I’m hoping for some advice from people who’ve done something similar or who know different parts of the UK well. I’m 42, no children, with one dog, and after a pretty traumatic few years I’m starting to think seriously about a fresh start somewhere quieter.
In an ideal world I’d love a small cabin or hideaway near the coast - somewhere peaceful where I could properly recharge my batteries and find a bit of headspace again, as I’m feeling quite worn down and in need of a calmer chapter. I know that may not be realistic long-term straight away, but I’m keen to hear what might be possible as a short-term option.
I should say I’m fairly independent and self-sufficient - I’ve travelled and lived alone for many years, so I’m comfortable on my own and don’t need lots of entertainment or a busy social scene, but it's nice to know there's people not far away. I have a car, so public transport isn’t essential, but I do want somewhere that feels safe and friendly, not too run-down and not completely taken over by seasonal tourism. Budget is definitely a factor, so I’m looking beyond the South East, and Scotland is very much on my list. I’d also like to be within reasonable reach of shops, healthcare and everyday services.
I’m currently working full-time but have a three-month notice period, which isn’t ideal, but does give me some breathing space to plan things properly rather than rush into anything. I’ve worked remotely before and it suited me well, and longer-term I’d probably like to do a mix of part-time remote work and my own creative self-employed work (I’ve done both in the past).
Longer term, my dream would be to find a small piece of land where I could build a 'tiny home' and live a simpler, peaceful life - so if anyone has experience of that, or knows of areas where this is more feasible, I’d love to hear your thoughts (and if anyone has any ideas/offers re available land then I'm all ears!).
I’d really love to hear from anyone who can suggest:
• quieter, friendly coastal areas that might suit someone living alone with a dog
• experiences of short-term accommodation while relocating (Airbnb for a few months, cabins/lodges, short lets etc. - what worked and what didn’t)
• any genuinely low-stress remote or flexible work ideas that people have found realistic
I just want to find somewhere calmer where I can reset, recover a bit, and build things up sensibly again.
Any thoughts or experiences very gratefully received. Thank you 😊