Retiring to England - Our story of Semi-Retirement in the UK

This is the long-promised video in which we explain our decision to “retire” to the UK part time and how we have made it work. We will share our background, key decisions, and factors in choosing where to live in the UK.
Please SUBSCRIBE to join us for our adventures in the UK! And see links below for videos on Buying our Flat in England and "The Ones That Got Away"...
Cheers! Dara & Ian
Here are links to other videos we mention:
Why We Love Cheltenham - • Cheltenham: 10 Reasons...
Flat Tour from 2020 - • A Tour of my Flat in E...
"Ones that Got Away" video of Unusual Homes we ALMOST Bought - • Unusual Houses in Engl...
Veryan Cornwall Travel Vlog - • Doc Martin’s Port Isaa...
South Wales Travel Video playlist - • Wales Vlogs
Conwall Travel Video playlist - • Cornwall Vlogs
Devon Travel Video playlist - • Devon Vlogs

[@ellenoneill7853]

Love the way Dara looks at Ian, she obviously adores him.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That's very sweet of you to say. I do! He's pretty great 💖

[@griswald7156]

Yes he looks pretty confident that hes pulled…hes probably just off to get his coat right now..

[@jasonsmart3482]

I think you have the best of both worlds. Id love to escape the UK for winter but love our summer, Im not great with hot weather unless i'm by a pool with a g & t. Magenta the way you have been so lovely and positive about the UK makes you so welcome here and I am so glad you enjoy so much about our culture, history and hospitality. Continue enjoying your life.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks Jason! I think we have definitely chosen the best weather in both countries! We are very lucky to have the opportunity.

[@bobbyxhilone9953]

Such a fascinating story, you guys!! Thank you for telling your MOT Tribe all about what led up to your semi-retirement in the UK. As complicated as it must have been, I'm sure it was all well worth it. How wonderful for you both AND for all of us who benefit by getting to be "arm-chair travelers" watching your vlogs!! 🥰

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Very sweet of you to say, Bobby! We are very blessed to have this opportunity!

[@christabuchanan5889]

I love that term! "arm-chair travelers" A very comfortable way to travel indeed

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

What a wonderful way to be semi-retired….best of both worlds. Dara you’ve really made the most of your opportunity and we’ve learned so much about the UK through your wonderful videos. ~Cara ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That is very kind of you to say! We are extremely fortunate indeed 💖

[@rtalbot87]

Ian is a lucky man, having lived in Cornwall and Devon; as I have. God's country.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, such a beautiful area! South Wales has lovely scenery and a slower pace of life as well.

[@lizbignell7813]

Note to all men:- don’t think that a woman will forget anything you might say as a throwaway remark or musing about the future!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

SO TRUE!!!! Wise advice, Liz! 😉

[@ians3586]

Yes, I wish I had had your wisdom years ago!

[@lizbignell7813]

I am not so wise because when we bought our current property with lots of land for the horses,and then built stables and an arena, l said to my husband that he never had to buy me another present… and he hasn’t!!

[@jemmajames6719]

I will remember that comment 😉

[@AidanEyewitness]

Very interesting. Great that you are living the dream, and sharing it with us! We are living our own dream!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Aw, that's very nice to say, Aidan! Your recent video was so interesting! I can't believe all the construction in MCR!

[@forthedisenfranchised4366]

I am late catching up, but wanted to congratulate you both, and wish you the very best here in the UK. I can't wait to watch your upcoming videos, especially your trip to Germany and you having friends over. take care both :)

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you so much! I have some catching up to do in the next few weeks... there are some vlogs I've already filmed of fun places that I hope to publish soon! Cheers! Dara

[@rupertorgan7749]

I'm with Ian on living in Texas during the summer. I spent three summers living in sweaty Houston in the 90s.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, same story! Houston is just as hot, and even more humid🥵

[@griswald7156]

@@MagentaOtterTravels your ceiling fan fashion…came to the UK…we all bought them ,then realised we had no climate heat.. The blades just became a graveyard for flies and dust..we now have inset ceiling can lights ,and no dead flies in the soup.. I get the impression youll be doing the continental this summer..thats a sad thought for the Brits..but Hey Ho…adventure awaits As long as it makes you happy…thats the prime mover…we’ll get over it..

