I’ll never forget the drive over to Newport on the Isle of Wight – we’d splashed out on the car ferry from Southampton, buzzing with that proper holiday anticipation, you know? Me and the missus, just the two of us for a chilled couple’s break, no kids or chaos this time. But typical us, we hit a snag right at the start: halfway across the Solent, the ferry’s tannoy crackles and announces a delay because some daft yacht had got tangled in the props. Half an hour late, we were, faffing about with cups of weak tea from the onboard café, laughing about how we always manage to turn a simple crossing into an adventure.

By the time we rolled up to the property, the sun was dipping low, casting this gorgeous glow over the harbour. What a first impression! This cosy home from home sits right in the calm surroundings of a beautiful harbour where water flows in from the River Medina – it’s like stepping into a postcard. We parked up, lugging our bags down the little path, and the door swung open to that instant hit of seaside freshness mixed with fresh linen. It’s the sort of place that wraps you up straight away, all welcoming nooks and a kitchen that begged for lazy brekkies.

First morning, we wandered out to the harbour, mugs of tea in hand, watching the boats bob about. No rush, no plans – just us, the gentle lap of water, and a cheeky gull eyeing our biscuits. It’s so handy for a gentle potter; Osborne House is only 3.5 miles away, and we fancied a mooch over there the next day to soak up a bit of Victorian history without the hordes. Even better, the Isle of Wight Festival site’s under 2 miles off, though we missed the main bash, we caught echoes of live music drifting on the breeze one evening – perfect for our low-key vibe.

We kept it simple, really – cottage life at its chaotic best. One afternoon, I tried my hand at a full English on their Aga-style cooker, only to set off the smoke alarm with overdone bangers. Cue much waving of tea towels and giggling like idiots! Ryde’s golden sands are just 5.5 miles down the road, so we packed a picnic and spent a lazy day there, paddling in the shallows, building the world’s wonkiest sandcastle (mine collapsed spectacularly, naturally). It was those little moments that hit home – no grand outings, just the joy of being together, feet up with a GandT as the sun set over the Medina.

Looking back, it was a proper reset. We’re always rushing about back home, but here, amid the harbour’s hush and those easy escapes, I caught myself thinking how we need more of this simplicity. No drama, just us reconnecting over burnt sausages and seaside strolls. If you’re after a relaxed family-couple escape – wait, just us two, but you get the gist – this Newport gem is spot on. We’re already plotting a return.