Elizabeth Wingate loves historic Elm Lodge and maintains all of the grounds, definitely a labour of love. She has resided here for 18 years and says what she enjoys most about the property is gardening on the eight acres.

The property is lush with flower gardens everywhere and there is also a handsome vegetable garden and a little pond where water lilies grow. Chickens, ducks and bees share a happy residence here.

There are many quiet places to sit and chat or simply observe all the nature which abounds.

"I enjoy our verandah also. It is a tranquil place and very casual with its brick floor, large vertical cage of doves and water fountain. I find the sound of the wind chimes to be very relaxing,'' she said.

During the summers she hosts bowling parties on the lawn and potluck suppers for her friends and family. It is a fine place for entertaining without feeling confined.

"I guess Elm Lodge is probably an old farm house. It is very quaint rather than a grand house with a sweeping staircase,'' she added.

During the 17th century fires and hurricanes destroyed so many wooden houses that the Bermuda Company offered land in fee simple to individuals who would build a house of stone, with a stone or slate roof, within two years.

On the property is a lime kiln built during the 17th century.

In the past Elm Lodge has been described as having `all the character of an English thatched cottage'.

This fine home was included on the tour of the Garden Club of Bermuda last month.

The interior of Elm Lodge is a history lesson with fine antiques all around Elm Lodge's romantic master bedroom: There are two beautiful antique four poster cedar beds in this room with matching white lace bedspreads separated by a wool rug of a floral design. The canopies, bedruffles and drapes are done in a lovely floral which picks up the colours in the rug. The room has a full tray ceiling.

Elm Lodge's antiques have been lovingly cared for over the years Elm Lodge is rich in antique furnishings. In the attractive foyer is a Royal Naval Ship in a glass bottle on top of a handsome chest, perhaps that of a sea captain. There are a collection of antique walking sticks beside the chest.