Rougemont House (Exeter Mathematics School), has been shortlisted for the prestigious Michelmores Property Awards under the category of Heritage Project of the Year. The once-neglected building is one of three Exeter building projects recognised for the award, submitted by Kier construction, which showcases the very best of the South West’s property and construction industry.
The historic and picturesque building in Rougemont Gardens, near Exeter Castle, has been empty and unused for several years. Built in 1769 by John Patch, the house sits on part of the moat and defences of Exeter Castle and its surrounding gardens were landscaped in the 1790s by John Patch’s son, Thomas. Having been modernised in 1810 and put to a variety of uses, including a school, a temporary library and a costume museum since its purchase by the city council in 1912, Rougemont House is once again a school.
Kerry has said: “It is a great privilege to be housed in such a beautiful and inspiring building. Having previously been left in a state of disrepair, it feels fitting that it is restored and brought to life as the home of a new and vibrant school.
“This is, perhaps, symbolic of what we are aspiring to achieve with able mathematicians in the South West: Exeter Mathematics School provides an environment in which students can flourish and reach their full potential.”
The annual awards, hosted by Exeter law firm Michelmores received the highest number of entries in the last five years of the competition, for 2015. The winners will be announced on the 19th May at an awards dinner at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter.
