St Peter'S School

St Peter's School is a preparatory school that was formerly a private residence known as Harefield House. It was built in the 1830s based on designs by the lesser-known architect William Burgess. The building is stuccoed with slate roofs that are concealed behind parapets and showcases a Classical Revival style. It has a double depth plan with the stair hall adjacent to the main rear entrance hall, while the service area occupies rooms to the left of the main range.

The building is two storeys high, with a front facade facing west across the Exe Estuary. This facade features a 1:3:1 bay arrangement, a continuous parapet, and balustrades over the side bays, supported at either end by slightly projecting paired pilasters that are panelled between acroteria. The central bays project, and the original portico has been demolished, revealing four round-headed niches with 2-light French windows in between. All windows, except for the left-hand bay which is rusticated and has a small casement, are fitted with 2-pane horned sashes.

The rear of the building is irregular and includes some 12-pane hornless sash windows, along with two others that have three panes above and six below. The parapet is incised with Greek key motifs, which also adorn the pilasters flanking the entrance. There are stacks at the rear, and both ends are integrated into the parapet.

Inside, the entrance hall features two detached Ionic columns and varied plaster cornices throughout. The interior also includes panelled doors and reveals, some of which have fluted architraves, as well as a cantilever stair with cast-iron balusters.