New beginnings
We, Dustin and Remco, have made the bold decision to leave the Netherlands behind and start a new chapter in our lives. Our journey began on a picturesque Portuguese island, Madeira, where we fell in love with its unique charm and breathtaking beauty.
Everywhere we went, we discovered something new and exciting. From the stunning natural landscapes to the warm and welcoming locals, Madeira has everything we could ask for. Whether we're swimming with dolphins, exploring ancient forests, or simply soaking up the sun-kissed atmosphere, we felt like we were living the dream.
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After our first vacation in 2015, we returned to our small apartment in Arnhem, but we couldn't shake off the feeling that we wanted to return to Madeira. We started dreaming about owning a property on the island, and after much contemplation, we decided to buy our first house in Holland.
Fast-forward to a few months later, when we signed the papers for our new home in Schuytgraaf, Arnhem. After a year of construction and renovation, we finally moved in and began working on the interior and garden. We envisioned a tropical paradise that would bring us closer to the natural beauty and tranquility we experienced on Madeira.
As we worked on our home, we upgraded it with various features, including palm trees, a Jaccuzzi, and beautiful decor. However, despite our efforts, we still felt something was missing. We weren't entirely happy with our lives, and buying a house wasn't the solution.
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A turning point came when Remco's job underwent a major change, and he was faced with the possibility of losing everything he had built over nine years. Around the same time, I was struggling with my own demanding work schedule and daily commutes from Arnhem to Hilversum.
Our experiences led us to re-evaluate our priorities and take a closer look at our lives. We realized that our desire to revisit Madeira was more than just a passing fancy. It was a deep-seated longing for a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
Our family vacation in Madeira in 2019 was a catalyst for change. As soon as we arrived, we felt a sense of comfort and belonging that we couldn't ignore. Everywhere we went, the feeling only grew stronger. We both felt at home.
On one of our last days on the island, we stumbled upon a real estate magazine at a local beach café. The timing was serendipitous – it was as if fate was nudging us towards making a decision. That moment marked the beginning of our journey to leave the Netherlands behind and start anew in Madeira.
As we sat around the BBQ at home, discussing our vacation with our family, we uttered the words: "One day... we will live there!" And so, our journey began.
