Although if you do want to do that, there are few better non-English-speaking countries to do it in than Spain. Obviously, as you say, you will be missing out on the whole cultural journey, and cutting yourself off from much of the joy to be had in living here.

But there are plenty of enclaves along the Mediterranean coast where you will find real estate agents, lawyers, doctors and all the rest who either speak fluent English or are in fact British/Irish.

Though for an American that would still mean going through the process of adapting to 'British' life in Spain - two cultures divided by a common language, and all that.