I’ll never forget the drive down to Kingswear – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from Exeter turned into a right old faff when we hit roadworks just past Totnes. There I was, white-knuckling the steering wheel, with the sat-nav cheerfully announcing we’d added 45 minutes to the trip, and my other half tutting about my “lead foot” while I cursed the cones under my breath. We’d left early, buzzing with that holiday anticipation – visions of cream teas and ferry rides dancing in our heads – but by the time we rolled into the village, tempers were frayed and we were gasping for a cuppa. Spotting the secure garage space was a godsend, though; squeezing the car in felt like parking in a matchbox, but at least it was safe from any passing seagulls with dodgy aim.

Stepping out onto the street, though, all that arrival chaos melted away. We were just a stone’s throw from the Dartmouth ferry port, and the first impressions? Blimey, they hit like a proper tonic. This stylish two-bedroom apartment in the heart of pretty Kingswear welcomed us with a contemporary vibe that screamed relaxed luxury – bright, spacious living area opening straight onto a private furnished balcony with those jaw-dropping views across the River Dart. I dumped the bags, flung open the doors, and just stood there, gobsmacked, as a ferry chugged by, sunlight glinting off the water. It was like the place was saying, “Forget the traffic jam, mate, you’ve arrived.”

We’d barely unpacked when I wandered out to the balcony from the master bedroom – king-size bed looking like a cloud I couldn’t wait to crash into later – and plonked myself down with a sigh. The anticipation from the drive built into this instant glow; starting the day with that vista (or in our case, late afternoon) felt like cheating at holidays. We cracked open a bottle of local cider from the village shop round the corner, watching families pile onto the ferry for the quick hop over to Dartmouth. No need for grand plans yet – just unwinding as the sun dipped, turning the river into a ribbon of gold. Wi-Fi was a breeze too, so I snapped a few pics to bung on Instagram for the mates back home, who’d be jealous as anything.

Of course, I had a little moment of self-reflection there on that balcony, feet up, pint in hand. Holidays like this make you realise how daft it is to let a bit of road rage spoil the buzz – here we were, in this gem of a spot, with everything we needed right on the doorstep. Next morning, we strolled down to the ferry (five minutes, tops), crossed to Dartmouth for fish and chips by the harbour, then pottered back for an al fresco lunch gazing at the boats bobbing on the Dart. Evenings blurred into lazy sunsets, grilling sausages on the balcony while chatting about nothing much. The mishaps of arrival? Already a funny story. This place nailed that perfect Devon escape – close enough to the action, but all about savouring the view and switching off. Can’t wait to go back.