Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Sep 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
56
Facebook verified
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (4)
Give the gift of Workaway
read more
Find your perfect host
Details
Description
I am looking for help primarily to assist with land management tasks and in the vegetable gardens.
Work will also continue on 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 and rabbits, 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
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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
Gardening/ land help, basic building, DIY and renovation
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Bulgarian: Intermediate
German: Beginner
French: Beginner
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. There is also a self contained property which is a 10 minute walk from where I live which is sometimes available.
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, a library and a small general convenience store. There is also a lovely outside cafe/bar by the river at the foot of the medieval attraction which is not generally 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. A great place to hang out on days off people watching from the numerous pavement cafes.
It is also possible to take a trip to Bucharest from Ruse on the Bosphor Express ( a slow train which runs daily between Bucharest and Istanbul ). Bucharest is 60kms from Ruse and there are also direct buses from the airport or the centre to Ruse which can be booked online.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a very good internet connection
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
25 hours a week
Host ref number: 000000000254
Feedback (28)
10 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host
Carol is an inspiring woman who will share anything you’d like to know about the local life, customs, and culture of Cherven. She was always very clear in her instructions and I felt my skills were quite refined after my time spent there- in gardening, the use of tools, and in building. I came there with a desire to learn mud building and after I… read more
23 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Molly) for host
This place was absolutely perfect for me. I loved the work in the garden, and I even didn’t mind shoveling the crazy amount of unexpected snow that cut my visit so short! Carol is extremely patient and understanding, and willing to explain everything you need to know. She is also one of the most amazing cooks I’ve had the pleasure to meet!… read more
4 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Shae)
It was great to have Shae here helping. She is a lovely young woman who is very easy to have around. She tackled all the things I asked of her with enthusiasm and was very competent in all she did. Due to a family emergency I had to make an unexpected trip back to Scotland during her stay and she was happy to be left in house and animal sitting… read more
(Excellent
)
2 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Shae) for host
I stayed at Carol's house for a little over 2 weeks and had an absolutely wonderful time here. The work was varied and interesting, but mostly consisted of gardening. I did a lot of weeding and helped a little with building a fence and garden wall. Carol was very flexible with hours and also very communicative prior to the experience. When she… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
10 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host
Carol is an inspiring woman who will share anything you’d like to know about the local life, customs, and culture of Cherven. She was always very clear in her instructions and I felt my skills were quite refined after my time spent there- in gardening, the use of tools, and in building. I came there with a desire to learn mud building and after I… read more
23 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Molly) for host
This place was absolutely perfect for me. I loved the work in the garden, and I even didn’t mind shoveling the crazy amount of unexpected snow that cut my visit so short! Carol is extremely patient and understanding, and willing to explain everything you need to know. She is also one of the most amazing cooks I’ve had the pleasure to meet!… read more
4 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Shae)
It was great to have Shae here helping. She is a lovely young woman who is very easy to have around. She tackled all the things I asked of her with enthusiasm and was very competent in all she did. Due to a family emergency I had to make an unexpected trip back to Scotland during her stay and she was happy to be left in house and animal sitting… read more
(Excellent)
2 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Shae) for host
I stayed at Carol's house for a little over 2 weeks and had an absolutely wonderful time here. The work was varied and interesting, but mostly consisted of gardening. I did a lot of weeding and helped a little with building a fence and garden wall. Carol was very flexible with hours and also very communicative prior to the experience. When she… read more
21 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom & Deena)
Tom was a fantastic help during his stay in Cherven. He is one of those all-rounders who is happy to tackle whatever needs doing and has a wide range of skills and life experiences at his disposal. Thank you for all your help :-)
(Excellent)
16 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tom & Deena) for host
I was at Carol's place for about ten days and really enjoyed my time there. The work was varied, interesting and rewarding: taking down broken tree branches, mucking out a chicken coop/rabbitry, installing fenceposts and chainlink fencing, pointing between stones on a wall, installing a terrace in the garden...as well as just general helping out… read more
3 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivia)
Olivia stayed for a week during quite a cold spell, so we mainly did indoor work, repainting some walls and ceilings . She was a great help with this and on her last day we managed to get outside again and cut and clear some fallen wood from storm damage to trees. Olivia is a well travelled young woman and an excellent working guest who is very… read more
(Excellent)
2 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host
I had a wonderful time in Cherven. Carol is an inspiring woman.
