I’ll never forget the drive up to Longnor in the Peak District – we’d packed the car to the brim with kids’ toys, wellies, and enough snacks to feed a small army, only for the sat-nav to chuck us down a narrow lane that turned into a muddy quagmire just five miles out from Buxton. The wheels spun like mad, and there I was, laughing hysterically while my other half pushed from behind, covered in splatters up to his knees. “Welcome to Derbyshire,” I chuckled, as we finally freed ourselves and trundled on, hearts racing with that mix of annoyance and excitement. By the time we crested the hill into the village, the anticipation was bubbling – would this be the perfect spot for our family unwind?

Pulling up to the old converted water-powered saw mill, my jaw dropped. It’s this gorgeous one-bedroom apartment, all handcrafted woodwork and decor that feels like a warm hug, packed with high-quality furnishings that scream cosy without trying too hard. Stepping inside, the open-plan living space hit us first – those unique handmade arched windows framing the rolling hills, a fitted wooden kitchen stocked with everything for knocking up a family feast, complete with a dining table and chairs for our chaotic mealtimes. The sofa beckoned for telly time, and upstairs, the spacious bathroom with its bath and separate shower promised sanity-saving soaks after a day out with the little ones.

We wasted no time diving into Peak District bliss. A short stroll took us to the village green in Longnor, where the kids chased each other around while we sipped tea from the local café, watching sheep amble by. One morning, we wandered the five-minute path to the River Dove, dipping toes in the chilly water and picnicking on cheese scones – pure simple joy, with the toddler splashing about like a tiny otter. Afternoons meant gentle hikes up to the nearest dales, nothing too strenuous, just enough to work up an appetite for pasta bakes in that brilliant kitchen. The chaos peaked one evening when flour exploded everywhere during a pancake attempt – batter on the ceiling, giggles all round, and a rare moment where I paused amid the mess, thinking, “This is it, isn’t it? The messy magic of family life we chase all year.”

Evenings were for unwinding on the sofa, kids conked out early, us sharing a bottle of wine and plotting the next day’s adventures. A quick jaunt to the village shop for fresh eggs and bread kept things authentic, and that tub? Heaven after trudging back from a misty walk – I treated myself to a long bubble bath, reflecting on how these cottage stays remind you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and cherish the small stuff.

It wasn’t all Instagram-perfect; the wonky door stuck once or twice, adding to the charm. But leaving Lacewood – sorry, our little saw mill haven – we were already plotting a return. Derbyshire’s got that knack for turning ordinary breaks into heart-warming memories. If you’re after relaxed family vibes with a side of gentle chaos, this is your spot.