Could I make an alternative suggestion here............
I too would love to try and experience some continental living, but due to the age's of our kids the wife will not entertain such an idea. But I do see the attraction and like many am currently disillusioned by UK PLC and nothing on the horizon appears to give hope to any changes I would like to see soon. I would not be naive to think that any of these other destinations are any better of, just a different focus and emphasis on the same issues that are common throughout Westerm Europe. But it would be a new experience and that in itself may be enough to reinvigorate one and being in foreign climes means you probably won't be so involved in their bigger issues, as you won't have the same knowledge and of them or the changes that are occurring by default.
But coming back to the original post. I would look and think about it long and hard before committing. I am not saying don't do it, as I am jealous of you having the opportunity, but be very analytical about the whole thing! Why do I say this, well from the experiences of several friends and colleagues who have already. But each has done so by selling up in the UK and buying overseas and it is this break from the UK that is haunting them now.
One sold a very nice place in Lingfield, to move to southern France. Whilst he is still enjoying his transition and still pleased overall with the move he has made, he is not blind to the fact that the property in France has devalued, not by much, but is worth less each month, whilst his UK address has risen substantially. In short if the times comes and he considers a return to the UK he will have to settle for far less back here.
Another friend who, like you suggest, ventured out there when the rates were good and in his favour, has now decided he does need to come home due to ill health of his wife. Now he had retained a small place the UK so he could see the grandchildren often and was split probably 72/25 between them. His house, which is magnificent and anyone would be proud to own, has devalued beyond belief since his purchase about 10 years ago for a variety of reasons.
On his most recent trip home to the UK he returned to find his home had been burgled, and then the water pipes deliberately cut and the home ruined. The local authorities were far from sympathetic and he is currently trying to sort the mess out, it has made him very unwell. I have other examples of were people have found that it is not a panacea abroad. But also many who have made the change and really do enjoy it and have the right set up and attitude to make it a success due to their approach. But on balance the experience of the many I know who have has meant my wife is too afraid to risk it.
If you are thinking of cutting UK ties forever and are prepared to take your chances and go to your grave abroad, then good luck and if you don't look back and have too much contact here, I suspect you will not know any different and it will be what you make it. If like the majority, you can't quite do that and still want to have UK connections and friends then, consider not selling within the UK but rent out your property and then rent abroad. I suggested this to the friends I have mentioned. Abroad they are not so fixated about home ownership as they see a house as a place to live, not as an investment. They do not rely upon the proceeds of their homes to clear their debts or as a retirement plan. For most rent and it is the norm. Whilst letting out your UK home may be a bit of hassle, the income here should easily cover any rental required there and a surplus, probably. If you suddenly need to return you can give notice and do so. Your interest within the UK will have kept pace with things here generally in value terms and it means you keep a wider range of options for yourself in the future.
Had any of my mates I cited done this - they would have been back here in the UK already and living a similar lifestyle to that they left, they have told me they wished they had used a different route for their overseas adventure. In one case they can only afford to buy a suitable property back in the UK in Lincolnshire, far from where they wanted but it was the best compromise for their circs, they have lost a fortune on Spanish property. One friend's father in law has been so affected by the losses on his Spanish dream he has had to move back in with them aged 68 as his only course of action. Of course if you go to any show where there are sales people they will try and sell you a vision that normally involves them realising a slice of your money in one way or another. It depends on so may things, whether you are retiring properly, going to work there, start a business there etc.
I put this forward for you to consider in the mix of things you need to have your eyes wide open, others will no doubt have alternative experiences and views - but good luck in any case..........