Arriving at our Devon holiday let, we turned the corner of a narrow village street to find an idyllic thatched cottage, if not with roses around the door, then very near.
This picture postcard dwelling was to be our home for a long weekend - but inside it got even better. Rose Cottage is part of the nearby Millbrook Estate which hosts bijoux 'elopement' weddings for couples who want a beautiful, intimate ceremony without all the fuss.
With its vast comfy beds, log burner, courtyard hot tub, and copper bath for two, this most romantic of cottages is often host to honeymooners, babymooners, or 'mini mooners' with a little one in tow.
It's also perfectly lovely for a family stay, and even if we weren't newlyweds, the heart-shaped butter dish and ice-cube trays, and embroidered Love cushions just make you go 'ahh'.
The village of High Bickington has a well stocked community shop where we gathered provisions for our first supper and breakfast.
There's a helpful iPad which explains all about the cottage and suggests places to eat or visit. If you bring their own gear, guests can fish in Millbrook's lakes, or book out a BBQ hut beside a rushing stream, or arrange private dining on the estate. There are also passes to use the leisure facilities of a local hotel, where we enjoyed a swim and steam.
It's the coastline that draws many to Devon, and Rose Cottage is within striking distance of some beautiful beaches, whether it's the long sweep of golden sand at Saunton Sands, or the surf haven of Croyde. We were already fans of Woolacombe which offers both surfing and a family friendly beach.
After parking our car for a small fortune, we found hire places at the beach entrance where we secured wet suits and bodyboards for our two kids. Despite the chilly April sea temperature, the sun was out, and they spent an exhilirating two hours catching waves before enjoying fish and chips on a bench - all the better for the salty air.
The return to Rose Cottage was so much nicer because we could run ourselves a gigantic bath, and luxuriate in the hot tub. The next day we explored the winding streets of Appledore, a historic fishing village with pastel houses, which even has its own book festival in September.
There's an art gallery, second hand bookshop, and great deli where we bought coffee and pastries and watched the ferry plying its trade across the river Torridge to Instow. After a meander to Westward Ho! dropping a few pennies in the slot machines, we found ourselves back that evening with a different view of Appledore.
The iPad had numerous recommendations for quaint village pubs and seaside restaurants, and we'd booked into The Boathouse at Instow. Sat under blankets on the open upper deck, you can watch the sun go down over Appledore, and dine on River Fowey mussels, cured monkfish with horseradish creme fraiche, or dressed Devon crab.
It was hard to tear ourselves away from this lovely stretch of coast which has so much to offer - from zoos and theme parks to coasteering, paddle boarding and Jeep safaris. But it was also hard to leave Rose Cottage which had been the height of comfort and cosiness, and really, the sort of place you want to go back to.
Milbrook Cottages is set in a peaceful spot near the village of High Bickington and is a Devon Tourism gold award and Feefo Platinum award winner. As well as the four luxury properties for two, Rose Cottage is also available nearby. A week's stay in Rose Cottage for four guests starts from £1169 and a three-night break starts from £644. To book visit www.millbrookcottages.co.uk or call 01769 629069.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here