It has taken more than six months of hard graft, but now thanks to the dedication of a small team from the National Trust one of Bermuda’s oldest homes has been restored to its former glory.

Historic Devondale with its cedar beams, striking veranda and traditional chimneys nestles in the same fields that have been its backdrop since it was built in 1773.

But the hands of time had taken their toll on the old traditional home and last September the trust embarked on a major renovation project to make it habitable again.

Tens of thousands of dollars have been ploughed into upgrading the interior without changing the character of a property that is steeped in history.

The work has been spearheaded by the trust’s building’s manager, Allan Van Putten and buildings mechanic, Duane Symonds, together with director of preservation Dorcas Roberts.

“The entire building has been refurbished, renovated and painted; it has been a major project,” said Ms Roberts.

“These guys have put in a huge amount of time and effort and it looks fantastic.

“Buildings like these sustain what the National Trust does. We have about 36 tenancies that support the preservation of the our old buildings.

“A property like Devondale is absolutely integral to our survival and continued success.”

Mr Van Putten and Mr Symonds are due to finish Devondale by the end of the month in time for the new tenants to move in, at which time the duo will move on to their next National Trust project of Springfield in Sandys.

The trust took possession of Devondale in 2014 after the property, as well as a bequest to help with its upkeep, was given to it by Jean Spence.

Ms Spence was a member of the prominent Bermudian Watlington family, who died in 2012 aged 86.

She was the granddaughter of John Cox Watlington who inherited the house in 1857.

Devondale is believed to be the largest of the old houses along South Shore Road and has one of the longest histories of unbroken family descent of any in Bermuda. One unique item in the house is the ship’s bell of SS Pollockshields, a First World War munitions ship which sank off Elbow Beach in 1915 after hitting a reef.