Back to the essence of the original question, imho those in their 50s now in the UK have seen property values rocket, in a way I certainly never expected. I had assumed that our parents had made the big wins on property, and for us it would be more difficult. I has not been so far.
If we have made wise property decisions, then to a degree we are in luck. A £300,000 house (just above the national average,) gives an extra £10,000 for 30 years (I am assuming investment matches the inflation, a big ass I know but makes it simpler)
That on top of a state pension, a bit of gardening or chauffeur work to give beer or holiday money, should keep us quite comfortable if not rich.
The issue as Ergo said, is what to give up? Children, certainly not. Holidays can be cheaper. Most stuff is pretty irrelevant. I could be happy at that, so long as I have a boat, (maybe two, sail and motor) a mountain bike (elec later) a motor bike.... a dog... heat and food.
Simples. Just got to persuade the rest of the family.
As an aside, a good friend's (second) husband recently went off on a canal boat for good, saying " You love your family too much. Goodbye." That I find very sad.