“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else”, the proud Guernsey taxi driver insists as we speed along through the beautifully coloured floral hedge laden narrow roads.
Drivers like this are adept at negotiating the tight bends and slim lanes and there’s no cross words when there’s a sudden meet in the middle.
Less than an hour away from the UK lies a world away from the hustle and bustle of normal daily living. Guernsey is the second biggest of The Channel Islands and it’s a beauty which has managed to retain an old-fashioned homely feel, while being up to date with the modern world.
Historically it is an island proud of its turbulent past as the only place in the British Isles which was under German rule in World War II. For five long years the Channel Islands became the most fortified part of the Atlantic Wall.
And there are constant reminders of Guernsey’s part in the liberation of the islands in 1945, with annual parades including a very special one this year to mark 80 years of Victory in Europe day.
Walking tours with special signage and mobile phone apps help discover all the remnants of war including the German Underground Hospital, the largest structural reminder of the occupation and a maze of tunnels which covers more than 6,950 square feet.
It’s a concrete labyrinth built under a low hill in the countryside. The La Valette Underground Military Museum is where the Germans stored fuel for their military boats and today it is full of memorabilia and the 800 year old Castle Cornet proudly protects the island perched above the harbour.
But it’s the laid-back lifestyle, good weather and constant reminder the sea is so close, which makes Guernsey a place to want to live. What better than enjoying a dip in La Vallette Bathing pools, four coastal Victorian swimming spots which have been upgraded for today’s users.
The well-kept Candie Gardens are a rare example of a late 19th century public flower garden and afford fabulous views of the neighbouring islands.
A short rib ride in the channel gives the opportunity to see the wealth of wildlife, from seals to puffins and the neighbouring islands of Herm and Lihou. Back on dry land, Hauteville House, the lavish former home of French writer Victor Hugo and Guernsey’s art museum are currently showing two excellent exhibitions featuring war stories and Guernsey milk and butter, and are just two of the many interesting places to visit.
Just 25 square miles, Guernsey has 27 spotless beaches, next to incredible surfing spots and seafood is in abundance at the many impressive and often individually owned restaurants. Walkers and golfers are spoilt for choice and the usual good weather means it’s a great outdoors place.
The idyllic lifestyle is being grabbed by people living in the UK, with a 52 per cent surge in interest in moving to the island and Locate Guernsey has the expertise to help that switch with the benefits of no minimum revenue levels to gain residency, 20 per cent flat rate of income tax with caps available and no wealth taxes.
Excellent healthcare and education opportunities in the safe and caring community are a draw too and one example of a successful switch is described below:
“An opportunity came up with my husband’s job and he said, fancy moving to Guernsey? My response was where? But we did our research, visited the island a few times and fell in love.
“I relocated to Guernsey from Edinburgh nearly three years ago and have no regrets so far. Don’t get me wrong, moving from your support structure with two small children was much harder than I anticipated, but it was 100 per cent worth it for the lifestyle we have here.
“The main benefit for me is the work life balance, in Scotland I was commuting an hour each way and missing out on quality time with my family. In Guernsey I can be there for my children – everything is so close that you can make the school sports day in your lunch hour, and you can do school drop off and be sitting at your desk 20 minutes later.
“And the weather! I love Scotland, but the weather is not the best, let’s be honest. The summers in Guernsey are amazing and reliably consistent. You can plan ahead and know that the weather will be kind.
“There is a surprisingly large and vibrant Scottish community on the island that have made me feel incredibly welcome – I’ve been to more Burn’s Nights here than I ever did at home!
“I love it and would make the move again in a heartbeat.”
For more information on moving to Guernsey, please visit: www.locateguernsey.com and www.visitguernsey.com for tourist help and advice.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2
Photographs courtesy of Visit Guernsey
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