I’ll never forget the drive down to our holiday spot in Devon – sat nav insisting we were nearly there, only for us to take a wrong turn onto some narrow lane that had hedges swallowing the car whole. Proper heart-in-mouth stuff, with branches scraping the sides like an unwanted car wash. But hey, that little mishap turned into the perfect teaser for what was to come: stumbling on Devon’s best-kept secrets just by getting lost.

Finally rolling up to this tucked-away gem on a quiet road just outside Northam, I was buzzing with that arrival buzz – you know, when you’ve imagined cream teas and coastal walks for weeks. First impressions? Spot on. It’s a large, luxurious house that screams family getaway, with a massive garden complete with a barbecue and bubbling hot tub, off-road parking for three cars (handy after our scenic detour), and even a games room to keep the kids – or tipsy adults – entertained. Stepping inside, the stylish vibe hit me straight away: that plush blue velvet corner sofa in the spacious sitting room, paired with an 85-inch Smart TV begging for movie nights. The fully-equipped kitchen made rustling up a post-drive fry-up a doddle, and the dining room’s big table seated us all without a squash.

But the real magic? Getting properly lost around here unlocked hidden treasures you won’t find on the tourist trail. First wander, we veered off down a footpath near Appledore – that quaint village just a hop away – and tripped over a secluded pebble beach where seals were bobbing about like nosy neighbours. No crowds, just us, the waves, and a thermos of tea. Laughed our heads off when we realised we’d parked miles back and had to leg it.

Next day, aiming for Bideford’s quay, we missed the sign and ended up on a winding track through the woods. Blimey, what a find – a tiny orchard café run by locals, dishing out the fluffiest scones with clotted cream thicker than my accent. Proper off-the-beaten-path, with views over the Torridge estuary that made you forget the world. We spent hours there, chatting to the owner about his rogue chickens that roam free.

Even a rainy afternoon led to gold: lost again near the coast path, we ducked into a hidden cove at Crow Point. Waves crashing, sand dunes whispering secrets, and not a soul in sight. Fired up the barbie that evening, hot tub steaming under the stars, swapping tales of our accidental adventures. Made me reflect a bit – we’re all so glued to screens and maps these days, aren’t we? Missing the joy of wandering, that thrill of the unknown. This trip reminded me to loosen the reins sometimes; the best bits hide where the paths fade.

A week of such serendipity, and I’m already plotting a return. Devon’s quiet corners? They’ve got my heart.