Taking early retirement and escaping Britain’s dreary winters permanently remains an unattainable fantasy for most of us.

However, designers Richard and Tarnya Norse-Evans successfully achieved precisely that when they sold their company and moved to the Canary Islands.

Whilst they harbour no regrets about establishing their new life in sunny Lanzarote, where temperatures seldom fall to single digits, Richard and Tarnya admit there are several aspects of cold, wet Britain they still yearn for.

“When you live on a small island you need to see and do something different, because here you don’t get to go to art galleries, visit people, go to the city or eat in different restaurants,” Richard told the i Paper.

He explained that, while Lanzarote’s climate offers a pleasant, relaxed lifestyle, there is genuine merit in experiencing a proper old-fashioned cold day.

He revealed that he occasionally feels wistful about the prospect of “putting on a coat and Wellingtons and getting out in a forest for a good stomp and an English pint in a pub”.

Although such experiences are now infrequent treats, they remain achievable.

Since the cost of living in Lanzarote is significantly lower than in the UK, Richard and Tarnya can afford to treat themselves to periodic flights back to Britain for a taste of what they are missing.

The couple also mentioned difficulties with the language barrier and highlighted bureaucratic challenges in Spain involving documentation, which have resulted in lengthy waiting periods for permits. According to the latest data, between 6,200 and 6,500 British residents are formally registered as living in Lanzarote, positioning them amongst the island’s largest expatriate communities.

That figure expands dramatically during the summer months, naturally, as thousands more descend upon the sun-drenched archipelago.

Thanks to the island’s temperate climate, there is no genuine “off-season” in Lanzarote, with visitors arriving at the airport throughout the year.

Tourism forms the backbone of the island’s economy, with holiday lettings in Lanzarote surging by 113% between June 2023 and December 2025.

While there have been occasional reports of extreme, aggressive anti-tourist sentiment, these incidents are generally overstated, and the island continues to welcome visitors warmly.

Richard and Tarnya have become part of this thriving sector, operating a high-end Airbnb to supplement their income.

“We certainly do not live a permanent holiday,” Richard explained. “Work life still goes on regardless of the weather.”

They also run a vineyard that yields around 7,000kg of grapes annually, supplying their harvest to a local wine manufacturer.

Many types of enterprise simply do not exist on Lanzarote, with Richard lamenting the limited options for arts and culture.

Fortunately, he notes, there is always the option of returning home for a taste of what he’s missing.

“With a four-hour flight, we can be back in London quickly and enjoy the best of both worlds,” he added.