The Premier opened his home to the public ? and two protesters ? on Saturday and let more than 100 people satisfy their curiosity about Clifton.

The Devonshire house has undergone major renovations in the last year at a considerable expense in order to make it the official residence of all future Premiers of Bermuda. The renovation cost $1.4 million and saw the 200-year-old home completely restored. The Opposition has questioned the logic of extensively renovating the home so soon after another residence was renovated for then-Premier Dame Jennifer Smith. Many Opposition MPs labelled it a luxury, adding it was wrong to spend so much on one home when there were many in the country without a roof over their heads.

But residents and tourists who spilled into Clifton on Saturday appeared to be happy with the work done. Premier Alex Scott and his wife Olga stood outside and greeted each person with a smile and hand shake. As the public walked through the front door Department of Communications staff was on hand to give a tour.

The main house has a spacious living room, dining room and kitchen while the upper floor houses the master bedroom, two guest bedrooms and an office. Off the house there are guest quarters which have two bedrooms and a living room.

A member of the public, who wished not to be named, said after her tour: "It's charming but it's nothing much. I don't think they went over the top on anything." The Premier said it was a priority to keep the character of an old Bermudian home while upgrading the site.

"Many people have come in and said it's got character," he said. "I am not sure what they were expecting when they came but they seem to like it. Each resident of Bermuda owns this home so it was important that they could see what we have done."

As the Premier was talking a visitor to the Island came over and thanked him for his hospitality. "This is amazing," he told Mr. Scott. "I'm from England and we can't even get into Downing Street let alone Number 10 (the residence of Prime Minster Tony Blair)." Mr. Scott went on to tell the that he was impressed to see Bermudans of all type come by to check out the house, even the two protesters.

The women, who wished to remain anonymous, were at the entrance of Clifton and held signs saying "We're homeless can we move in with you Mr. and Mrs Scott." They said they were outraged that so much had been spent on one home when Government has failed to provide affordable housing for the public.

Questioned about the protesters Mr. Scott said it was their right to express their views. He added that Government was working hard to meet the needs of people.

"If we haven't got to them we will," he said. "There are criteria that must be met to qualify for assistance. I don't know if the young women have or have not met the criteria." Mr. Scott added that he felt the day was a success and that many Bermudians got the opportunity to see the "People House" ? the name he dubbed Clifton a year-and-a-half ago.