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Intersting stuff! You guys live a brilliant life. So great that your pipe dream came true. We drove past Cheltenham last week on our visit to Dorset! Oo sounds like your house is going to be busy this year! Yes Ian, castle visiting in wales is the best. This was super interesting guys. Cheers 🍻

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Can't wait to see your Dorset vlogs!! Next time you drive through Cheltenham it needs to be when we are there so we can meet up!!!

[@RichardWells1]

Thank you Ian and Dara for sharing your story - fascinating and really interesting. Looking forward to the video about purchasing your flat! I'm told that buying property in England and Wales is one of the six most stressful things in life (Scotland has its own property purchase process) and having moved around quite a bit, I can testify to that! Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

So funny that you mentioned Scotland! As we were buying our flat and experiencing a lot of difficulties, 100% of the people in England we talked to mentioned that buying property in Scotland is better! Lol We always appreciate your support, Richard! 🙏

[@COMEINTOMYWORLD]

Very interesting video. It's a story of people taking control of their lives and making choices based on dreams that turn out fabulous!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Well, I don't want you to get the wrong impression... we have certainly had a lot of challenges with this journey. But I think the sacrifices and hassles are worth it so that we can be near family and be able to travel around Britain in the summertime ;-)

[@junecaffyn357]

We must have had the worst winter here in he UK, more rain than even usual! I think you are both very courageous ! Moving is most stressful so hope you don’t find it too much! Come visit us in West Sussex if you want, your both lovely people and so welcome!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hiya June! You understand well why we choose to NOT live in Britain during the winter ;-) It is complicated moving back and forth each year, but it's worth it to enjoy a lovely summer in Britain! I'm not sure if you have seen our videos, but we had a WONDERFUL trip to Sussex and Kent for our anniversary last July. Here is the playlist if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/aero/PLOedWVhYewAVdGGQmo69p5rnZos0IVpBy

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Absolutely fascinating. You guys are cool. It’s a great location and somewhere where you can use as a great base to explore the rest of the UK. A huge decision but looks like you guys are lovin life. You’re going to have a busy Summer!! 😃. Safe travels Ian and Dara.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Do you have plans for a lot of travel this summer, Dave and Sue? Will you be spending some time this spring looking for otters in NB?

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

@@MagentaOtterTravels we are going to be travelling a lot Dara. We have Scotland and Europe to look forward to. Hopefully will still have time to watch for Otters although I think they may have been put off from their normal haunts around here. The Wildlife Trust set some Mink traps in the Autumn and I haven’t seen Otters since

[@ItsArtByDonna]

I somehow missed this Dara and Ian, this is a great video....I loved watching !

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks luv!

[@carolineskipper6976]

Really interesting to hear how you came to be living on two continents, and sharing some insights into how it is possible to make that work for you. I would love to hear more about the differences between property purchases/sales in the US and UK. It's clear from watching the odd US "Selling Houses" type TV shows that there are fundemental differences. The thing that always surprises me is when they say "If John and Mary can't sell their house in 4 weeks they will end up paying two mortgages". In England at least (Scotland has a whole different system) that just wouldn't happen because of the whole 'chain' system, with everything co-ordinated to happen on the same day.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We just filmed our home buying video today. It will be next Friday's video. And yes, we definitely talk about chains!!! So many differences...

[@iankelly5387]

Hi Dara/Ian - Love this video. I did wonder how you managed to spend so much time in the UK and not need to work, and now I know! As a Brit I'm very happy you both spend so much time in the UK, and yes, having been to Cheltenham myself a few times, not so far from me, it's a lovely old town, with great Georgian architecture too. I hope your American friends love coming to visit. I'm also going to embark on semi retirement towards the end of the summer (40 years in the oil industry is enough), so just need some nice summer weather please! Having lived in Florida, I too don't want 35/40c (95/100+f) every day😁

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Congratulations on being on the verge of your own semi retirement journey! It is a big milestone in life! And yes, 40 years in the oil industry is definitely enough! 😉 Hot weather is nice in small doses when you have lots of air-conditioning. But three straight months of sweltering heat is oppressive, even with air-conditioning! 🥵

