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Form Follows Function
 The beauty of these islands is more than ocean-deep. The distinctive architecture here, a blend of British styles and local materials, is a feature that sets Bermuda far apart from its Caribbean neighbours to the south. The pastel-coloured houses, perched scenically on hillsides and in townscapes, are considered Bermuda's most endearing art form.
Bermuda's architectural heritage traces back to 17th-century English stone buildings. In Bermuda, the stone got replaced by coral, or rather, coral stone, a hardy conglomerate of coral, crushed shell and island sand. For centuries, coral has been quarried in Bermuda to serve in the foundations of buildings.
Built to withstand high winds in tropical storms, typical Bermuda houses are low, boxy structures with gleaming white roofs, facades painted in pastel colours and shallow eaves, under which the windows get tucked up high.
In the most venerable old homes, beautiful copper-coloured cedar implements flooring and crown mouldings, although it is rare to see Bermuda cedar used in new construction, since a parasite attacked the native trees in the mid-20th century.
 High ceilings and large windows that let sea breezes circulate throughout a home are typical of traditional Bermudian architecture. Because of the hilly terrain, buildings often perch on steep elevations, with staircases wider at the bottom, tapering as they climb up to the door.
Since rain is the only source of fresh water, roofs are designed to catch it. Colonial architects often placed cisterns under houses and used them as foundations. Bermuda's signature white roofs — slabs of limestone coated with cement and whitewash — are ideal for funnelling water into the cisterns.
Visitors often comment on the islands' distinctive "moon gates," with coral blocks arranged nearly into circles to form grand arched entries. A landscape architect for the Duke of Westminster is credited with introducing the gates to Bermuda in the 1920s. He had admired them in the Far East.
Bermudian Architectural Highlights
 Bermuda National Trust Museum. Globe Hotel, 31 Duke of York St., St. George's. Dating to the 1700, this is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bermuda.
The Old Rectory. One Broad Alley, St. George's. Built in 1699, this house bears many distinctive Bermudian architectural features, such as windows positioned high under the eaves.
Old State House. 4 Princess St., St. George's. Bermuda's oldest structure, this circa-1620 specimen is said to have set the style for all future buildings.
Front Street, Hamilton. Lined with 18th- and 19th-century facades, this pretty promenade is a prime position for pictures amidst pastel architecture.
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Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.
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