Yes, as I feared ... a visitor's visa is the only option - I hope that we'd be successful in applying for a 10 year visa.
For those who suggest living in UK for a while ... I've already sold everything I ever owned in UK (or brought it with me) so there is little to go back for. In addition, we now have commitments here, running the farm etc, and wouldn't want to be absent for a long period.
Perhaps things will be easier if the Treaty of Lisbon is fully ratified and adopted ... but perhaps not - UK has already secured an exemption from the CFR. :(
