Bierman's Estate at Ferry Reach is to be transformed into a residential village of 70 condominiums, under plans submitted by developers.

Planning officials are currently reviewing the application by Ferry Reach Co. Ltd. The complex features 70 one and two-bedroom units set around a central courtyard, acting as a "village square". Residents can also enjoy walking trails along the coast and surrounding woodland, take a dip in the swimming pool or sit by the dock.

In a letter accompanying the planning application, architects OBM say the proposed development "is close to the southern end of St George's Island and as a consequence, Ferry Road is unlikely to ever become congested".

The condominiums will be set back 30 ft from Ferry Road and 50 ft from the shoreline, as the area is classed as a coastal conservation area.

Thirteen existing apartments will be renovated and another 57 constructed, to create 70 condominiums for residential ownership.

Each will also feature a patio and garden.

"The new buildings are designed to take full advantage of the panoramic water views and ideal orientation to the sun," say OBM.

Although the 7.28 acre site includes woodland reserve, green and open space, the architects say the development will "not impact" on this. "Valuable trees specimens can be retained and protected during construction to complement the development," the letter states. The specimens include Poinciana, European Olives, Brazil Pepper, Cedars and Indian Laurel.

OBM add the site is served by "a well-maintained, wide, two-lane public road" and that each new building will be designed in a 'Bermudian-style' to complement the Grade One-listed 'Ferry Reach' mansion in style and height.

'Ferry Reach' was built in the 1930s for Vincent Astor and is described as "an exceptional example of a vernacular revival house of great size, designed to appear as a cluster of cottages that are in fact of larger scale".

The house was designed by architect N W Hutchings and consultant builder Edward Winger, and is said to have "only one parallel in Bermuda" - 'Blue Horizons' in Tucker's Town. OBM describe 'Ferry Reach' as "one step from unique" and say it will undergo renovation as part of the development.

In their accompanying letter, the architects state: "Both the existing buildings on the property and the land available for new units are well-suited for development as apartment (condominium) development.

With careful design, a unique residential village can be created around the grand mansion.

"Precedent for this village concept can be taken from the town of St George, while the existing buildings on the site set up an appropriate architectural style."