I’ll never forget the drive down to our holiday lodge near Axminster – 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 onto some winding back lane that felt more like a goat track than a road. We ended up behind a tractor chugging along at snail’s pace, with the kids in the back chanting “Are we there yet?” like it was a new national anthem. By the time we spotted the sign for the turning, I was white-knuckling the wheel, convinced we’d taken a wrong turn into Narnia. But oh, the relief when we finally pulled up – that first glimpse of the place made it all worthwhile.

Nestled in a quiet spot with woodland views, this cosy lodge was just the ticket: a comfy, detached wooden haven with all the home comforts you could wish for. Picture a welcoming porch piled with logs (not that we needed them straight away in that balmy June sun), and inside, a kitchen that screamed “cook up a storm” with its big oven and all the gadgets. We tumbled out of the car, bags flying everywhere, and I swear the moment we stepped through the door, the chaos melted away. First impressions? Bloody brilliant – I mean, brilliant. The living room opened right onto those trees, sunlight dappling through the leaves, and the bedrooms were snug as a bug, each with its own little en-suite. I plonked myself on the sofa, exhaled for what felt like the first time that day, and thought, “This is it, we’ve made it.”

That anticipation had been building all week – scrolling through pics online, dreaming of lazy mornings with cream teas and coastal rambles. But nothing prepared us for how spot-on it felt from the off. We cracked open the welcome pack (cheers for the local cider and biscuits, by the way), and within minutes, the kids had claimed the garden swing, giggling like loons. Me? I wandered out to the decking, mug of tea in hand, gazing at the birds flitting about. It was one of those moments where you catch yourself smiling at nothing in particular, reflecting on how we grown-ups get so wound up with work and routines. Here, staring at that peaceful woodland fringe, I realised ditching the rat race for a few days does wonders for the soul – even if the journey there nearly did me in.

We didn’t waste time; a quick unpack and we were off for a gentle stroll down to the nearby River Axe, just a short hop away. The water sparkled under the blue sky, and we skimmed stones like pros (well, the kids did; mine plopped like lead weights). Back at the lodge, we fired up the barbecue – nothing fancy, just bangers and burgers from the local shop in Axminster, with that smoky scent wafting through the trees. Laughter echoed as we dodged a sudden shower, piling inside for board games by the fire. It was pure, unfiltered bliss, the kind that makes you forget the sat-nav fiasco entirely.

Looking back, that messy arrival was the perfect icebreaker – turned what could’ve been a stressful start into the best bit of banter for the week. Devon’s got that magic, doesn’t it? Especially in a gem like this lodge. If you’re after a proper unwind, with woodland whispers and all the trimmings close by, you won’t go far wrong here. We left with full hearts and muddy boots, already plotting the next trip.