From UK Rat Race to Off-Grid Freedom in Portugal: Chloe’s Family Homestead Journey
- Georgia Kitson
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
What if the life you’re currently living isn’t the one you’re meant for?
More and more families are starting to question the “normal” path — rising costs, constant pressure, lack of time, and a deep feeling that there must be more to life. And for some, that question leads to a radical, life-changing decision…
To leave it all behind and start again.
In this episode of Soul Sufficient, I'm joined by Chloe, a mum of three from the UK who did exactly that — trading city life for a one-hectare off-grid homestead in the mountains of central Portugal.
Why Leave the UK for an Off-Grid Life?
For Chloe and her family, the decision didn’t happen overnight.
Like many, they were feeling the weight of the UK lifestyle — high living costs, busy routines, and a growing sense of disconnection from nature and what really mattered. After having children, that feeling became impossible to ignore.
They began growing their own food, escaping in their VW campervan on weekends, and slowly reconnecting with a simpler way of living.
Until one day, they decided: enough is enough.
They sold their home, let go of their belongings, and set off across Europe in search of land where they could create a completely different life.
Finding and Buying Land in Portugal
After exploring different countries (and even considering Wales), Portugal quickly stood out.
Why?
Affordable land compared to the UK
A warmer, more outdoor-friendly climate
A slower pace of life
Growing off-grid and expat communities
After nearly a year of searching, they found it — a beautiful organic quinta in the mountains of central Portugal.
The property:
Around 1 hectare of land
Over 20 varieties of fruit and nut trees
Existing water source and irrigation system
Two buildings ready for renovation
And the price? Around €80–85,000 — something that would be almost impossible in many parts of the UK.
Chloe shares that the buying process was actually simpler than expected, especially with a good lawyer — often completing within weeks.
The Reality of Off-Grid Living (Especially With Kids)
Let’s be real — off-grid living isn’t just aesthetic Instagram photos.
Chloe and her family moved onto the land and into a converted caravan… all five of them.
And while it’s brought freedom, connection, and a deep sense of purpose — it’s also come with challenges:
Limited space and redefining comfort
Learning to manage land (which is a full-time job in itself)
Adjusting to a completely new way of living
Navigating language barriers and a new culture
But one of the most powerful takeaways?
👉 Community makes everything easier.
From local Portuguese neighbours to other expat families, having support around them has been a huge part of making this lifestyle sustainable.
How Do You Make Money Living Off-Grid?
One of the biggest questions people have is:
“But how do you actually afford this lifestyle?”
Chloe breaks it down honestly — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but they’ve created a mix of income streams:
Jeff works locally in construction
Chloe runs online income streams (affiliate marketing & social media work)
They plan to open their land for glamping and camping retreats
Long-term potential from land produce (olive oil, fruit, etc.)
This is exactly what I teach inside my world too — creating location-independent income so you’re not tied to one place.
Because the truth is…👉 You don’t need a “perfect plan” before you start — you can build it along the way.
The Mindset Shift Required to Take the Leap
More than anything, this journey is about mindset.
Leaving everything behind isn’t just a logistical decision — it’s an emotional and psychological one.
Chloe shares that one of the biggest questions to ask yourself is:
👉 “What do I actually have to lose?”
Because often, the fear of staying stuck outweighs the fear of change.
And while the lifestyle comes with challenges, the reward is something many people are craving:
Freedom
Space
Connection to nature
Living life on your own terms
Is Off-Grid Living in Portugal Right for You?
If you’re reading this and feeling that pull… you’re not alone.
Portugal has become a popular destination for those wanting to:
Buy affordable land
Live off-grid or more sustainably
Escape the rat race
Build a slower, more intentional life
But the key is this:
👉 You don’t have to go all-in straight away.
Chloe recommends:
Travelling first
Volunteering on farms (e.g. WWOOFing)
Exploring different regions
Testing the lifestyle before committing
Listen to the Full Episode 🎧
If you’re dreaming about living off-grid in Portugal, moving abroad, or creating a life with more freedom, this episode will open your eyes to what’s truly possible.
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