[@wencireone]

I think the bravest decision you've made is to "spill the beans". I'm glad we found each other and you love to talk and I listen, so wherever you lay your hat. ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Haha that's extremely kind of you to say! You've certainly become a long time friend of ours! 💖🦦

[@tanyaansley3992]

Dara and Ian-Yes, please share the ins and outs of purchasing UK property. As I have shared, I retire in 2.5 years and am contemplating buying a small place. As I have shared, I have been traveling to England for several years...just love it there and still have a great deal to explore. Could you discuss the following: Additional expenses involved in purchase-not just home? Also, council taxes and upkeep? This would be a factor for me as well because I plan to maintain a home here in America, as well. Thank you.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We have already filmed our homebuying video, but I will try to touch on the council tax and upkeep question. Although upkeep is massively influenced by what type of property you buy!

[@griswald7156]

I recommend Felixstowe and Hull….they re very lovely…Beverley near hull especially.. I was in a kebab shop in Felixstowe and met an English bloke that lived in Kentucky..! He was telling us how he can stand on the roof of a Kentucky home and get a sway going like on a cake walk at the Fair…was that fact or fantasy ? We dont know but it made the wait more interesting in the take away..

[@Nowhere458]

I would not take any notice of the second reply! What I would say is it depends on where you buy, the Cotswolds are very nice but unless you are extremely wealthy not realistic. If you have the money go there! Council Tax varies on which council area in the country you live in. For example in London two of the cheapest council taxes in the county are Wandsworth Council and Westminster Council but property is expensive, tax also depends on what band the property is in. All this can be found out on line during your property search. Use Rightmoves,Zoopa, and other sites. Good luck but I don’t recommend Hull or the Kabab.

[@griswald7156]

@@Nowhere458 Hull is lovely thank you very much…loveliness is all around..go North young man..Zoopa illustrates this..you may wish to take notice of the third reply..but you really need to listen to people that have appreciated up and coming places currently…as historic prejudice can confuse matters..has Nowhere man visited Hull recently ? I very much doubt it..Beverley town blew me away…there are other things on the menu in a kebab shop other than Kebabs but i doubt he has ever visited one of those either..

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Nowhere458 Gris has a very wacky sense of humour!

[@tanyaansley3992]

Oh, and one more announcement...I became a National Trust Member this Year! YEA!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@tanyaansley3992 I'm SO excited for you!!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@andrewfitzgerald2327]

I couldn't think of a better couple to welcome to our shores. Jamaica is part of the commonwealth so your Brit percentage increased. Some years ago we bought a holiday home in Scotland a different kettle of fish to purchasing a home in England. We didn't use it enough and sold it another experience. Wales is a great place l visited many times in my youth via Cheltenham spa. Cheltenham was a hub for the bus companies and had a huge bus station.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

In next Friday's video we talk about buying our home in England. When you watch it, please leave a comment and talk about what your experience in Scotland was like! I'd love to hear a comparison...

[@GENerationXplorers]

Great info on the visa rules and the complexities of the sharing of your time between both places. I wonder how long before England is as hot as Texas? 🧐 great time to pursue your dream and get a much better quality of life. Cheltenham is such a great location to have access to Wales and airports! Purchased 20 homes? Wow 😱

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

To be clear, we don't own 20 homes now! Given its distance from the equator, I think it will be a while before England is over 40° all summer 🥵

[@Marie-LouiseArt]

Hello lovelies! How cool you retired here! Come and visit us in Cornwall one day. You’ll be very welcome to come for an art workshop if you fancy it. Love the National Trust. Veryan is 5 miles from me! The Roseland is stunning! ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh wow! Veryan has very special memories for Ian. I was glad he took me there a few years ago so I could see the place he stayed during the summers! We definitely want to get back to Cornwall again. Not sure we will make it this year though. Thanks for the invitation! XX Dara

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

You two are deadset living the dream. Nothing brings dreams to life like nose to the grindstone. I suspect you've worked hard to realise your dreams. Kudos to you.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks so much. We have worked very hard. But we have also been very blessed and privileged 🙏

[@chloeh222]

Hello both! 👋 new to your channel. I’m hoping to find your content very relatable since I am British and my husband is a Texan and we spend a lot of time between the two! I’m with you on the Texas summers 🥵

