It was made from cedar and clay mortar using age-old Bermudian building techniques.

But often the oldest ways are the best.

And so it was no surprise to those responsible for building the Settler’s Cottage in St David’s, which is based on the same design used in the 1600s by the earliest Bermuda islanders, that it has survived a Tropical Storm and a Category 3 Hurricane.

Rick Spurling, president of the St David’s Historical Society, said: “As you can see from the pictures the venerable cedar, so resistant to hurricanes, gave in and snapped off half way up but the nearby settler’s dwelling survives unscathed.

“The clay mud and stud chimney stayed on too. Carter House also came through with flying colours. No clay was cracked or broken off either.

“The photo shows the laths that were purposefully left bare to exhibit the building technique and the laths that were all cut with the froe.

“This is testament to the building skills of Larry Mills and vindication of our case to Planning for permanent planning permission which was based on the strength of this building.”

Mr Spurling added: “We were always a bit concerned about the thatch, but after two violent weather systems back to back, and one a Category 3, the thatch looks like it only got a minor haircut.”