When Paul Jackson’s life changed during lockdown, he realised retirement didn’t have to mean settling. At 75, he sold up in the UK and relocated to inland Spain for a simpler, sunnier life. His goal? To spend his winters in the sun, explore Europe by motorhome and live somewhere that feels truly authentic.
“I didn’t want to be in an expat enclave or near a beach,” Paul said. “I wanted Spanish neighbours, real community and mountains, not tourists.”
He found it in Denia, a working Spanish town about 40 minutes inland from Alicante. For €80,000, Paul purchased a second-floor apartment that now serves as his permanent base.
“It’s not fancy,” he says. “But I’m older than the apartment and it suits me perfectly.”
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The right location, the right support
Paul’s search was guided by instinct as much as logic. “I kept driving through this one town and just liked the feel of it,” he says. “That’s what matters. You have to feel comfortable.”
Crucially, Paul had help from Isabel, a local estate agent and gestor (a kind of legal helper).
“She did everything – from the apartment sale to signing me up for gas and water. She even walked me into the mayor’s office to sort my padron. I didn’t have to say a word.”
He counts Isabel as his first friend in town. “She made me feel looked after. I’d recommend her over any big legal firm.”
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On using Smart Currency Exchange
Paul also used Smart Currency Exchange for his transfers. “It was one of the best things I did,” he says. Their service was excellent. I used two forward contracts and would absolutely recommend them.”
Having worked as a chartered accountant, Paul values process and professionalism. “They really delivered,” he says.
A selection of images from Paul’s home in Denia
Why Spain, not France or Portugal?
Paul considered Portugal and Cyprus before settling on Spain. “Portugal required nine months of residency and Cyprus is an island – you can’t just hop in the car and go,” he explained.
Spain offered the six-month minimum he needed to secure residency and spend winters uninterrupted.
After Brexit, things became a little more complicated, Paul recalls. “The 90-day Schengen rule made everything harder. That was my push to just go for it.”
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A town that just felt right
Paul’s new home is in Denia, a traditional Spanish town about 40 minutes inland from Alicante. Surrounded by vineyards, marble quarries and olive groves, the area offers scenic mountain views and a slower pace of life. Paul said, “People have jobs in agriculture or haulage – it’s not touristy, and that’s what I love.”
He was drawn to the town after several weeks of driving around inland Spain.
“Every time I passed through, something about it felt right. It’s not flashy, but it’s real. That’s what I was looking for. Somewhere grounded, friendly and Spanish.”
New chapter, new outlook
Paul sold or gave away most of his belongings and condensed his life into a 7m³ storage container that will be shipped to Spain.
“That’s everything I need. I’ve spent too long doing things for money. Now I want to do what makes me happy.”
He has no regrets about leaving the UK behind. “I got fed up with the potholes, the politics and the negativity,” he says. “I want to see more of Europe while I still can.”
Next summer, he plans to tour France, Germany and northern Spain in his new motorhome, avoiding the heat and meeting people along the way.
Paul’s advice for other buyers
- Choose local experts: “Find someone like Isabel who can walk you through everything – from utilities to doctor registration.”
- Keep things simple: “You don’t need perfect. You need what works.”
- Use the right services: “Smart Currency Exchange saved me time and stress.”
- Do what makes you happy: “Don’t wait. Just go for it.”
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