A British Family’s Journey to a New Life in Spain
A British couple, Kate and Dan Kurdziej, have embraced a vibrant life on the Spanish coast, leaving behind the burdens of high mortgages and dreary weather in the UK. They believe that in the UK, “you live to work,” but in Spain, they’ve discovered a lifestyle that emphasizes enjoyment and balance.
Kate, 37, a business consultant from Yorkshire, was three months pregnant with their first child, Oliver, when she made the life-altering decision to leave her “toxic” job. After a challenging birth, she and Dan recognized the need for a significant change. “His birth put things into perspective,” she reflects. “I had started my own business, which was flourishing, and my husband’s job allowed him to work remotely.”
The couple had fond memories of their time in France, where they even got married. So, in April 2021, as pandemic restrictions began to ease, they sold their fully furnished home and car, purchased a French vehicle, trailer, and roof box, and secured post-Brexit visas. They meticulously crafted business plans for their life in France.
“We crossed the Eurotunnel into France on October 1, 2021,” recalls Ms. Kurdziej. They spent over a year in a quaint village about an hour and a half from Bordeaux. However, they soon felt isolated. “The summer was beautiful, but it just wasn’t enough,” she admits.
In April 2023, on a whim, the family decided to relocate to Spain. By August, they had packed their belongings and settled in Javea, a picturesque town in Valencia on the eastern coast. They discovered a charming two-bedroom whitewashed villa for €135,000 (£111,770). “Walking into our lounge, we are greeted by a massive window overlooking a famous mountain,” Ms. Kurdziej describes. “We have a lovely balcony off the dining room and access to a communal pool. While it’s not a grand, million-euro villa, the view feels priceless.”
Since moving to Javea, just a short 10-minute stroll from the Mediterranean, the family has not looked back. “In France and the UK, we often faced dark, overcast days outside of summer,” she reflects. “In Spain, it’s rare to experience a grey day. Even during the cooler months, blue skies and sunshine prevail, which does wonders for my spirit.”
Kate enjoys the sea and visits the beach several times a week, relishing the refreshing sea air. “My husband and I often have date nights where we take coastal walks and stop for a coffee that costs just €1.50 (£1.25),” she shares. “In the summer, we swim almost daily.”
The couple’s social lives thrive outdoors as well. “There are numerous sports available, such as paddle tennis, and many exercise classes take place on the beach,” she explains. “Going to the beach introduces you to so many friendly families, and you quickly find yourself making new friends.” The area they now call home boasts a diverse community, with over 52 nationalities represented in Oliver’s English-speaking school.
The lifestyle in Javea is “laid back,” with two-hour lunch breaks and siestas being a common practice, especially during summer. “In the UK, it feels like you live to work,” she states. “In Europe, it’s the opposite. People often seek ways to work less and enjoy life more.”
Kate runs her business, Olivier Consultancy, while Dan serves as an office manager for a local estate agency in Spain. They have found that the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. “Our monthly water bill is €15 (£12.40), and electricity costs about €100 (£83),” she notes. “Although food prices have risen, they remain cheaper here. I spend around €500 (£414) monthly on groceries, focusing on mid-range options. We can dine out as a family, including drinks, for just €40 (£33)—a perfect blend of budget-friendly and enjoyable.”
While they miss their family in the UK, visits are infrequent. “Most of our family is eager to visit us here; they can’t wait for a holiday in this beautiful place,” Ms. Kurdziej explains. Having spent much of her life traveling, Kate feels that Spain is now their permanent home. “There’s nothing left for us in England,” she concludes. “We’ve built our lives here, and this is where we intend to stay.”
