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Experience life in a traditional village and learn new skills in Cherven, Bulgaria

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    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    9 Dec 2025

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    Reply rate

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Country info

If you are not an EU Citizen and planning to visit Bulgaria to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I am looking for help to assist with some ongoing projects and various land management tasks, including work in the vegetable gardens.

    There are several projects using traditional natural building methods with old recycled mud and straw bricks ( known in Bulgaria as karpitch ) . In some communities it's called cob building. Working with clay plaster is great fun. We start by melting down old broken mud bricks with water and adding fresh straw as a binder.

    My name is Carol and I am originally from Scotland. In 2006 I came to Cherven for a short holiday and left 6 days later having put a deposit down to buy an old abandoned property on the outskirts of the village. Cherven is situated in the Rusenski Lom Natural Park and is 40 kilometers south west of Ruse. Within 2 years I had given up my old life of working 9-5 and reinvented myself as a "quasi peasant" . I grow a lot of vegetables ( organically ), keep chickens , have a dog and cats.

    I enjoy having working guests come to stay and to share this beautiful spot with magnificent views.

    There is always plenty to do including for example, clearing land, weeding, planting, harvesting, preserving food, making compost, basic building, repairing and remodelling.

    There are always lots of ongoing projects which are often weather dependent and whether you have the skills or not to help take them forward.

    There are guest bedrooms in the upstairs part of my house, which is now a 100 years old and was built with mud and straw bricks. This part of the property has its own access, a kitchen and toilet/ showering facilities. Good wholesome food is provided. There is excellent wifi access.

    I am particularly interested in people who enjoy land work and gardening and/or who have basic building trade skills but have generally found that everyone has something to contribute.

    I am flexible in terms of tasks and time input and we can agree what would work for both of us.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    House and pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Farming
    DIY & crafts
    Politics / Social justice
    Sustainability
    Self development
    Plant care
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Art & design
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Opportunity to experience life in a rural Bulgarian village. Develop skills in food growing, sustainable living, building with natural materials.

  • Help

    Help

    Gardening/ land help, basic natural building and easy DIY

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Bulgarian: Intermediate
    German: Beginner
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    I have two guest bedrooms in the upstairs part of my house which has its own access, a functioning kitchen and a toilet/ shower room.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Cherven is situated in the Russenski Lom Natural Park and is well known in Bulgaria for its medieval ruins, caves and rock churches. There are lovely walks in and around the village. There is a post office and a library in Cherven but no shops. There is however an outside cafe/bar by the river at the foot of the medieval attraction which is not open in the winter months, but a great place to hang out the rest of the year.

    The nearest ATM accessible by public transport is in Ruse: our nearest city ( 40 kms to the north east ). Ruse is also the only place you can get public transport to Cherven. There are two buses on weekdays to and from Ruse and one on a Saturday and Sunday. Ruse, situated next to the Danube river and the border with Romania, has a very large and beautiful central square area which is known as "Little Vienna", because of its layout and architecture.

    It is also possible to take a trip to Bucharest which is 60kms from Ruse.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    I have a very good internet connection

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Mungo

    Mungo

Host ref number: 000000000254

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