mr. Spurling added that he hoped that the road would be renamed "something more Bermudian''.