Glebe House is in East Devon, nestled in rolling countryside with a remote and rural feel, yet not too far from the A30.

There are five boldly styled individual rooms – from cosy to large, each evoking the arts and crafts movement with antiques and statement furniture, not to mention a wealth of art – plus a self-contained (dog-friendly) annexe.

We tucked into succulent homemade chicken pie, teased with tarragon and fennel, accompanied by crusty roast potatoes and green salad, and washed down with a crisp, dry Austrian white wine, the Funkstille Grüner Veltliner. Dessert was chef-owner Hugo’s zingy lemon tart, complete with beautifully crusty pastry and dressed with whipped cream.

A wealth of walks awaits, as well as an on-site swimming pool and tennis court, not to mention resident pigs and an artisan charcuterie and bakery in the grounds… For less clement days there is an array of books and board games.

Tennis racket, swimming costume, wellington boots, walking shoes.

The vibe. Run by couple Olive and Hugo, Glebe House is like being at a country house party, with its relaxed welcome, long wooden dining tables, a drawing room made for sprawling and chatting over tea (and gooey chocolate cookies) or a tipple, chilled background music, and an atmosphere which quite simply defies you to be anti-social. Even the couple with the young baby were embraced into the fold!

Chill out and go with the flow. Glebe House is all about relaxing. Service might not be ruthlessly efficient, but some things are worth waiting for.