Southside.

Bermuda Land Development Company spokesman Don Grearson said the company was "overwhelmed'' by the interest expressed in the sales programme for the 11 homes near Emily's Bay Lane, St. David's. They are set to be available from October.

"We are very excited by the whole project,'' Mr. Grearson said. "It will achieve a number of important objectives, such as new home ownership opportunities, new neighbourhoods, and the area will get integrated into the local community.'' He added the BLDC believed the new neighbourhoods would be known for their "charm, tranquillity and sense of community''.

Mr. Grearson said the cost of the houses varied by the size of the lot, the property's characteristics, view, and privacy.

There were also three models, which varied in their bathroom facilities, and bedroom and closet space. In addition, the former US base properties are between .15 acres to .39 acres and offer a variety of views of St. George's Harbour or Castle Harbour.

The $240,000 to $385,000 three-bedroom homes have been extensively renovated with Bermuda style roofs, new kitchens and bathrooms, doors, Bermuda style blinds, and totally upgraded electrical wiring and plumbing, and landscaping.

Five more homes will be available in March and ten in May. There are plans to develop a second group of cottages near Dolly's Bay in the future.

"And, with families moving to Southside it will further reintegrate the property into the fabric of the Island,'' Mr. Grearson said.

He pointed out that the Homebuyer (sic) Assistance Programme would allow people to purchase the homes with a mortgage down payment on a sliding scale down to as low as five percent.

"The extent of financial assistance under the HAP is based on the price of the cottage with maximum assistance available for the lowest price homes,'' Mr. Grearson said.

He added: "It was designed by the BLDC to extend home ownership to as many families as possible. It can assist people who have the household income to qualify for a mortgage, but who can't afford the standard down payment of 20 to 25 percent.'' With so many people on the list, the "luck of the draw'' has not discouraged one woman looking for a home.

"When you sit down and work it out, it is going to come down to the availability of mortgage funds,'' the woman said. She asked not to be identified.

"You cross your fingers and hope you are the only one interested in a particular home, I guess,'' she added.

Spick and span: This is the kitchen area of a model home being offered by the Bermuda Land Development Company for sale this fall Photos by Arthur Bean Home sweet home: This is a model living room from one of the 11 homes being renovated at Southside, St. David's.

New housing: This house is one of 11 available at Southside, St. David's. More than 450 people are on a preliminary waiting list.

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