We had multiple interesting conversations about self sufficiency, yoga, animals, traveling etc..
Working hours were flexible and I was able to visit an old monastery on my day off.
Lovely accommodation with a fire stove and the meals she prepared were delicious, based on… read more
We had multiple interesting conversations about self sufficiency, yoga, animals, traveling etc..
Working hours were flexible and I was able to visit an old monastery on my day off.
Lovely accommodation with a fire stove and the meals she prepared were delicious, based on… read more
10 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Jackie & Michael John) for host
We had a very pleasant experience in Cherven with Carol, the cat and dog family.
The area is beautiful and Carol was flexible allowing us to structure our workweek so we could see medieval town.
The accomodation was cosy and spacious. The meals were hearty, varied and scrumptious. Carol is a vey interesting person, we admired what she has… read more
The area is beautiful and Carol was flexible allowing us to structure our workweek so we could see medieval town.
The accomodation was cosy and spacious. The meals were hearty, varied and scrumptious. Carol is a vey interesting person, we admired what she has… read more
9 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jackie & Michael John)
If Jackie and Michael ask you to host them, get in quick. They are great Workawayers who are fairly new to the platform and are travelling for the next few months all over Europe and hope to use Workaway on occasion. They were both a great help in the week they spent with me. They worked hard and nothing was too much bother for them. With their… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Christoph & Doreen-Amy)
It was lovely to have Christoph and Amy here for a while. They are a very interesting couple who have great stories to share about their extended travels. Christoph was an amazing help because he is skilled in pruning trees and has experience of using a chainsaw so these skills were put to good use as there was a lot of tree damage after the last… read more
(Excellent)
18 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Christoph & Doreen-Amy) for host
Carol is an amazing generous and kind person, we were spoiled with great food, she even made separate vegetarian food for Amy, which is just amazing. We also found ways in which we can help on her property and the one of her daughter and help was a lot of fun and we hope we could help her!
All the best Carol, hope to see you again some time!
All the best Carol, hope to see you again some time!
5 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ia)
Ia was a joy to have around. Nothing was too much bother for her and she helped me a great deal while she was here.... from chopping wood, to gardening and doing some inside mud plastering. She also loved taking herself off for long walks with Mungo the dog who missed her as much as I did when she left. Can definitely recommend Ia to other hosts.
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ia) for host
Ms Jack of all trades: Carol! Thanks so much for everything during my couple- of- weeks stay in Nov23. Such a paradise, which needs lots of skills and care. Quiet, stunning views. I was glad to work quite hard and with lots of varied tasks; mostly in the garden, but also making mudwalls and whitewashing them, new and fascinating for me. And Mungo:… read more
3 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sydney)
It was lovely to have Sydney come and stay for a couple of weeks. She was a great help and fun to have around. Sydney is very knowledgable about wild plants and their properties and successfully tackled the cutting back of the wild clematis that has become a bit of a problem in these parts.
