Imagine trading endless grey skies and jam-packed schedules for tropical sunsets, wide smiles, and a monthly rent that’s less than your weekly coffee habit. That’s exactly what Matt Dearing and Carlie Donnelley did when they swapped their life in the UK for a fresh, sun-drenched start in Bali with their three children. The result? Not just a new address, but a complete reinvention of family, finances, and freedom.
From Exhaustion to Aspiration
Matt Dearing, 36, and Carlie Donnelley, 35, weren’t always Bali beach regulars. Back in the UK, Matt was a carpenter, clocking in ten-hour days, sometimes seven days a week. Carlie worked as a beautician. For this busy father, time with his children was a rare luxury—just about an hour before tucking them in. The family felt trapped in a cycle of “living to work,” with Matt constantly “running after bills.”
Finally, they decided enough was enough. Armed with a desire to be “financially free,” Matt and Carlie made a bold move: selling their house and all their valuable possessions in the UK. The house went for a whopping 422,000 euros, but it wasn’t just about the money—it was about buying back their freedom.
Why Bali?
This wasn’t a decision made on a whim while scrolling travel blogs. According to Matt, “It was something we wanted to do for years.” The charm of Bali lay in its constant, year-round tourism and, as Matt put it, “the magnificent weather.” After thorough research, the couple felt Bali ticked all the boxes for a new chapter where work wouldn’t dominate family life.
In November 2022, suitcases in hand and children in tow, Matt and Carlie jetted off to Indonesia. They explored several regions before choosing Ubud as their new home. There, they found a property dreamers in the UK would hardly believe: a three-bedroom house with a lush 1,200 m2 plot. The rent? Just 2,300 euros per year—roughly 200 euros a month. Even your gym membership probably costs more than that (especially if you never actually use it).
Building Their Dream—Literally
With the proceeds from their house sale, the entrepreneurial couple wasted no time. They built two villas on their Bali property. The plan? Sell one of the villas, then use the funds to build even more to sell or rent, creating a sustainable income.
Matt summed up their new perspective: “The return on investment is incredible. We sold our UK house for 422,000 euros. With that, we were able to buy land and build two villas. For us, financial freedom is the literal freedom to do what we want with our children, instead of working ten hours, seven days a week.”
Now, Matt revels in what was once just a dream: “I always dreamed of dropping the kids off at school and picking them up—I can do that here.” Both parents appreciate Bali’s welcoming community, where “people are lovely and show a lot of gratitude. We’ve ticked all the boxes.”
A New Rhythm of Life
The transformation in the Dearing-Donnelley household is easy to see. Life is no longer ruled by time clocks and utility bills. Instead, Matt, Carlie, and their three children spend more precious hours together. Every weekend becomes an adventure:
- Strolls along Bali’s beautiful beaches
- Exploring the island’s breathtaking waterfalls
- Visiting local tourist sites
Family time is a staple, not a scarce treat.
The couple’s new lifestyle is built on simplicity, smart investments, and the joy of being together. The ultimate goal? To live off the returns of their real estate efforts without being tied down to jobs—making every day feel a little bit like a holiday (without the “out-of-office” emails).
In the end, Matt and Carlie’s journey is less about escaping—the UK or anything else—and more about embracing the chance to live, love, and grow as a family. If you find yourself longing for sun, freedom, or just a little more time with your loved ones—maybe it’s time to dream a little, too. Who knows where a good plan and a bit of courage might take you?
