Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tropical storms. The interiors of Bermudian houses are usually graced with large win-
dows and doors, and, in the older buildings, floors and moldings crafted from copper-
colored planks of the almost-extinct Bermuda cedar. Also common is a feature found
in colonial buildings in the Caribbean and other western Atlantic islands as well: tray
ceilings, so named because of their resemblance to an inverted serving tray. This shape
allows ceilings to follow the lines of the inside roof construction to create what would
otherwise be unused space. The effect of these ceilings, whether sheathed in plaster
or planking, gives Bermudian interiors unusual height and airiness.
Despite the distinctively individualistic nature of Bermuda's architecture, decor
remains faithfully—some say rigidly—British, and somewhat more formal than you
might expect. Interior designs seem to be a felicitous cross between what you'd find
in a New England seaside cottage and how a nautically minded society hostess
would accent her drawing room in London. Bermuda homes usually have lots
of Chippendale or Queen Anne furniture (sometimes authentic, sometimes repro-
duction). Whenever possible, decorators love to include any piece of antique furni-
ture crafted from Bermuda cedar. Combine these features with the open windows,
gentle climate, and carefully tended gardens of the fertile, mid-Atlantic setting, and
the result is some very charming and soothing interiors.
No discussion of Bermudian architecture should neglect to mention a garden
feature that many visitors consider unique to Bermuda: the moon gate. A rounded
span of coral blocks
arranged in a circular arch
above a wooden gate, the
moon gate was introduced
to Bermuda around 1920
by the Duke of Westmin-
ster's landscape architect,
who got his inspiration
from such gates in China
and Japan.
2
Bermuda moon gate.
Did You Know?
W
More than 25,000 couples honeymoon
on Bermuda each year.
W
This mysterious island inspired William
Shakespeare's 1610 play
The Tempest.
W
Somerset Bridge is the world's small-
est drawbridge. At only 56cm (22 in.)
wide, the opening is just large enough
for a ship's mast to pass through.
W
Bermuda has more golf courses per
square kilometer than any other place
in the world; there are eight of them
on the island's approximate 138 sq. km
(53 sq. miles).
W
Sir Brownlow Gray, the island's former
chief justice, played the first game of
tennis in the Western Hemisphere on
Bermuda in 1873.
W
With the arrival of spring comes the
blossoming of Bermuda's Easter lilies,
first brought to the island from Japan
in the 18th century.
W
Bermuda has no billboards: There is a
ban on outdoor advertising and neon
signs.
