I’ll never forget the drive down to Looe – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from Plymouth turned into a proper comedy of errors. Sat nav decided to play silly buggers, rerouting us through every narrow lane in East Cornwall, and just as we hit a particularly twisty bit near Polperro, the heavens opened. Rain lashing the windscreen like it had a personal grudge, and me white-knuckling the wheel while my other half helpfully pointed out every passing tractor. We’d left early to beat the traffic, buzzing with that holiday anticipation – visions of pasties and sea views dancing in our heads – but by the time we crawled into Looe, we were soaked, slightly frazzled, and questioning our life choices.

Spotting the turning for the property felt like a minor miracle. It’s one of those cosy holiday cottages tucked into the hillside, all welcoming with its big windows framing glimpses of the sea, done up in that fresh, modern beachy style that screams ‘relax here’. We bundled out of the car, umbrellas inside out from the wind, and fumbled with the key safe while a cheeky gull eyed our luggage like it was takeaway. First impressions? Blimey, it hit us straight away – stepping inside was like shedding a wet coat of stress. The open-plan living space opened right up, light pouring in, with everything spotless and thoughtfully laid out. Kettle on, tea bags at the ready – proper thoughtful touches that made us grin despite the chaos.

We dumped our bags and beelined for the balcony, and oh mate, the view. Right over the harbour, boats bobbing in the waves below, Looe’s colourful bustle just a stone’s throw away. That first lungful of salty air washed away the drive’s grumbles; you could practically taste the fish straight off the boats. Popped down to the town in the drizzle – five minutes’ stroll – and grabbed chips from a proper chippie, scoffing them on the harbour wall while watching the world go by. Kids crabbing, locals nattering, that classic Cornish vibe that makes you feel instantly at home.

Looking back, that messy arrival was the perfect icebreaker. I’m usually a planner, fretting over every detail, but stumbling in drenched forced me to just go with it – laugh it off and flop onto the comfy sofa with a brew. Refreshed us for the next days of gentle wanders: beachcombing at Hannafore, a pint at the Jolly Sailor, even a sneaky pasty picnic on the sand. The cottage became our sunny hub, pulling us back each evening with its easy charm. If you’re after that proper Cornish escape without the faff, this corner of Looe’s got it in spades. Can’t wait to go back – minus the sat nav shenanigans, hopefully.