St. Peter's has a pleasant, timeless atmosphere that promotes both work and relaxation. During the colonies, participants are accommodated in private rooms in St. Scholastica Residence, a former convent, and are served homegrown meals in Michael Hall, a few steps away. The residence houses only colony participants during the period of the colony and contains a small, fully equipped kitchen and a separate lounge for colonists' use. In the summer colony participants have the use of a screened gazebo in the front yard of the residence. Writers are allocated the largest rooms since these serve as a working area as well.
Artists have private sleeping accommodations plus a separate workspace.
Their studio spaces in Michael Hall are large, individual studios with good, natural light, running water, easels, and halogen lights. During the colonies, a reference library specifically designed for writers and artists is set up in the residence lounge. Colony participants and individual retreatants also have full use of the extensive abbey and college library. There are also outdoor tennis courts and a running track. Writers and artists on individual retreats are housed in Severin Hall in private rooms with attached bathrooms.