US Consul's official home in Paget.

And it has approached Bermuda's US Consulate General for information, it emerged yesterday.

"They asked us when the property was given to the US Government and questioned us about planning regulations in Bermuda,'' said Deputy Principle Officer Bruce Berton, from the US Consulate General's office.

"We have no news on the progress of their deliberations, but I guess we will be hearing from them some time in the near future.'' Yesterday US Consul General Bob Farmer was off the Island and could not be reached for comment. He is expected back on February 22.

The committee, called the Real Estate Property Board, was set up after last year's Budget in America amid pressure to make savings.

It was told to examine all State Department buildings. And this includes Chelston.

"I think they have had one meeting so far, but I don't know the result of it,'' said Mr. Berton.

Chelston is on a 14-acre estate with a beach house on the South Shore.

A General Accounting Office report recently sent to the US Congress said the home could be sold for more than $12 million.

The sale would also reportedly save more than $100,000 annually in maintenance and repair costs.

Premier David Saul, however, has declared Bermuda would oppose any sale of Chelston.

He said Chelston was not a gift to the US from Bermuda, but was deeded to the US by American oilman C.P. Dubbs in the early 1960s in exchange for taxes owed.

Mr. Farmer's own future has also been the subject of speculation following Clinton's reelection victory. According to some reports, he is likely to be given a new posting.

"He doesn't know where he is going to be, although I think I best not speak for him on this,'' said Mr. Berton yesterday.

He added Mr. Farmer was in Miami on a "pleasure trip''.