I’ll never forget the drive up to Northumberland last month – what was meant to be a straightforward jaunt from Newcastle turned into a comedy of errors. Sat-nav decided to play silly beggars, rerouting us down a narrow lane that pinched my wing mirrors with holly hedges, and then we hit a flock of sheep blocking the road near Alnwick. There I was, honking gently while the farmer ambled over with a grin, muttering about “tourists in a hurry.” By the time we escaped, I was starving, the kids were bickering over crisps, and my other half was threatening to walk the last mile. But honestly, that little chaos only ramped up the anticipation – I’d been dreaming of this coastal getaway for weeks.

Pulling into Alnmouth just as the sun dipped low over the estuary, though, it was love at first sight. We’d booked this cracking luxurious coastal penthouse right where the River Aln kisses the sea, and stepping out, the views hit us like a warm sea breeze. Golden beach stretching out one way, glassy estuary the other, with gulls wheeling overhead – it felt like we’d stumbled into a postcard. The property itself is a stunner: sleek and modern inside, all floor-to-ceiling windows framing those estuary vistas, yet cosy enough to flop into after a long drive. First impressions? Pure bliss. We dumped the bags, cracked open a bottle of fizz on the balcony, and just gawped as the light danced on the water. The mishaps melted away in seconds.

Next morning, we were straight out for riverside walks along the Aln – it’s magical how the path meanders right by the property, with herons poking about in the shallows and seals occasionally popping up like nosy neighbours. A gentle stroll turned into beachcombing on that vast sandy stretch, toes in the cool North Sea, picking up driftwood and dodging jellyfish (lesson learned: flip-flops essential). Lunch was fish and chips from a harbourside café, eaten on the harbour wall watching fishing boats bob. The village itself is a gem – pint-sized shops selling local fudge, arty galleries, and tearooms where the scones come thicker than my accent.

Afternoon brought estuary views from our perch, binoculars out for oystercatchers and maybe an otter if we’re lucky. Keen on a bit more legwork, we tackled part of the Northumberland Coast Path – that 3.5-mile jaunt to Boulmer is a belter, all dunes and wildflowers, with the sea crashing below. Back in time for sunset supper at one of the cosy restaurants, tucking into crab caught that day. Golfers among you (not me, I’m rubbish) have England’s oldest course just 1.5 miles off – my mate raved about it last year.

Popped over to Alnwick too, five minutes’ drive for the castle and those lush gardens – climbed the treehouse restaurant for a brew with a view. Reflecting on it now, amid the arrival pandemonium, I realised holidays like this are what reset the soul. No signal stress, just us, the sea, and proper peace. If you’re after a Northumberland bolt-hole, this penthouse is the ticket – chaotic journey and all, it was spot on.