Is Gozo a realistic goal for me?

Chances of finding a property on Gozo with land and stable are practically nil.  Anyway it
would be advisable to rent before buying in case it doesn 't work out.  Majority of properties
have if you are lucky a back yard or small garden.

Forgot to mention internet here is very good, better than we had in the UK.

I agree you really need to rent for 6-12 months before buying to get the lie of the land etc -
Don't rush into buying beacause it's often hard to sell if things don't work out

That makes loads of sense.

Any trusted agents out there that you can point out to me (or PM). I'm not feeling it on the websites if you know what I mean.

There are quite a few good agents but even the best tend to exaggerate when consulting from a distance. Much better to be here and deal direct or wait for PM's from people on this Blog. There is a local FB Group page called GOZONE where group members are very helpful in matters of this kind.

As regards agents you need to be here in person, there are some good ones on Gozo, we have used Charles Salt for two letting, also as mentioned many times the majority of property advertised
are not actually abailable, do you know Gozo?

I think I have a pretty good understanding of Gozo and how it fits together. I probably did not spend enough time there to understand the different characters that places have.

I'm very interested in Neolithic archaeology and sole pursuits - not much of a party animal. Total anorak if you will

Its true most agents, as well as other businesses in Malta, like to deal face to face, and you don't get great response from afar. Its just how things are

Many people come over for a few days about a month before moving to find a place to rent, once you're here you should find somewhere, then you give yourself 6-12 months find the right place to buy :-)

Good advice, thanks! I think I'm going to do just that, after the Christmas rush.