PLAN A TRIP TO…

Glebe House, a Devonshire property with stunning views over the Coly Valley

The property’s original features have been lovingly brought back to life

LEFT The Old Kitchen is now a charming self-contained annexe. BELOW Simple suppers are served every evening in The Kitchen

Visiting Glebe House, it’s apparent that its owners, Hugo and Olive, were inspired by Italy’s ‘agriturismo,’ a once overlooked form of tourism that’s now sweeping the world. Agrotourism involves working farms providing accommodation and often an artisanal culinary offering, which showcases the farm’s bounty. While Glebe House isn’t quite a working farm, it has a glorious 15-acre freeholding, with livestock and a polytunnel, which allows chef Hugo to produce an array of seasonal dishes.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

The late Georgian vicarage was originally run as a B&B by Hugo’s parents; now Studio Alexandra have brought the property back to life, accentuating original features through colour and patterns. The ambition was to make each room feel vibrant yet homely, as is the case for The Tulip Room, with its beautiful views over the Coly Valley outside and delightful Ottoline de Vries tulip wallpaper inside.

HIDDEN DELIGHTS

After only a month of renovation, the team were uncovering a glut of surprises within the old house. Stay in The Old Kitchen, in the oldest part of the property, for a glimpse of a charming old wash basin, and use the working wood burner to get snug.

A NOD TO ITALIAN CUISINE

It’s possibly no surprise that the food served at Glebe House also has roots in Italian gastronomy. The Restaurant offers a £48 a head four-course dining experience. Expect egg yolk ravioli with leeks and roasted bone butter sauce, marinated English sardines and Amalfi lemon tart. The Kitchen offers a more rustic affair every night: home-made pies, ragu and casseroles aplenty. There is also an on-site bakery and charcuterie room that can be booked for cookery classes. It’s a true foodie retreat.

RELAX AND UNWIND

However you like to unwind – walking through the idyllic countryside of the Coly Valley (or slightly further afield is the Jurassic Coast), playing tennis or taking a dip in the swimming pool – there’s something for you. Glebe House, glebehousedevon. co.uk, 01404 871276