I’ll never forget the drive down to Hardy Premier in Axminster, Devon – a proper classic family road trip that started with me confidently declaring I knew a shortcut via the A303, only for us to end up stuck behind a herd of sheep doing about 2mph near Honiton. The kids in the back were chanting “baa-baa-black sheep” for what felt like hours, and I’m there pretending it’s all part of the adventure while secretly cursing my sat-nav skills. By the time we rolled into the sleepy lanes of East Devon, the sun was dipping low, casting that golden glow over the rolling hills, and we were all knackered but buzzing with that holiday anticipation.

Pulling up to Hardy Premier just as dusk settled was pure magic. Tucked away in a quiet spot off the beaten track, this cosy lodge felt like it was waiting just for us – a proper little haven with its pitched roof and wooden cladding blending into the Devon countryside. We’d booked it for a chilled three-day family break, nothing fancy, just us lot escaping the daily grind for some simple pleasures. The moment we stepped out of the car, the air hit us: that fresh, earthy scent of grass and sea breeze mingling from the nearby coast. It’s only a short hop to places like the pebble beaches at Seaton, but right there, it was all about soaking in the lodge life.

First impressions? Spot on. The owners had left a welcoming note on the kitchen table with fresh milk, biscuits, and a cheeky “Help yourselves to the eggs from the hens out back!” – proper thoughtful touch. We tumbled inside, bags everywhere, and the kids immediately claimed the comfy lounge with its big telly and squishy sofas. I love how these places nail that lodge vibe: open-plan living with a wood-burning stove (we got it going later for toasty evenings), a compact but brilliant kitchen kitted out with everything you need for fry-ups and pasties, and those massive windows framing views of the garden and distant hills. It’s not some sterile hotel; it’s got character – a bit of rustic charm with beams overhead and quirky Devon knick-knacks on the shelves.

Of course, there was the inevitable first-night chaos. Unpacking turned into a comedy of errors: my other half couldn’t find the light switches (they’re those sneaky dimmer ones), the youngest tipped over a bag of crisps across the slate floor, and I managed to bash my knee on the coffee table while heroically carrying in the cool box. “Welcome to lodge life,” I laughed, rubbing my leg, as we all collapsed into giggles. Popped the kettle on for a proper cuppa – none of that weak teabag nonsense – and cracked open some local Devon cider we’d grabbed en route. Sat there munching biscuits, watching the kids explore the garden in the fading light, spotting a cheeky rabbit nibbling at the edges. Bliss.

Wandering out the next morning (technically still first impressions, right?), the garden stole the show. Enclosed and private, with a patio begging for barbecues and a bit of lawn for the kids to burn off steam. You can hear birdsong everywhere, and it’s dead quiet – no traffic hum, just the gentle whoosh of wind through the trees. We nipped down to the nearby Combe Valley Wildlife Park, just a stone’s throw away, where the little ones went wild over the red deer and otters. Back at the lodge, it was all about simple joys: kicking a ball around, brewing endless coffees, and me having a rare moment of self-reflection on the patio swing. Staring out at the Devon landscape, I thought, blimey, when did life get so hectic? This is it – no schedules, no screens (well, mostly), just family faffing about in our little bubble. Hardy Premier nailed that relaxed vibe perfectly; it’s the sort of place that makes you forget the sheep traffic jam ever happened.

By the end of day two, we were already plotting a return – first impressions don’t lie, this gem’s got us hooked for more Devon downtime.