Where are we?
First, a bit of a surprise: the landscape in the south of England is incredibly hilly. We’re in Devon, British countryside on the border to Cornwall. The roads are old and narrow here, two cars can’t even pass each other. At the end of a long country lane, perched atop a hill, we find our dream destination: Glebe House. The first impression? It’s not just the view that’s breathtaking. You pull up in front of a white Georgian estate – several houses dating back 150 years – with rolling hills, endless meadows, and woods stretching out in the backyard.
The hosts
Host Hugo, whose last name fittingly enough – is “Guest,” grew up in this very house. His parents ran a small bed & breakfast here. In the year 2021, Hugo and his wife Olive took over and decided to reimagine the place according to their own vision.
The result? A creative and family-friendly guesthouse with five vibrant rooms and two charming cottages: the Cedar Cabin and the Old Kitchen. There’s also a tennis court, an outdoor pool, and a sprawling garden filled with flowers, vegetables, and herbs.
Before moving to the countryside, Olive and Hugo used to live in London. Olive worked in advertising, while Hugo was an insurance broker. For their big leap into rural life, Hugo trained as a chef, spending several years working in some of London’s top restaurants. Quite admirable, really.
Now, they live with their two children in a small cottage on the property, running the sustainable guesthouse with a small team. While Hugo focuses primarily on the gastronomy, Olive is developing the gallery and art offering, another arm of the business. She also left her mark on the house’s design. Together with London-based interior designer Alexandra Childs, she created a charmingly eclectic style that perfectly suits the historic home.
As an artist, Olive has even added her own touches, hand-painting wall panels and furniture. Each room is unique, featuring vintage furniture, bold colors, and occasionally wild patterned wallpapers – capturing a wonderfully British sense of eccentricity.
It might sound a bit cliché, but it’s absolutely true: you quickly feel at home here, as if visiting friends. There are open fireplaces, bookshelves, locally crafted pottery for the tableware, and fresh flowers from the garden adorning every surface. And then there are the freshly baked cookies waiting to welcome you – something to rave about from the very first bite.
culinary
The restaurant on the ground floor offers 25 seats, welcoming external guests for a special five-course dinner from Thursday to Sunday evenings. On weekends, there’s also lunch service. What’s cooking? A delightful mix of British and Italian cuisine: antipasti, risotto, or pasta, all either homemade or sourced from local producers. Simply wonderful.
Also worth noting – and almost rare these days: breakfast is included in the room rate. Guests can enjoy freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and eggs from the house’s own chickens.
Special
Guests can also order a picnic package and choose from various “culinary experiences” on offer: fermenting workshops, mackerel fishing, bread baking, or a tour of a nearby vineyard complete with wine tasting and lunch.
The region
It’s easy to feel like staying put – playing a bit of tennis, relaxing by the pool with a book, or just soaking in the view and letting the hours slip by. But if you’re up for a short trip, the beaches of England’s south coast are only 15 minutes away. Branscombe Beach and Beer Beach, with their colorful beach huts and deck chairs, are lovely spots to visit.
IDEAL For
A romantic weekend in nature, just a 3.5-hour drive from London. Perfect for travelers with a taste for great food, who appreciate sustainability and farm-to-table dining. Ideal for design enthusiasts who love British eccentricity and cozy charm. Or simply for a countryside staycation that feels like visiting an eclectic family member—with an estate, a pool, and a tennis court to enjoy.
Prices
Doubles from 184 euros per night including breakfast.
Kids?
Are welcome.
Booking & Contacts
Glebe House Devon
Olive & Hugo Guest
Southleigh, Colyton
EX24 6SD
Devon / United Kingdom
