Bulgaria
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I'm looking for a practical independent person or couple to spend time in the Bulgarian Mountains. Ideally suit a creative, contemplative type who needs peace and quiet and values natural beauty. Also, someone who likes dogs! If you have gardening and DIY skills, even better...I'm particularly looking for people with time to stay for a few months at least, hopefully longer.
This placement is a bit different - I am away in the city of Sofia for at least half of the week, so you'll have the place to yourself, with your own kitchen in the guest house. I'll be in the main house, so you won't be disturbed, although it'll be nice for a cup of tea! So, it's somewhere you could use as a base and explore the country and this is what volunteers have done before. Obviously, as I'll be away part of the time, you need to have some gardening/DIY skills and be able to work a little unsupervised. There's nothing back-breaking or particularly gruelling though, just jobs around the place that I'd love to have the time to do myself......also, I have a 5 yr old daughter who comes every other week or more, so hopefully you enjoy children a little too.
The house is on the edge of a village, so there are quiet neighbours 100m away and a couple of shops within 6 minutes walk. There are further shops and medical facilities 6km away, an easy cycle or hitchhike with the friendly villagers. It's a very safe place to stay.
The whole area is full of stunning, unspoiled forests and mountains, all highly accessible! The guest house where you'll be staying is cosy, with a log stove and a modern kitchen and bathroom. There is wi-fi. Sofia is an hour away, which is a great place to visit.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Art Projects
Help with Computers/ Internet
Most villagers keep farm animals on a small scale and take pride in producing from their gardens the most delicious organic food. They still make cheese, butter, meat dishes and traditional Balkan treats, not to mention the fruity and smooth Rakia, the national spirit drink. We try to eat and drink as much locally made produce as possible – and are sure you will love it too….
We need help with general maintenance of the properties, gardening and sometimes help with the holidays. Computer competence and artistic skills especially welcome!
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
Guest room
We are based in the mountains in the range , next to a National Park where there is an enormous variety of protected wildlife. This internationally important area is one of the few remaining locations that provide sanctuary to rare and endangered animals such as the wolf, otter, bear, wild cat, many many birds, the Balkan Chamois, Imperial Eagles and jackals. Incidentally, Bulgaria has the largest population of brown bears in Europe, though we can’t guarantee a sighting!
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Two
max 25 hours with 2 days off
