Demonstrating its expertise in blending design, function, and personality, Neptune has carefully crafted a Henley kitchen for Glebe House owners, chef Hugo Guest, and his artist wife, Olive Guest. Their new kitchen, located in a recently converted outbuilding on their East Devon estate, is a true reflection of the couple's shared passions for cooking and creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere through thoughtful design.
Glebe House, originally a Georgian vicarage, has been in Hugo's family for generations. After taking over from his parents, Olive and Hugo transformed the property into a seven-bedroom guesthouse and restaurant. Since opening in 2021, it has drawn visitors with its idyllic setting, farm-to-table dining, and eclectic interiors. The couple’s signature style—rich, homely, and brimming with colour—carries over into their newly renovated home, where Neptune has played a crucial role in bringing their vision to life.
The kitchen is at the heart of this renovation project, showcasing Neptune’s Henley Kitchen design, selected for its timeless appeal and versatility. Olive and Hugo opted for a combination of solid white oak base cabinetry with a natural finish, and wall cabinetry painted in Neptune’s Burnt Sienna. The centrepiece of the kitchen is the large island, finished in Neptune’s striking Burnham Red, reflecting the warm, eclectic palette that defines the Glebe House guesthouse. The couple’s burgundy Everhot cooker further enhances this lively aesthetic.
The Henley kitchen is known not only for its visual appeal but also for its clever functional design. Features like a single-door larder and wide, deep drawer storage offer ample space, catering to Hugo's practical needs as a chef. The worktops are a mix of Polished Breccia Sarda granite, provided by Anything Stone, and a full-stave oak surface on the island, giving the space a balanced organic feel. Brass knobs and taps lend a timeless look, while the room’s panelling and Neptune’s Cactus shade on the window frames add a relaxed warmth and harmony to the space.
Incorporating an open-plan layout, the kitchen seamlessly flows into the adjacent living area. Neptune’s Pembroke shelving in Moss Green is used to create a functional yet stylish home library and entertainment centre. The utility cloakroom, located just off the dining room, features Neptune’s Chichester cabinet, elegantly concealing the washing machine. Olive’s artistic touch is evident in the design of a curtain that finishes the Chichester sink cabinet, cohesively tying the spaces together.
Reflecting on the project, Olive Guest shared, “Just as with the guesthouse, from the outset I had a clear idea of how I wanted our new family kitchen to look and feel. As an artist, the use of colour, tone, and texture in a space is incredibly important to me, and of course, functionality is crucial for Hugo. Working with Neptune to bring this to life was a natural fit.
Their dedication to craftsmanship and style, combined with the broad palette of materials and colours to choose from, was ideal. It was all completely seamless, and the stunning results have gone far beyond our expectations – we feel very house proud.”
Claire Birkbeck, Senior Kitchen And Interior Designer at Neptune and Lead Designer on this project revealed, "The Glebe House kitchen project was a great opportunity to explore both traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. The kitchen design combines natural wood, earthy colours, and a rustic, warm atmosphere. The Henley’s natural white oak paired with the earthy Burnt Sienna on the cabinets and Burnham Red on the island contribute to a welcoming, character-filled space that ties in with the surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design can bring warmth, character, and practicality together.”
The collaboration between Neptune and Glebe House has resulted in a family kitchen that embodies the Guests' love of creativity, food, and design, making it not just a place to cook but a welcoming space for family life and gatherings.
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