Is a Big Move Really for You?
We get told all the time that we’re “really brave” for making the move to live in another country. We also hear, “I’d love to live where you do — somewhere really remote where we can grow our own food and live more simply.”
But… is it really for you?
As with most things online, you’ll usually only see the highlight reel: the jaw-dropping views, the peaceful mountain life, the beach days and weekend adventures, or those cosy catch-ups with friends visiting the island. On the surface, it looks like we’ve nailed the balance — but the reality is quite different… and definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Living Far Away From Family
This is, hands down, the hardest part of living overseas.
The flight from Gran Canaria to the UK is around 4.5 hours — and once you add airport transfers and waiting around, it’s basically a whole day of travel. We usually go back a couple of times a year and alternate Christmases, but now we’re a family of four, it’s not always affordable to “pop back” on a whim. Trips have to be planned well in advance, and only when we can find a good deal.
This year alone, I’ve flown back six times due to family illness and bereavement. My mum became seriously ill earlier this year, and the worry of being so far away is hard to explain. Thankfully she made a full recovery, but only weeks later her sister, my aunty, became unwell and sadly passed away. I was incredibly grateful to make it back for her funeral and be close to family during that time, but being able to respond to emergencies isn’t always possible — and that’s a huge downside of living abroad, especially as loved ones get older.
Living Remotely in the Mountains
On paper, the idea of a rural, off-the-beaten-track home is dreamy. No neighbours, stunning views, nature on your doorstep. But the reality?
Country life can be lonely. Even though I’ve worked hard to build a community of women around me, friendships don’t develop as quickly or as easily as they might in a city. And it’s tricky to keep up with friends we left behind in London. Some people vanished from our lives as soon as we moved, others stayed in touch for a while before gradually drifting off. A small handful of close friends have stuck around, stayed connected, even visited — and for that we’re deeply grateful.
Our rural community has been warm and welcoming in many ways, but it’s taken time to build trust. Newcomers aren’t common here. People have known each other all their lives and friendships run deep. In six years, we’ve only recently begun to form proper friendships with local families through school. It’s not impossible — but it’s slow.
Living at One With Nature (Sort Of)
Let me tell you — living in nature isn’t always the wholesome fantasy people imagine!
I used to be terrified of the tiniest spider. These days? I’ve squared up to millipedes, lizards, giant insects, and mice (indoors, I might add). I’ve learned to face it all without flinching — mostly because I don’t want the kids to grow up afraid of the creatures that share our environment. So I’ve toughened up… and still scream internally now and again.
Then there’s the heat. When the mountains are hot, they’re really hot. During the summer, we’re often on red alert due to the high risk of forest fires. BBQs are banned, certain tools are off-limits, and we keep a fire safety plan ready to go. In fact, the first summer we lived here, we were evacuated for a week due to an extensive fire — not quite the idyllic nature break we imagined.
Spending More Time as a Couple and Family
Before we moved, Miguel and I barely saw each other — we were both running our own businesses in London and constantly rushing around. We imagined this move would give us more time together, more presence in parenting, and a better work–life balance.
What we didn’t factor in? Spending every waking moment together is intense.
Running a business and raising kids and doing it all side-by-side 24/7 is a recipe for stress! It’s tested us, stretched us, and challenged our communication more than we expected. Luckily, we had a solid foundation to begin with, and we’re committed to working through things. But let’s just say — it’s not always “roses and chocolates.”
The Myth of the “Simple Life”
Yes, some things are simpler. We live more naturally, eat seasonally, and spend more time outdoors. But the idea that we work less? Total myth.
Trying to grow your own food and edge towards self-sufficiency is a full-time job in itself. When crops are ready, we’re up late into the night prepping for the months ahead — washing, chopping, blanching, baking, freezing. There’s joy in it, absolutely, but also exhaustion. We’ve had to learn a million new skills to keep this lifestyle running — and while we’ve never regretted the move, it’s been more of an obstacle course than a gentle stroll through the meadow.
So… Is It Really for You?
If you’re thinking of moving abroad or going rural, weigh it up honestly.
For us, the freedom, presence, and peace we’ve gained have made it worth it — a hundred times over. We work hard, but we live fully. We’re raising our kids in nature, side by side, as a team. And those views? They still take my breath away every single day.
But behind the beauty are sacrifices, compromises, and daily decisions that aren’t always easy.
It’s not for everyone. But for those who crave space to grow — both literally and personally — this life can be deeply rewarding.