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Hiya, Chloe! I'm SO glad you discovered my channel! How fun that you know the UK and Texas as well! What part of Britain are you from? Welcome to the Magenta Otter Tribe! XX Dara

[@chloeh222]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I’m from the West Midlands! ☺️

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@chloeh222 That's cool! 😎 Ian's parents/grandparents were Brummies. I did a vlog of Birmingham as well as a family history Vlog of Birmingham 😉

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

It's nice to have a base you can return to and spend extended time there and Cheltenham looks like a great city and location. We still have a family apartment in Italy and my parents at least over the years have spent months at a time there. I'm still working so can only do a few weeks, but I appreciate having the home base.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Oh yes, you are very lucky to have a place to stay in Italy! A great place to escape to when the weather down under is not optimal ;-) Hopefully in retirement you can spend a bit longer abroad. Cheers for watching, Dara

[@davidcoan4899]

Ideal retirement you have, sounds a perfect lifestyle to me

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We don't have perfect lives, but we definitely have found the ideal weather combination for us! We feel incredibly blessed and are so grateful to have this privilege 🙏

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) I would love to see videos of any literary destinations such as Jane Auten's house, the Brontes' home, Beatrice Potter's home or the area in Yorshire where All Creatures Great and Small is filmed. I have been to Oxford and seen the homes of C. S. Lewis and Tolkien. (The town of Oxford is also amazing!) My parents (who were British) owned a home in Devon (after retirement) near Torquay and area is so beautiful. I have relatives in Nottingham but haven't been there in years. I recently stayed in London near the Tower Bridge and was stunned by how clean it was and how friendly the average person is on public transportation etc. (I LOVE Italy, but a recent trip to Rome was disappointing with how much trash and graffiti was everywhere so that was one comparison). What is a challenge for you when it comes to adjusting when you go back and forth and have a life in both places?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I am hoping to one day do vlogs of all those places you mentioned, but haven't done that yet. I'm a HUGE All Creatures fan and would love to see Grassington!!! If your parents lived near Torquay then you were in Agatha Christie area! Good question about the cultural challenges... check out my "reverse culture shocks" video to see my reaction to coming back to Texas after 5 months in England: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKKxiJiBapahZ6M And my UK Culture shocks are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apqueJ6QqZ6gkKc

[@glyn829]

That’s interesting 👍 good choice to move here for the summer Cornwall would be a good choice

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Cornwall is gorgeous! But a bit too far away, too crowded, and too expensive vs where we live.

[@The_Brit_Girls]

Hi Dara & Ian, thanks for sharing your reasons for chosing semi-retirement to the UK and the background leading up to this decision. Oh wow, I didn't realise just how many properties you had! Ian had all the right experiences and credentials for choosing a place for you both in the UK, even though the property market and system is SO different over there compared to the United States. Cheltenham sounds like the perfect location. We are so glad you guys decided to make the UK your home - lots of great travel vlogs for us to watch, yay! 🤗❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thank you for your support! We are finally filming our video about how the house buying process varies from the US and UK. As you know, there are a lot of differences!

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

I know all about having two countries and calling them home. Right now I am home in 🇳🇿🥝 and in a couple of months I'll be home in 🇳🇱🧀! Despite Boppy (@Poliss95) thinking me abnormal 🤣🤣🤣 I did manage to follow the conversation in the video at my 3am. Or was it 4? Whatever- great explanation and answering queries about how, what and why this is possible. Clocks gor back here tonight. More juggling times with premiers. Happy weekend. 👌🙋‍♀😎🥝🇳🇿

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I didn't know down under they adjust the clocks for daylight savings on yet another week! Super confusing! Yes, you definitely understand the idea of calling two countries "home" on two sides of the world!💖

[@theresabigwideworld2632]

Being in the southern hemisphere we do the same travel to the north but it's not the escape the summer but the winter! And our winters aren't that bad, just summer in the UK and Europe is a much more attractive proposition!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, very good strategy!!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

We one your impression of Ian when you were trying to convince him to buy the UK flat

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

He made a big fuss over saying it was a frivolous decision, and pushing back... but he secretly really wanted to own a home in England! Unfortunately for Ian, I can be pretty persistent when I really want something! Lol 😂

[@WITYTRAVELS]

@@MagentaOtterTravels he finally made the right decision!

