A small countryside retreat known for its farm-to-table cooking has gained national recognition after receiving two prestigious accolades celebrating both sustainability and hospitality.
Glebe House, a 15-acre smallholding, guesthouse and restaurant in East Devon, has been awarded a Green Star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026. The property has also been included in The Sunday Times’ list of the 50 Best Places to Stay 2026.
The Michelin Green Star recognises restaurants and hospitality venues that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Inspectors praised Glebe House for its farmhouse charm and farm-to-fork ethos, with seasonal menus shaped by ingredients grown on site.
Meanwhile, The Sunday Times highlighted the venue as an exceptional British escape, describing its restaurant as “rustic and rather lovely” and pointing to the simple pleasures of “good food, good walks and good fun”.
Situated in a former Georgian vicarage three miles from the coast, Glebe House was launched in 2021 by Hugo Guest and Olive Guest. Inspired by Italy’s relaxed agriturismi, the couple transformed Hugo’s childhood home into a smallholding, guesthouse and restaurant where much of the produce served is grown or raised on site.
The kitchen is led by head chef David Knapman, who recently joined the business as a partner alongside the Guests. Knapman previously worked at establishments including The Fat Duck and Maison Lameloise, and brings a seasonal approach to the menu, using ingredients from the kitchen garden, neighbouring farms and local producers.
Much of what is served is made in-house, including bread, charcuterie, preserves and ferments.
Speaking about the recognition, David Knapman said: “It’s a humbling moment. We work very hard, and are very proud of what we do so it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way.”
David added: “Glebe has always stayed very true to what we do, a focus on great produce, seasonality and cooking food scratch using artisan techniques. Sustainability is a journey, and there is lots of great work to be done.”
Glebe House features nine bedrooms, gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a dining-room restaurant welcoming guests, locals and visitors.
This year the property also launched The Crow’s Nest Cabins, transforming a former family hideout into two cedar-clad one-bedroom cabins designed by Akin Studio and Out of the Valley. Each includes a super-king bedroom, kitchen and dining nook with a wood burner, and a private deck with a sunken outdoor bath.
A wood-fired sauna has also opened in a quiet corner of the garden overlooking the Coly Valley, with a cold plunge and outdoor shower.
The property has launched a Sauna & Dine package for visitors, offering a private sauna session paired with a seasonal lunch or dinner in the restaurant.
Bedrooms in the main house start from £159 on a bed-and-breakfast basis, while sauna sessions start from £75 per hour for two guests.
Bookings can be made at www.glebehousedevon.com.
