The Bermuda National Trust welcomed residents and visitors to Verdmont Museum in Smith's Parish this week for an open house celebrating one of the island's most treasured historic properties. The event offered guests a rare opportunity to explore the early 18th-century mansion free of charge and to learn about the Trust's ongoing preservation work.

Built around 1710, Verdmont is considered one of Bermuda's finest examples of Georgian architecture and has remained largely unchanged for more than two centuries. The house contains an outstanding collection of Bermuda-made cedar furniture, portraits, silver and ceramics, offering a window into island life in the 1700s and 1800s. Notably, the property never had electricity installed, preserving its authentic period character.

Trust staff and volunteers were on hand throughout the day to guide visitors through the home's rooms and gardens, sharing stories about the families who lived there and the craftsmanship behind its furnishings. Organisers said the open house was part of a broader effort to encourage Bermudians, particularly young people, to engage with the island's built heritage.

The Bermuda National Trust cares for more than 70 properties and nature reserves across the island. Officials said similar community events are planned at other Trust sites in the coming months, and membership proceeds directly support the maintenance of historic houses like Verdmont. Visitors can check the Trust's website for opening hours and upcoming events.