For many families, the daily grind feels endless: long shifts, mounting bills, and barely an hour in the evening to spend with the kids. One British couple decided they’d had enough. By selling their home in Manchester, they swapped the rat race for Bali, where they’ve built two villas, gained financial freedom, and discovered a new pace of life.
Leaving it all behind
Matt Dearing, 36, worked as a carpenter, often putting in ten-hour days, seven days a week. His partner, 35-year-old Carlie Donnelley, was an esthetician, equally caught up in the demands of work. Between them, they barely had time to share family moments with their three children.
Tired of what Matt described as “living to work,” the pair made a bold choice: sell their house, along with their valuables, and use the proceeds to start fresh abroad. Their Manchester property sold for around €422,000, enough to fuel a complete lifestyle transformation.
A fresh start in Ubud
In November 2022, the family landed in Bali. After touring several areas, they settled in Ubud, drawn by its lush greenery, warm climate, and year-round tourism. There, they found a three-bedroom home with a generous plot of 1,200 m², paying just €2,300 a year in rent — barely €200 a month.
But they didn’t stop at renting. With the money from their UK sale, Matt and Carlie built two villas on their land. Their plan is simple: sell one, reinvest in more properties, and eventually create a steady stream of income from selling and renting holiday villas.
“The return on investment here is incredible,” Matt explained. “Back home, I was working every hour possible just to cover bills. Now, I get to drop my kids off at school, pick them up, and actually enjoy life with them.”
Building a life around freedom
For Matt and Carlie, financial freedom isn’t about luxury cars or designer clothes. It’s about time — time to explore waterfalls with their children, spend weekends at the beach, or visit Bali’s cultural landmarks without worrying about the next bill.
Their long-term goal is to be fully independent, living comfortably from their property ventures without the grind of traditional jobs. But for now, the family is already reaping the rewards of their leap of faith: slower mornings, more laughter, and a sense of balance they never had in the UK.
Conclusion
What started as a risky gamble — selling everything to move halfway across the world — has turned into a dream life in Bali. For Matt and Carlie, the decision wasn’t just about escaping Manchester’s grey skies. It was about reclaiming freedom, building something sustainable, and giving their children memories that stretch far beyond the four walls of a house.
As Matt puts it, “We’ve ticked all the boxes here. The people are kind, the lifestyle is beautiful, and for the first time, we’re living on our own terms.”