[@stevegodsell7079]

Hi. I’m originally from cheltenham. I’m currently living in Reno Nevada. I’ve been here 25 years. I do miss cheltenham. I’m planning a trip in the next year 🤞 got to go carp fishing 🎣 I am looking to purchase a place in the Cotswold water park. From Orion property’s. great videos keep it up

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Always fun to meet someone from Cheltenham ! Reno Nevada certainly is a very different type of place! I don't usually think of carp fishing in connection with Cheltenham ! 😂 But the Cotswold waterpark is a nice area. That should be fun! Cheers! Dara

[@stevegodsell7079]

@@MagentaOtterTravels hi. Cotswold water park is full of carp lakes. Yes Reno is so different. I was so glad to see cheltenham on your video. Ive only been back once in 25 years. 7 years ago.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@stevegodsell7079 oh wow! I am glad you get to go for a visit again! Are you going this year?

[@stevegodsell7079]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I’m not sure if I’ll make it this year or next?

[@akula9713]

Love your hair!

[@iankelly5387]

Yep, Dara does have awesome hair!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Lol you're funny 😆

[@christabuchanan5889]

Dara has always had beautiful hair!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@christabuchanan5889 you too my friend! I have hair envy...

[@colincase-mw3oi]

As a brit it makes perfect señsè, good for you.Take care and good luçk . Colin Case aka Casey

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Thanks, Casey! We are pretty privileged to be able to avoid the worst weather in both of the locations where we live!

[@jamesbeeching6138]

The "Nam" is quite a nice town.....Have you been to the horse racing festival ever??🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I need to find out if any of my Cheltenham friends call it that! No, we haven't been yet because so far we have only been in Cheltenham from May through September. We are never there in March, nor in November for the other big race .

[@johnadey3696]

On a separate subject, did you know that otters are now being regularly seen at Pittville Park Lake Cheltenham during the day? It seems they've come to visit you!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, I just found out about that this morning! Ian shared a BBC article with me. So exciting! I will be headed to Pittville Park!!!

[@krissyg7026]

So what’s the plan? Do you usually make an itinerary of places to visit, things to do, or do you just wing it?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Both! We spend months planning... especially when friends are visiting. We have to book lodging at the places around Britain we will visit together. And then the details of exactly where we go is filled in later. We have so many fun things to do within an hour or two of Cheltenham, we "wing" some of those plans so we can be spontaneous ;-)

[@paulguise698]

Hiya Dara, I told my friend Annette about your vlog Americanisms Brits hate , I text her about it, Annette replied with "I'm going to put some Bad Boys in the oven now for lunch"!!!, I replied with "ITS BLOODY ANNOYING ISNT IT" I'll watch this vlog later on, this is Choppy in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That is very funny! I'm glad Annette decided to wind you up! haha

[@daffyduk77]

Increasingly large parts of the US - as well as India, Gulf states, no longer support life by default in the hotter seasons. Now how did we get to that point ??

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

🥵😩

[@christabuchanan5889]

WAIT!!! How did I not know that Ian's family lived in Devon and Cornwall??

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I don't know how to answer that! But yes, that's where his grandparents lived. The other set lived in Dorset. All very nice places to visit!

[@user-hb1db7be6q]

Have you been to the forest of Dean in Gloucestershire?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Not really, I keep telling Ian I want to go there! I really want to see Puzzlewood, for one thing.

[@rogerwitte]

Shame about the sound quality for the first minute - great video thereafter. Thank you very much.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I bought new lavalier mics and they seemed fine when I tested them. Then I recorded this video and the sound was rubbish! I was so mad! But couldn't bear the thought of filming the whole thing again 😩. Thanks for watching!

[@wencireone]

So why did you both end up in Texas if the summers are so hot ?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We moved from Los Angeles to Texas for three reasons: I had family living here, the cost of housing was MUCH lower, and the school system was great!

