Many private homes can be observed by traveling along Bermuda’s primary and secondary roads.  Watch for these special features, typically found in most Bermuda houses:

Chimneys – You will find these sturdy elements at the gable ends of many houses.  Strong with stepped shoulders, they can be found with bands of necking at the top, and with pointed flue vents.  Later chimneys are hexagonal or octagonal in shape.

Welcoming arms steps – The unique exterior stairs that lead to the upper floor of older Bermuda houses now appears as an embellishment in many homes. The high sides often come up to a sheltered landing.  In St. George’s, there are several examples of lateral steps given the lack of room in a town setting.

Eyebrows – In Bermuda, a semi-circular molding over each window is used to deflect rain.  Many other homes have “window heads”, a projecting stone used for the same purpose.

Rafter feet – The lengths of timber joined to the top face of rafters help to carry the roof beyond the outer wall.  Rafter feet give Bermuda houses their distinctive cottage look.

Butteries – These square outbuildings of one or two storeys topped by a pyramidal roof were used for cool storage.  Since the mid 20th century, butteries have been incorporated into the main body of the house.

Boundary walls – Many properties are bounded on all sides by a dry stone wall, a feature that extends to most of Bermuda’s roadways.

• Building Features
• St. Georges
• Hamilton
• Royal Naval Dockyard
• Forts
• Places of Worship
• Related Reading