I’ll never forget the drive up to Windermere – we’d packed the car like we were off on a polar expedition, boot stuffed with wellies, board games, and enough snacks to feed a small army. Halfway there, just past Kendal, disaster struck: a rogue sheep decided our lane was prime grazing spot and planted itself bang in front of us. Heart in mouth, I slammed on the brakes, spilling my thermos of tea all over the passenger footwell. The other half just laughed and said, “Welcome to the Lakes, love – chaos from the off.” By the time we disentangled ourselves (sheep unscathed, thermos a goner), we were buzzing with that giddy anticipation of arriving somewhere special.

Pulling up to this gem – one of those private row of houses right in the thick of it, perfect for a big family do – we were gobsmacked. It sleeps 12 easy, with a cracking seven-seater hot tub tucked in the back courtyard and a private cinema room boasting a massive 75-inch Smart TV. The lounge and dining area? Cosy as anything, both with woodburning stoves that promised toasty nights in. First impressions? Pure magic. We dumped the bags and cracked open a bottle of fizz on the terrace, the fells rolling out like a postcard come to life.

Our few days there were all about that relaxed family couple vibe – me and the other half, plus kids and grandkids in tow for a milestone birthday bash. Mornings kicked off with lazy brekkies round the big table, everyone piling into scrambled eggs and bacon while the stove crackled away. We’d mooch down to Bowness – a ten-minute wander – for ice creams at the lakeside, dodging the hordes of tourists with their selfie sticks. One afternoon, we hired rowboats from the pier and spent hours paddling about Windermere, the kids splashing like loons while we pretended to be proper explorers. Hilarious when I nearly capsized us trying to impress with a “manoeuvre” – ended up with half the lake in my lap and everyone in stitches.

Evenings were the real treat. Fire up the hot tub under the stars, bubbles fizzing as we thawed out from a bracing walk up to Orrest Head – that viewpoint’s a cracker, panoramic views over the water without the mega-hike. Then it was cinema time: popcorn, blankets, and a rubbish rom-com that had us all howling at the daft plot twists. Cottage life chaos reigned supreme – socks everywhere, a rogue Monopoly game that sparked a full-on family debate till midnight, and one epic breakfast queue that descended into who-cooks-best carnage. Pure joy.

Looking back, it was those simple pleasures that hit home – no grand plans, just us lot together, laughing off the madness. Made me reflect on how we rush about the rest of the year; this place forced us to slow down, soak it in. If you’re after a laid-back Lakes escape with loved ones, you won’t go far wrong here. We’re already plotting the next one.