INSPIRATION
The spaces we call our own reflect not only our tastes and passions, but how we live too. Here four experts share their secrets on how to create a home that tells a story…
OBJECTS OF DESIRE
OLIVE GUEST ARTIST AND CO-FOUNDER OF GLEBE HOUSE
The best thing about living at Glebe House,’ says Olive, ‘is its uninterrupted views of the rolling Devonshire hills.’ A late-Georgian vicarage, the property was formerly Olive’s ‘The husband Hugo’s family home that was later turned into a bed and breakfast. Olive and Hugo took the reins in 2021, and it’s now a combination of rooms for overnight guests and a family home. ‘The house itself is steeped in history,’ adds Olive, ‘and I love that we have been able to preserve a place that has been so special for generations.’
Glebe is decorated in an eclectic fashion and each room has its own identity. ‘I like things to look as though they’ve been collected and considered over time – and being surrounded by objects, art and pattern that have clearly had a lot of thought put into them makes me happy.’
In the sitting room, a woven blanket designed by London-based illustrator James Daw and Slowdown Studio takes centre stage: ‘It’s such a standout piece, and the colours tie the room together so nicely.’
Other favourite pieces include a Turkish kilim armchair (found at an antiques shop in Somerset) and a vintage painted wardrobe (sourced by Olive’s mother from a dealer in Haslemere in Surrey). ‘My mother, grandmother and I were – and are – all artists, so I was surrounded by colour and pattern growing up. My grandparents’ house in Wiltshire was like Charleston House, with hand-painted chairs and murals. When we started to think about decorating, I was inspired by that history,’ says Olive.
Antiquing is a hobby she shares with her husband. ‘Glebe House offers the perfect excuse for us to develop our collection,’ she says. ‘As well as going to different markets, we use online retailer Vinterior a lot too.’
Each space in Glebe House looks and feels layered, with different patterns combining to bring a sense of creativity. ‘A lot of our lampshades are by independent makers, including Bloomsbury Revisited, which has beautiful hand-painted shades. I also love Katy Takla��
