[3] It was the second of a set of three buildings Sturgis designed that include Farnam Hall and Battell Chapel,[4] and was originally described simply as "large and costly.

[citation needed] The exterior of Durfee is covered in a combination of sandstone and bluestone, and is accentuated with gables, ornate turrets, and large brick chimneys.

Upon its completion, it was considered a "high point in Victorian Gothic Style architecture," and critics from American Architect and Building News commented that "It will be a long time before the quiet dignity of its roof and chimneys will be surpassed anywhere.

[citation needed] Like most freshman housing on Old Campus, there are no overhead lights inside the suites of Durfee Hall.

[9] Scenes from the Fox TV series Fringe (aired October 14, 2008) that were purported to be of Harvard's campus are actually filmed at Yale; Durfee Hall is plainly visible in the background.