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sydney) for host
A friend and I stayed with Carol in Cherven for two weeks. It was lovely to slow down, work hard, and enjoy the scenery of the little village. I appreciate how simple our lives became while we were there - wake up, a few hours of garden/outdoor work, (we also did some traditional Bulgarian natural building work!) long lunch break, and work a few… read more
3 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (teamsharma)
Sid and Karin were a great help to me at a time when I really needed it. They helped tackle the taming of bits of land that had got quite overgrown in this summer's heatwave and by the time they left my rising anxiety about beginning to live in a jungle had totally subsided. They are easy to have around and the stories of their extended travels… read more
(Excellent)
23 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (teamsharma) for host
We liked this Workaways because we felt like we made a difference and a connection. The work was a mix of indoor renovation using traditional mud and straw and outdoor gardening and yard maintenance. Both made a visible difference. Carol provided excellent lunches and dinners served with interesting conversation. The accommodations included a two… read more
2 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
David is a dream Workawayer and if he asks if he can come stay, don't miss the chance. He is a great all rounder who sees the little things that need attention and is very capable with all sorts of hand and power tools. Rain drove us inside after a few days of general on going land based chores such as harvesting potatoes, weeding and cutting… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
I spent a great 2 weeks with Carol and loved every minute of it. She is a very friendly, welcoming and hardworking host with a lovely home and way of life. We worked together in the garden and on her field as well as doing some kitchen refurbishment. Carol has great local knowledge that she's happy to share, which I greatly appreciated. She's also… read more
19 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Cassandra & Alex)
Cassie and Alex are great Workawayers. They approached all tasks asked of them with unbounded enthusiasm. I had a bit of an issue with an 115 year old barn which needed to be dismantled and when I asked Cassie and Alex if they might be interested and able to help with this they were not fazed at all. Within a few days lots of old wooden beams… read more
(Excellent)
18 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Cassandra & Alex) for host
We spent two weeks in Carol's home in Cherven, and it was a lovely experience. Carol is a wonderful woman from Scotland that has made a wonderful life in Bulgaria. During our time, we did some work in her nearby field however a majority of the work was at her daughters house, where we took down a barn/shed that was no longer safe to use. The work… read more
27 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Hugh) for host
I had a great time at Carol's place in Cherven. The food was astonishingly good - I have never had anything like it. The work was interesting and varied, and Carol is a generous, welcoming host, whose instructions were always carefully thought out and practical. I learned a lot about working the land in a pragmatic and effective way. The beautiful… read more
10 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Hugh)
Hugh was a very easy person to have around. He helped me loads in the garden preparing ground, planting potatoes and harvesting some alfalfa for the rabbits. Genuinely nice guy all round who was willing to try thing he hadn't done before and quickly got the hang of how to do new things
(Excellent)
13 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jorge Luis & Paula )
Jorge Luis and Paula are a very lovely couple and I really enjoyed having then stay with me for a week. They were a good help in the garden and preparing ground for later planting. We had some interesting conversations over our meals together and I learned a lot about Columbia while they were here. Communication was not the easiest at times but we… read more
(Very good)
11 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jorge Luis & Paula ) for host
We had the opportunity to share a week with Carol and I would have loved to share a little more. Sharing with her was very nice, we did new things for ourselves and we opened up to learn from her. She is a very charismatic, caring woman with an incredible way of life. Much to learn from her and her way of living from her, she has a space with a… read more
20 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Filippo)
Filippo was a great help while he was here. Easy to have around and an overall good guy with an excellent attitude and a willingness to get stuck in. He practiced his bread making skills while here and I was fairly impressed with the results. Enjoy the rest of your trip Filippo and you are welcome to return at harvest time to help dig up the… read more
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Filippo) for host
What a great time I had at Carol's!
