A British family who swapped a cramped cottage in the West Midlands for a self-sufficient lifestyle in rural Spain claim they have trebled their savings and will never voluntarily return to the UK.
From Financial Struggle to Sun-Drenched Freedom
Georgia Kitson and her partner Jack made the life-altering move in 2018, leaving behind a reality of barely making rent and shivering through winters with only a plug-in radiator for heat. With a newborn and both self-employed—Georgia as a holistic therapist and Jack as a gardener—they felt trapped in a relentless "rat race." "We were thinking, is this it?" Georgia recalled, highlighting their despair at mounting bills and a seemingly bleak future.
A pivotal moment came with an inheritance following the death of Jack's grandmother. Combined with help from Georgia's parents, they purchased an £80,000 home on a 36-acre olive farm in northern Spain. They committed fully to an off-grid lifestyle, harnessing solar power, collecting rainwater, and using wood for heat.
Building a New Life and a Thriving Business
The investment paid off spectacularly. By the end of 2024, they sold that initial property for three times its original price. They reinvested the proceeds into a £200,000 beach-side property in Tarragona, complete with a swimming pool, which they are now renovating.
Their outgoings remain minimal thanks to their solar system, private well, and vegetable patch. "We don’t need to work as hard because the outgoings are so low," Georgia explained. She now works as a virtual assistant and coach, while they jointly run Off Grid Only, an online platform advertising off-grid properties.
A Permanent Escape from the UK 'Worst-Case Scenario'
Now eight years into their Spanish life, the family's quality of life has transformed. Their children attend local school and spend afternoons at the beach. "The quality of life is beautiful," Georgia said, praising the welcoming community, climate, and cheaper cost of living.
When asked about returning to Britain, Georgia's stance was unequivocal: "I would never move back to the UK out of choice; it would be a worst-case scenario." The couple plans to continue renovating their home towards total self-sufficiency and encourages others to consider a similar escape from the financial pressures they left behind.