[@Waspy50]

So, do you guys plan to do this indefinitely? Living in two countries I mean? Or will you eventually choose one or the other when fully retired? Interesting to hear Ian was 4 when his family moved to the USA. When I was a baby we were three days from moving to Toronto, furniture sold, everything. Then my father got tuberculosis and that was the end of that. I often wonder how my life would have turned out differently. My name is also Ian and I am retiring in June😊

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

If we had to retire full-time in only one country, that would have to be the US. Not only because of my American citizenship, but also because our children are here 💖. We hope to continue coming over to Britain for the summers as long as our health permits! Ian, I'm sure your life would've been very different ... you might have had an American accent like my Ian! Lol 😂 I'm please for you that you are able to retire soon. It certainly opens up many new opportunities in a new chapter of life !🙌 Cheers! Dara

[@ians3586]

Hi Ian. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. My dad actually left the UK because of lung problems. He was living in Birmingham which, as you know, had a significant air pollution problem back then and it was impacting my Dad's health. His doctor advised that he move to a warmer climate with cleaner air and that's how we ended up in Jamaica. I wonder how my life would have been too, without that move, but it was still a mix because after my parents divorced my mum moved back to the UK and I ended up spending summer holidays there.

[@Waspy50]

@@ians3586 Thanks Ian, I will take the summer off then I may consider a little part-time job in Sainsburys or something, maybe two days a week. After my parents aborted Operation Toronto, they moved from London to the north of Scotland! I wished they had got a second opinion from your father's doctor LOL. I would have been about three years old. We moved back to southern England when I was about twelve. Jamaica must have been an experience for you. Love you guys's (is that how you say it?) KZbin channel.

[@TravelingTramps]

Tiny bit of money from YT? 🤔🤔Travel costs? 😮😮Great that you had the rentals! 🤣🤣The YT funds can buy lunch. Just not too often! Interesting semi retirement life and we enjoyed hearing about you experience.

[@wanderingengland]

I looked into this, but as an average American citizen without a British partner, it is virtually impossible.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes it is super difficult to emigrate full time, I agree!

[@WITYTRAVELS]

Love how you break up your year!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We aren't as energetic and flexible as you are! I don't think we could handle full-time world travel... we are old people that are set in our ways 😉

[@WITYTRAVELS]

@@MagentaOtterTravels lol. Think the way you spend the year is very wise!

[@robertlonsdale5326]

Have you ever been to Port Merion?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@robertlonsdale5326 yes! Such a crazy place!! It was years ago, before I had a KZbin channel. So I didn't do a video about it 😉

[@grahamroberts2893]

Do you keep a car in the UK ?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes, two years ago we bought a 10-year-old car that we could keep there and drive throughout the summer. The cost of rental cars for three or four months at a time is thousands of dollars! Unfortunately, car insurance for non-residents is pretty pricey as well, but not as bad as a car rental!

[@akula9713]

Have any of your American friends decided to move here since visiting?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

A couple of them really want to! But obviously that is a very difficult thing to do for many reasons...

[@christabuchanan5889]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Me! Me me me!!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@christabuchanan5889 lol, of course I was thinking of you!

[@robertwalters5654]

Visit moreton in marsh

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We have! Lovely place. Lots to do there! The Cotswold stone is a different colour there than other parts of the area.

[@sidney4329]

So you have to marry a UK citizen or be very wealthy to stay permanently, correct? I understand I can't even bring my own online job. If only I could do that, I could pay my own way.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I'm not sure how being very wealthy helps you stay permanently. As for marrying a British citizen, even if you do it's still a very lengthy process to get "indefinite leave to remain" or citizenship.

[@sidney4329]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I was thinking wealthy people can prove they can pay their own way, making no demands on public resources, etc.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@sidney4329 I'm not sure that helps.... the immigration rules are very strict

[@griswald7156]

I’d like to see your friends dining on Beans on toasted croutons…

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

If I do another beans on toast or marmite taste test... there will be complaints! haha

[@griswald7156]

@@MagentaOtterTravels ive made a scrumptious food discovery…..Clementine or Mandarin Marmalade from M and S….De lectable…

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@griswald7156 that does sound lush!

[@griswald7156]

@@MagentaOtterTravels I love marmalade but I found out the top brands just weren’t cutting the mustard .it took me a lifetime to discover great marmalade..

