25-28 Free Cottages

25-28 Free Cottages is a block of four cottages built in 1862 as part of a group of free cottages for the elderly, funded by William Gibbs. An addition from the 1950s is not included in the listing. The cottages are constructed of red brick with painted stone dressings and feature slate roofs, stacks with rendered shafts, and cast iron rainwater goods, all in a Tudor style.

The cottages are situated on a bluff overlooking the River Exe, grouped with a school and church that were also funded by Gibbs. This block faces the vista down to the river and consists of four units with paired front doors in the center, while the outer units have entrances on the sides. The left return has been altered due to the addition of the 1950s block. Single-storey service blocks have been added to the rear.

The exterior is characterized by a symmetrical four-bay front, with the two-storey outer bays featuring gables that project forward. The deep eaves and verges are supported by brackets. The original openings are painted white with quoined jambs, and there are two and three-light transomed mullioned windows with hoodmoulds and 20th-century glazing. A central gabled porch has a stone Tudor arched doorway with plank doors, and there is a gabled porch on the right return.

The interior has not been inspected but may contain features of interest. Historically, the site was purchased by John Dinham to prevent it from being used as a fairground. William Gibbs, a guano merchant who became a banker, was born in Exeter, and an effigy of him can be found in St Michael's Church next to the free cottages. This building is part of an important group of Victorian philanthropic structures designed together.