Set in the heart of East Devon, this family owned guest house, in the tiny village of Colyton, is the perfect place to decompress.
Transforming a 40-year-old B&B into a modern guesthouse, Glebe House owners, Hugo and Olive Guest have created a wholly relaxing space to spend a long weekend. Whilst the focus is primarily placed on food, the joyfully designed interiors by Studio Alexandra are just as palatable.
The Vibe
Think Charleston, but chicer. Expect rainbow-weave carpets, scallop-edged pillows, and painterly furnishings throughout.
The Rooms
Each of the six bedrooms at Glebe House are designed with a sense of joy and whimsy. Expect bold colours, artistic murals, and pretty floral patterns in abundant supply. With no two rooms the same, humming and hawing over your favourite could take some time. The Rose Room, the largest room in the house, boasts a canopy bed fit for a modern-day prince; contrastingly, the dinky Tulip Room is the smallest accomodation available and is lined with sweet Ottoline de Vries tulip wallpaper, making for a characterful and cosy stay. The Copper Beach is another strong contender – its period fireplace and generously sized en suite cinch it for us.
Regardless of the room you check into, you’ll be greeted with home-baked goods (we practically inhaled our chocolate and sea salt cookies) and fresh poesy jars on arrival. In the wardrobes, you’ll find extra quilts and hot water bottles (complete with knit hoods) should the weather take a turn.
The Little Extras
Flick through the pages of the beautifully illustrated ‘Walks Book’ provided in each bedroom; it’s the perfect prompt for those keen to explore the area on foot.
CF Top Tip: there’s an honesty bar under the stairs, should you get a little thirsty post-hike.
The Food + Drink
With homemade, locally sourced food cooked up by Hugo Guest and former River Cottage chef, Sam Lomas, breakfast through supper is a moreish affair.
A simple breakfast is served between 8-10AM, comprising of apple juice, tea or coffee, and creamy yogurt with granola and fruit compote. This is followed by a second course of thick-cut bacon and sunny-side up eggs, accompanied by sourdough toast (loaves are baked on site) and a dollop of homemade brown sauce for good measure.
Dinner is held in either the ivy-clad garden room, at a table outside, or in one of the two dining rooms; as you choose. On Sundays to Wednesdays, a ‘simple supper’ is provided at £20 per head. Expect homely dishes, such as chicken pie or lasagne. Whilst here, we enjoyed monkfish (sourced from Beer) accompanied by borlotti beans with aioli placed atop. Simple sides – think bread and a seasonal green salad – also feature.
The Restaurant in Glebe House is open Thursday to Sunday, offering diners a set four-course menu based on what’s in season. Charged at £48 per head, precede meal with an aperitivo, choosing from a classic Negroni, Aperol spritz, and a Glebe elderflower gin fizz, at an additional fee. Served family style, Sunday lunch comprises of a quartet of courses and is charged at £35 per head.
The To-Do List
Guests can play croquet on the lawn or enjoy a game of doubles at the tennis court across from the main house. There’s also lovely art to admire across the property, some of which is for sale (you’ll spot a small green dot where applicable).
Keen to explore further afield? Refer to the ‘Walk Book’. Our walking route of choice: Beer to Branscombe – ensuring ample time for a pub lunch or fish and chips on the beach has been accounted for. Alternatively, sign up to one of Glebe House’s bread making classes or head on a private tour of Castlewood vineyard and sample the best wine in the area. Guests are advised to check Glebe House’s website regularly for the latest roster of experiences available.
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