Simpson, who was formerly the head chef of Nathan Outlaw’s two Michelin-stared flagship in Port Isaac, stepped down from the role in January after just one year behind the stove.
During his tenure, Gidleigh lost one of the two Michelin stars it held for almost 20 years under former chefs Michael Caines and Michael Wignall.
Eden will be moving to Gidleigh from the Driftwood hotel in Cornwall, where he has been head chef for the last 12 years.
He oversaw the restaurant win a Michelin star in 2012, and a fourth AA rosette in 2018.
The Cornish-born chef, whose CV includes stints cooking under Chris Galvin at The Orrery and for Phil Howard at The Square, says he can’t wait to get started in his new role.
“Having grown up in the south west, to take up this role at Gidleigh Park is the stuff of childhood dreams,” he says.
“Gidleigh Park’s great team, beautiful setting and iconic reputation combine to make this such an exciting opportunity.”
Gidleigh Park is one of the country’s most prominent country house hotels and has been overseen by a number of high profile chefs, most notably Caines, who held two stars there for 17 years.