I’ll never forget the drive down to Ilfracombe – what should’ve been a straightforward three-hour jaunt from Bristol turned into a proper faff when we hit roadworks just past Barnstaple. The sat-nav kept rerouting us through these narrow lanes barely wide enough for a pram, let alone my ancient estate car loaded with beach gear and enough snacks to feed the Devon coast. We ended up doing a three-point turn in a hedge (thankfully no one was watching), and by the time we spotted the sea glinting ahead, I was knackered, my other half was humming the same tune on repeat to keep the kids calm, and we’d demolished half the crisps.

Pulling up to the cliffs, though, all that melted away. There it was, this cracking second-floor apartment hugging the edge, with the waves crashing right below like they were putting on a private show. We’d been buzzing about it for weeks – those panoramic views from the bay window had me daydreaming of cuppas with nothing but ocean for company. Lugging the bags up the stairs (note to self: pack lighter next time), we tumbled through the door, and blimey, first impressions didn’t disappoint. The open-plan living space hit you straight away – massive corner sofa begging for a Netflix binge, Smart TV with Chromecast ready to go, and that chaise longue right by the floor-to-ceiling glass. I flopped onto it under a blanket, listening to the sea roar like it was in the room with us. Pure magic, especially after the drive’s chaos.

The kitchen was a dream too – Nespresso machine whirring out my first proper coffee in hours, dishwasher to banish the washing-up dread, and everything you’d need for a fry-up. We crammed around the compact dining table for fish finger butties (kids’ choice after the car ordeal), giggling about our hedge escapade. Down the hall, the master bedroom’s king-size bed with its pillow-top mattress looked like heaven – that statement headboard screamed luxury, perfect for collapsing after a day out. The twin room was spot-on for the little ones, with storage and a bedside light for storytime. Both bathrooms had these posh UK-made paraben-free toiletries that made me feel all eco-warrior-ish, and the bath-shower combo was calling my name already.

We wandered down to the harbour that evening – it’s literally moments away – and grabbed chips from a takeaway, watching the fishing boats bob about. Tunnels Beaches is just a stroll along the cliffs, with its tidal pool and sandy stretches perfect for paddling tomorrow. Or we might hit Hele Bay for rock pooling, assuming the weather plays ball. Strolling back as the sun dipped, blanket over shoulders, waves thundering below, I had one of those quiet moments: holidays like this remind you life’s too short for sat-nav stress. This place? It’s got us hooked already. Can’t wait for lazy mornings and more sea-gazing. If you’re after a North Devon bolt-hole that feels like home (but better), this is it.