She was very nice and always made sure everything was fine for me. I enjoyed working with her outdoors, whether in the field where I learned a lot, or around the house. Also, Carol is an amazing chef - trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Cherven is a beautiful little village with a superb medieval castle that I… read more
She was very nice and always made sure everything was fine for me. I enjoyed working with her outdoors, whether in the field where I learned a lot, or around the house. Also, Carol is an amazing chef - trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Cherven is a beautiful little village with a superb medieval castle that I… read more
17 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Matéo) for host
Carole is a lovely person and very interesting about how many knowledge she have. With her, I never get bored and I pretty sure, I will miss her cooking. And if you want to discover the countryside of Bulgaria, this is the right. Cherven have a lot things if you take time to discover them like cave, ruins and wonderful nature place. I'm pretty… read more
27 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Matéo)
Mateo spent 4 weeks helping me with a variety of task, both inside and out and was a great help. His attitude to trying things he had no experience of previously was very positive and he left with some experience of plastering ceilings and walls. He also was an enormous help splitting some large logs, rotavating the vegetable plot and helping… read more
(Excellent)
26 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Luciano & Syeda)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(No show)
6 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Johanna)
It was lovely to have Johanna stay and I really appreciated her help around the place. She is a very easy person to have around and it was great to have help harvest the last of the this years tender vegetables and start preparing the ground for next year's growing season. Although I am not a vegetarian, I decided not to eat meat while Johanna was… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Johanna) for host
I really enjoyed my time at Carol's. The work was varied and I loved having the small guest apartment as a retreat. Carol was very clear in her communication and friendly. She was responsive to my needs and prepared delicious vegetarian food for me.
6 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia)
Lydia was a fantastic help when she was here earlier this year. Arriving just after a rather brutal storm when I was feeling quite overwhelmed at the damage it caused and the amount of fallen wood that needed cleared, Lydia just got stuck it and her energy made it so much easier for me to do what needed to be done. She is lovely young woman and… read more
(Excellent)
31 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Lydia) for host
I had a lovely time at Carol's place. I arrived just after a major storm so lots of the work involved clearing fallen trees and branches. There was a satisfying routine of waking early (my own choice) and getting to work in the field before the sun made it too hot to work. The work was physical, varied and outdoors. We worked together on some… read more
6 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha)
Samantha was a great help and a lovely person to have around. Energetic, full of life and willing to get stuck in with the tasks that needed doing. I have no hesitation in recommending her to other hosts.
(Excellent)
11 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host
I stayed with Carol for a week this spring. Chevron is a beautiful place and Carol helped me find transportation to and from there. I had a great time getting to know her and learning about Bulgaria. She is very clear with her expectations for work - each evening we talked about the next day’s weather and tasks then worked for a few hours together… read more
19 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Mario & Anja)
Anja and Mario stayed with us for three weeks and it was an extremely positive experience to have them with us. They are very lovely people who are a joy to be around. Both very positive in their outlook, they tackled all sorts of tasks to help us and noticed the little things needing attention. They had some great stories to share and I am much… read more
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Kathrin & Jens)
Kathrin and Jens arrival was perfect timing as I had a number of pre winter tasks to complete and they were such a great help in getting them done. Jens fixing of a leaking chimney and pointing a stone wall exceeded my expectations and both look great as well as now functioning as they should. The three of us worked through the moving, cutting,… read more
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Kathrin & Jens) for host
If you want to explore a part of traditional life in Bulgaria in a fantastic quiet countryside you are on the perfect place here by Carol. We felt very blessed to stay 10 days here in this historical place. Carol is a very friendly and well informated person. We did a lot of very interesting trips around cherven,in the valley to the fortess and… read more
8 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Hanna & Manuel) for host
We joined Carol for 10 days in the fight against the wild clematis that occupyed her garden. Although we just stayed for a short time we felt home at Carols paradise surrounded by nature and with view on the historic village of Cherven - an amazing place to visit by the way. We became best friends with Carols most fluffyest cat Mr. Fluffypants. We… read more
2 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanna & Manuel)
What a team Hannah and Manuel make !!! Manuel is experienced in using a chainsaw and was able to help clear land of fallen and damaged trees. Hannah soon became an expert at sorting the wood and clearing the dreaded wild clematis that causes so much damage if not kept in check. They are practical people who are easy to have around. Thanks guys for… read more
(Excellent)
5 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Blake)
Blake was here for a week and was a great help with clearing some land. We have a bit of an issue with invasive wild clematis which requires some attention every year to try to keep it in check and stop its spread into some of the cultivated areas.
