Clifton, the swanky Devonshire home recently upgraded at a price of more than $1.5 million for the use of Premiers, has yet to find a tenant in the open market.

Ewart Brown decided to stay in his Smith's home when he became leader late last year so the 200-year-old official residence on Middle Road has been empty since ousted Premier Alex Scott finally left in February.

Earlier this year Government decided to recoup some of its investment and rent out the sumptious four-bedroom property which has a dining room, study and office and a separate two-bedroom apartment elsewhere on the plot.

Further renovations were then done but Civil Service Head Major Kenneth Dill said there had been plenty of interest but no takers since it had been put on the market in July.

He said Crisson realtors had been given the sole rights to finding a tenant.

Earlier this year figures of $25-30,000 a month were being bandied about but Mr. Dill said now the price was $15-20,000 per month.

He said: "We have had seven viewings but no firm offers.

"We have noted other properties not as good as Clifton have been rented out ¿ one went for $19,000."

Meanwhile the Dockyard property known as The Cottage could finally be getting a tenant after being empty for eight years after former Governor Thorold Masefield used it as a temporary base while Government House was being renovated.

West End Development Corporation General Manager Andrew Dias said talks with Works and Engineering were in the final stages with the National Drug Commission likely to want the property.

Various plans to turn the waterfront home into tourist accommodation, residential units or a culinary institute all fell through because of leasing restrictions. But Mr. Dias said that problem had been ironed out by Government late last year allowing leases beyond 21 years ¿ a stumbling block which had put off many from setting up in Dockyard.