I’ll never forget the drive down to that holiday cottage near Tiverton – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from the M5 turned into a proper comedy of errors. Sat nav decided to play silly buggers halfway through, directing us down what felt like a sheep track off the A361, and just as we were cursing the signal, we hit a massive pothole that sent my teacup of Earl Grey flying all over the dashboard. Cue much mopping up with soggy serviettes and my other half muttering about “bloomin’ rural roads”. By the time we spotted the long concrete farm driveway snaking off into the valley, I was equal parts frazzled and fizzing with anticipation – would it live up to the pics, or was it one of those places that looks a treat online but smells of damp dog in reality?

Pulling up at the end of that driveway, though, all the chaos melted away. There it was, this cracking renovated cottage nestling right into the hillside with valley views that stretched out like a proper postcard. The sun was dipping low, painting everything in that golden Devon light, and I swear my jaw dropped. High-spec inside and out, it screamed “kick back and forget the world” – think plush sofas begging for a collapse, a kitchen that could handle a full-on family feast without breaking a sweat, and gardens that rolled down towards the Exe Valley. We tumbled out of the car, bags everywhere, kids whooping about the space to run wild, and me just grinning like an idiot. First impressions? Spot on. It felt like the kind of place made for mates or families to properly unwind.

That evening, after unpacking amid more minor mayhem – the youngest managed to wedge his trainer in the boot latch – we cracked open a bottle of local cider on the patio. The air was alive with birdsong, and down below, you could just make out the dark red soil fields hugging the River Exe. Idyllic doesn’t even cover it. Next morning, we wandered into nearby Cadeleigh for a mooch around the village pub – proper homely grub and a pint of something frothy that hit the spot. Bickleigh’s just a hop away too, with its thatched cottages and castle vibes, perfect for a gentle stroll. Tiverton’s canal was calling by lunchtime; we hired a little narrowboat, chugging along at snail’s pace, waving at folks on the horse-drawn barge rides. Blimey, it was the sort of lazy fun you dream about mid-week at the office.

Looking back, that bumpy arrival was the perfect icebreaker – reminded me not to take holidays too seriously. In a world that’s always rushing, this corner of Devon, with its winding river and pocket-sized villages, forced us to slow down. We left with fuller hearts and emptier wine racks, already plotting a return. If you’re after a proper escape, hunt down a spot like this – just pack extra serviettes for the drive.