Tsunami in my head!

2.  Close enough to major transportation hub (1-1.5hr) for all of us to travel relatively quickly and inexpensively

hehe... "inexpensive transportation".. oh, you do crack me up!

1.  Safe and family friendly
2.  Close enough to major transportation hub (1-1.5hr) for all of us to travel relatively quickly and inexpensively
3.  The slower pace/village life/castles/beaches and ruins nearby sound heavenly compared to my current suburban life
4.  Bonus if we didn't need a car
5.  Bonus if it is a relatively sunny area.

We live in Hampshire - in a small village a few miles from Southampton. We have castles, abbeys and ruins close by - the solent is on our doorstep and the South is know for having the 'best' weather in England (though far from California - I grew up in CA!). London is only 1.5 hours away and there are local airports that you can easily fly to and from continental Europe. We have 3 children and our children love the area and schools.

Good luck with your planning!