Summary:
Sarah Wellband, a British expat, found Portugal to be sunnier, cheaper, and friendlier than the UK.
She moved to Chãos, a rural village, where she established a horse riding center.
Dining out is significantly cheaper, with a three-course meal costing around €13.
Sarah enjoys a lower cost of living, particularly in terms of wine and car ownership.
The kindness and trust of the Portuguese community have made her feel at home.
A New Life in Portugal
Sarah Wellband, a 60-year-old British expat, left her successful career as a mortgage broker in Dublin to seek a more fulfilling life in rural Portugal. She was drawn by the promise of better weather, easier access to mainland Europe, and a lower cost of living.
Why Portugal?
Sarah describes her decision to move: “I decided on Portugal. It was meant to be an affordable place to live with the sunny weather I craved.” She finds the predictable climate in Portugal, particularly from May to October, a significant boost to her mental health, contrasting it with the rainy, grey skies of the UK.
Sarah Wellband, 60, moved from the UK to Dublin in 1995 where she worked as a successful mortgage broker.
Financial Freedom
After selling her home in Ireland for a good price, Sarah purchased a house in a small village called Chãos, near Tomar. With the additional savings, she enjoyed financial freedom, allowing her to focus on her passion for horse riding. By 2013, she had established a horse riding and trekking center thanks to the low land prices in the area.
Cost of Living
Sarah notes a lower cost of living in Portugal, especially when dining out. “In Tomar, we can easily enjoy a three-course meal with wine for just €13.” She also highlights the affordability of local wine, often priced at just €2-3 per bottle.
Car Ownership Benefits
While fuel prices are similar to the UK, Sarah finds car ownership cheaper in Portugal, with annual road tax around €20 and insurance for her car at about €150. Her 23-year-old Audi is still in great condition due to the lack of salt on the roads in winter.
Community and Lifestyle
Sarah appreciates the kindness and trust within the Portuguese community, recounting how shop owners often suggest cheaper options. Despite her limited Portuguese, she feels deeply connected with her neighbors and enjoys the slower pace of life. “Most things can wait to get done,” she reflects.
Looking Ahead
Sarah plans to remain in Portugal as long as her health permits, stating, “Although I do miss a good fish and chips, I prefer life here to life in the UK.”
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