Glebe House, Devon

Hotel review

Refugees from the worlds of insurance and advertising in London, now with two young sons, Hugo and Olive Guest have created an idyllic ‘English agriturismo’ in the country house and 15-acre smallholding that was Hugo’s family home, also run as a B&B by his parents before they retired. It’s an enchanting place. Outside: huge views of the Coly Valley without a house or pylon in sight. Inside: an interior that radiates colour and ornament, with a delightful collection of pictures, many by Olive, a talented artist. Six charming and comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms mix family antiques with vintage finds. As for the food, Hugo and head chef Sam Lomas produce dishes defined by artisan techniques, nose to tail cookery and seasonality. Choose from Kitchen Supper (served Monday to Saturday) or four-course Glebe House Dinner (Thursday to Sunday, also for non-residents). The smell of home-baked bread will invariably greet you as you arrive at Glebe House, and the farmhouse breakfast is a feast of compotes, jams and eggs from the hens. Picnics too are a must: take a bottle of wine and your perfectly packaged picnic, find a quiet spot in the beautiful Devon countryside and kick right back.

Fiona Duncan Review published: 2024-02-26