Family Trades Yorkshire Rat Race for Remote Island Life

Katy Phenix, 33, and Josh Moore, 35, along with their two children, Hetty, six, and Teddy, 11, have moved from Redcar, North Yorkshire, to Fair Isle, one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands. The family sought to escape a life where they felt they "lived to work," characterized by long hours and a poor work-life balance. Fair Isle, located about 24 miles south of the Shetland Mainland in the North Sea, has a population of approximately 50 residents and is home to more birds than people.

The decision to move was spurred by an Instagram advertisement Katy saw for opportunities on the island. The family registered their interest spontaneously, without having visited Fair Isle prior. The process of becoming a resident is selective, with numbers strictly controlled and new inhabitants only permitted when existing residents depart. Phenix and Moore underwent a rigorous interview process with the island's inhabitants and the National Trust for Scotland to ensure they were a "good fit."

They sold their three-bedroom home in Yorkshire and are now renting a five-bedroom house with 17 acres of land and outbuildings from the National Trust. The family, along with three dogs and four cats, have embraced island life. Katy, who previously worked as an early years practitioner, now works approximately four hours a day, Monday to Friday. Josh, an electrician, has found ample work as the island's resident handyman, undertaking tasks such as plumbing and appliance repairs.

The move, which cost £8,000, has significantly reduced their cost of living. Katy stated they previously had a "really large mortgage in England" but now pay "peanuts in comparison" to live on Fair Isle. This lifestyle change has allowed them more family time, with Katy noting they are now "so much more present for the children."

Island life presents unique challenges. Obtaining a takeaway curry, for instance, can be a seven-hour ordeal involving a taxi, the island ferry, and reheating. Planning is essential for everyday tasks, with what might take minutes on the mainland potentially requiring three weeks of preparation for deliveries. The weather also dictates travel, as the small plane or ferry service can be subject to delays.

The family has learned to be resourceful and has received support from previous residents. The outgoing tenants provided guidance on crofting and sold them sheep to help them establish their own small farm. The children are actively involved in herding the flock of 30 sheep and a ram, with Teddy using a shepherd's hook as they do not have a sheepdog. Hetty, an animal lover, spends time with the sheep and their hens.

There are seven children on the island, with Hetty and Teddy finding immediate friends in a six-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy already living there. The children engage in activities such as mushrooming, fishing, and building contraptions. Teenagers on the island attend a mainland school, with accommodation provided and regular trips home.

Fair Isle offers basic amenities, including a pub in the bird observatory during the summer, a shop open four days a week, a post office, and even Amazon Prime delivery. The island also has a nurse on call, with helicopter evacuation available for medical emergencies.

Katy is also learning the traditional Fair Isle knitting craft, a skill encouraged by the National Trust to preserve the island's heritage. Despite the remoteness, Katy emphasizes that the island is not lonely and offers a social environment with community support, yoga, and Pilates classes. She noted that Josh, initially an introvert, has become more outgoing since their move. The family's social calendar includes events like dress-up parties and harvest festivals, contributing to their fulfillment on the island.