[@griswald7156]

Re….500g Stork Margarine…the margarine tub in the garden has been a great success..the birds love it…if they want natural seeds to go with it ,they are all around in the garden..

[@adrianboardman162]

Regarding your friends, different parts of the country are known for different industries. Manchester is a great city for industry, Sheffield had the Steel works, Liverpool is Arty, London is fashion. Oh, and don't let them fall victim to the bread debate! Is it a crust or an end? Is it a Barm, a Muffin, Breadcake or Bap? Honestly, I'm surprised civil wars haven't broken out over the name of a baked good! 🤣🤣

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Indeed! There is vicious debate on which is first jam or cream, and how to pronounce scone, so I won't be surprised if what to call a bread roll gets some people's knickers in a twist! haha

[@jamesswindley9599]

Wish I could meet you guys! ❤ I live near Portsmouth, Hampshire. I’ll buy you a couple of drinks? :) and show you around if needed? Xx ❤

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

We do need to visit Winchester Cathedral, then head down to Portsmouth and then go see the IOW sometime!

[@jamesswindley9599]

@@MagentaOtterTravels omgomgomg yesssss xoxo 😘 Have you done Portsdown Hill? They have loads of WW2 history there :) and some USA history too! :£

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@jamesswindley9599 no, we haven't been to Portsmouth yet. We haven't really been to Hampshire yet... so many places, never enough time!

[@davidhoward5392]

Flat not apartment, yip your Brits, filled a vacancy when i moved to Australia 😊😊

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

How's life down under?

[@davidhoward5392]

@MagentaOtterTravels wonderful retired here, 9 years ago, now a bona fide, dinky die passport carrying shackle dragger. Western Australia is the sunniest place down under. Met an Aussie girl so upsticks. As they say, a change is as good as a rest.. Must compliment you on your excellent channel. Top quality and informative content 👌

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@davidhoward5392 why thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying this chapter of your life with your Aussie lass 😉

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

I'll watch but not at 4am! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🙋‍♀🇳🇿

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

DEFINITELY NOT! hahaha

[@Poliss95]

@IamaDutch-Kiwi 4am isn't that late. Where's your staying power? 😁😁

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

@@Poliss95 😂😂😂😂😂😂you are right. It isn’t that late at all. Just TOO early!

[@Poliss95]

@@IamaDutch-Kiwi It's less than 2 hours past my normal bedtime. 😴😂

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@Poliss95 normal people are asleep at 4am!

[@Tom-xy9yy]

Complicated, isn't it?

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Yes but worth it

[@bloop-bl8mm]

I live in dorset. Have visited dallas in summer. Yes texas is hot. But i still prefer it. England is changing dramatically and not for the better in my opinion. Englands weather is incredibly depressing 80-90% of the year. Not good enough for me.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

I think there are definitely good and bad aspects to both places. We feel grateful we can live in both.

[@robertlonsdale5326]

Looks like the American dream is to live in Britain. x

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@robertlonsdale5326 it certainly is for some Americans! With our family situation, the perfect solution is some of both 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧

[@petee074496648]

u could reverse it and ask your american friends to bring american food/snacks for your british friends to do a taste test here !!

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That's a good idea! Any suggestions for American snacks?

[@alicedell8595]

20 homes?! You must be millionaires! xx

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

Not all at once! We've done a lot of buying and selling...

[@RickyRandall2.0]

Don't come to england its a nice place yeh sure but .........

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

That's not very welcoming ;-)

[@RickyRandall2.0]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Apologies i hope your moving to the country not a city 🤥

[@lewilewis3944]

Mmmm? Not so cool about this justification of wealth.

[@Brookspirit]

🙄

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

How do you see this as a justification? Do you also understand the desire to live near family?

[@lewilewis3944]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Nice if you can afford it. How many houses do you need? Homelessness here is bad, but in the US? Criminally bad. Stop boasting.

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

@@lewilewis3944 I think you misunderstand. We rent out homes to people. Providing places for people to live!

[@griswald7156]

I’d like to see your friends dining on Beans on toasted croutons…

[@MagentaOtterTravels]

You can't fit many beans on a crouton, Gris!

[@griswald7156]

But you can eat it with just a fork !!