I’ll never forget the drive up from Dublin – we’d set off full of beans, me and Sarah, our two cheeky Labradors in the back, dreaming of crashing waves and cosy evenings. But about an hour in, disaster struck: a sudden downpour turned the motorway into a skating rink, and I misjudged a slip road near Carrickfergus. Skidded right into a puddle the size of Lough Neagh, soaking the car and giving the dogs a free shower. Sarah just laughed, calling me her “rain magnet,” while I grumbled about my soggy socks. Still, by the time we neared Newtownabbey, the clouds were parting, and my heart lifted at the thought of ditching the road for some proper downtime.

Pulling into the off-road parking spot, we were gobsmacked. This pet-friendly house sits up high, with these sweeping views across Belfast Lough that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s right beside the historic Belfast Castle, and just a stone’s throw from the Abbey Centre for any last-minute shopping urges. Modern and welcoming inside, with a big open-plan living space that’s perfect for lounging as a couple – or wrangling excitable dogs, as we soon discovered. First impressions? Magic. The sea sparkled below, and we dumped our bags, cracked open a couple of tins, and just soaked it in from the windows.

We’d come for a relaxed family-couple break, you know? No grand plans, just simple pleasures and a bit of cottage-life chaos. Mornings started with brews in that airy kitchen, watching ferries chug across the lough while the dogs wrestled over toys on the rug. We’d wander up to Belfast Castle – all of five minutes away – for a gentle stroll through the gardens. The views from there are unreal, and we picnicked on the grass with cheese rolls from the café, pretending we were lords of the manor. One afternoon, the Labs chased squirrels right into a flowerbed, leaving me covered in mud and Sarah in stitches. “That’s why we can’t have nice things,” I chuckled, but honestly, it was the best kind of mess.

Afternoons were for pottering. A quick nip to the Abbey Centre for fish and chips – proper greasy, vinegar-drenched ones – then back for Netflix and naps. Evening walks along the lough path brought that fresh sea air that clears your head, with Belfast’s lights twinkling in the distance. We even managed a rainy hike up Cave Hill nearby, slipping about like the drive up, but rewarded with panoramic views that made us feel tiny and grateful.

Looking back, it was those little moments that hit home. Sarah and I, mid-40s, kids flown the nest – we needed this. No schedules, just us, the dogs, and the chaos of spilled kibble and spontaneous hugs. It reminded me how easy it is to forget the joy in doing nowt much at all. If you’re after a base that blends city buzz with coastal calm, this spot’s a gem. We’re already plotting a return – socks be dashed.