Blake came in his large van which has been converted into a camper and he travels with some useful… read more
Blake came in his large van which has been converted into a camper and he travels with some useful… read more
(Very good)
28 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Elspeth) for host
Apologies for the super late feedback!!! I so enjoyed my time at Carol’s. Carol is such a lovely and interesting person, not to mention an absolutely fantastic cook! I had so much fun spending time with her, her daughter and granddaughter, and of course the many animals! The work itself was very fair, varied and never boring. In your free time you… read more
26 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elspeth)
Elspeth was a joy to have around. She has a lovely personality and was a great help to us, taking on tasks with a positive attitude. She was really interested in what we were doing and eager to get involved in our day to day life.
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(No show)
29 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mateo) for host
We spent an unforgettable month with Carol, working at home and her daughter's. The place is beautiful and very quiet and there are many places to walk around. We were able to enjoy beautiful talks, delicious meals, share games and outings. The work was according to our skills and we made many varied projects during the stay. Carol is a very nice… read more
26 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mateo)
Gisella and Mateo were fantastic folk to have come join our life here in Cherven. They stayed a month and during that time helped us so much with all sorts of tasks. I am particularly grateful for the electrical work and the stud wall building Mateo was able to do for me. They are definitely "can do" sort of folk who in addition to work tasks also… read more
(Excellent)
26 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith Andrea)
Andrea was a great volunteer with a fantastic attitude. She was an amazing help at the start of a project to clear out an old barn to house our expanding goat herd for the coming winter. It was repetitive work that we did together for days on end raking out old straw and cornstalks then digging out years of rotted manure and moving it to be used… read more
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Judith Andrea) for host
I enjoyed staying with Carol and meeting Crystal and Luna. They are a lovely family and they made me feel at home. Being part of their project for a while was a great experience, I learnt a lot. Carol is someone to admire, strong, clear minded and very organized and determined. It was very nice to talk to her , she is a good listener and also… read more
26 Dec 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastian)
Sebastian was a great person to join our life here. He asked to come initially for only a few days as he was on a cycling tour and wanted to visit some places in this area, but ended up staying with us for 6 weeks. He is the sort of guy who seems to be able to turn his hand to all sorts of tasks and nothing seems too much bother for him. He… read more
(Excellent)
20 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sebastian) for host
I wanted to stay only a few days but then stayed 6 weeks. It was a very nice time at Carol. I did a lot of different and interesting work.
I felt very comfortable. The garden is so lovely and you can relaxe in the hummock and enjoy the silence. Inside the house it is cosy for reading a book or watch a movie. Or you spend your time brushing or… read more
I felt very comfortable. The garden is so lovely and you can relaxe in the hummock and enjoy the silence. Inside the house it is cosy for reading a book or watch a movie. Or you spend your time brushing or… read more
2 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (niko_bolso) for host
I had the pleasure to stay with Carol at her lovely house she has built with the help of others through many years, the place is cozy, charming and u feel at home and at ease. The area is also quite charming, although a bit isolated from everything, if u are up to escape cities and be in nature, this is the place for u.
Carol, is a hard working… read more
Carol, is a hard working… read more
5 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephen)
Stephen’s arrival was so timely as he came to my place just after I returned to Bulgaria following an extended trip away and my land and garden were seriously overgrown. He was such a great help and has a wide range of skills at his disposal. He noticed the little things that needed attention as well as being happy to take on the bigger projects.… read more
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Stephen) for host
I had a fantastic time at Carol’s house with her and Schnapska. This is truly an idyllic spot set in the hills above Cherven, where all you can hear is the sound of birds in the morning and the baying of the jackals at sunset...I kid you not.. Whilst there I helped her tame the large garden and installed a stud wall in one of the rooms. We worked… read more
23 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
I spent two pleasant weeks with Carol in her beautiful house, I will keep a very good memory. She is really interesting and her place is very peaceful, if you want to spend some time in the nature, that's a perfect place ! The accomodations were very very good and the food so healthy.
Thank you again :)
Camille
Thank you again :)
Camille
