The National Trust is appealing for help in an attempt to save one of Bermuda's oldest buildings.

It is seeking a partner to look at buying the 'Queen of the East' — a 1740s merchant's house with a waterfront warehouse.

It comes after Government delisted the house, which was a Grade 1 listed building because of its historical signifance.

Last night Dorcas Roberts, National Trust environmental conservation officer, said: "Whoever would like to help come up with a future for the 'Queen of the East' to ensure its survival, the Bermuda National Trust is seeking partners to help explore the options available for the preservation of this important building."

Conservationists and historians have reacted with anger to a decision by Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield to de-list the building. The removal of its Grade 1 protected status came during Heritage Month and prompted some to call for Ms Butterfield's resignation.

Conservationists fear the house, in Crow Lane, Pembroke, will now be razed to the ground to make way for an office development.

Ms Butterfield yesterday defended her decision, asking: "Would it have made any difference if it had been done next month?"

She said the de-listing would not place other buildings of special architectural or historic interest in jeopardy, saying: "It definitely would not set a precedent for that.

"Every person who applies and every plan the advisory board sees is different, and a lot of consideration is given."

Ms Butterfield said she was unaware of planning approval for a driveway at the house, which goes against the owner's argument that the property was no longer attracting tenants due to a lack of on-site parking.

A Government spokesman said one of the reasons for the de-listing was "with no vehicular access to the site, no on-site parking, and potential tenants having to cross East Broadway from the only available parking, the property became impossible to rent".

However, the Planning Department approved an application for the driveway in January last year.

Yesterday, Ms Butterfield said: "I would not be aware of any individual application as we don't see every application."

A Government spokesman added: "We would not expect the Planning Board to notify the Minister of the application, as the Board were not aware of the request to de-list the property.

"The decision to de-list the property was made based upon the information available at the time. It is impossible to predict whether or not other information would have influenced the conclusion reached."

However, the Minister said Government would be willing to look into a scheme whereby the National Trust could purchase historic buildings under the 'Buy Back Bermuda' initiative.

"We applaud the interest of the National Trust in historic buildings. It is up to them if they want to purchase a building, to talk to the owners of these properties, and then fight hard for them," said Ms Butterfield.

"With 'Buy Back Bermuda' there may be some possibility to do that with them. That's something they would need to discuss with Government, because 'Buy Back Bermuda' does work."

She added: "We have funding put in the Budget for purchasing open space and maybe now we may consider that for historical buildings.That is something to consider."

The 'Queen of the East' is described in Planning Department files as "an outstanding example of an 18th century merchant's house" and a "very important landmark on the main road into Hamilton and on Hamilton Harbour".

If you would like to join the National Trust's efforts to save the building, telephone Dorcas Roberts on 236 6483.