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Stay on the edge of a small village near Karnobat, Burgas Region, Bulgaria

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    100 %

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    Last replied

    10 Jan 2026

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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

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I am alone, but I am not lonely.


    Location and about me:-

    Location:-

    I am located out on the edge of an agricultural village in South Eastern Bulgaria, 20 minutes’ drive from the town of Karnobat and 45 minutes’ drive from the port city of Burgas and the Black Sea.

    On clear days, I have a view on to the Central Balkan Mountains, (Stara Planina). I have a large plot of land with a small seasonal stream running through it.

    This is an ideal location for Workaway travellers going to or from TURKEY where around trip from Karnobat to Istanbul and back via train/bus costs around Euro 45 for a six houjourney.

    The Host:-

    Robert is an Englishman, a British Army veteran, well travelled with an unblinkered view of world politics and classed as a senior citizen albeit, he looks and feels stronger and healthier than a lot of younger male specimens on display nowadays.

    Even though I am a married man, my Wife spends 6 months per year in Russia so I have to be as self-sufficient and self reliant as I can be without asking for help unless absolutely necessary. I am particular about what I eat, I don't drink alcohol or smoke, but I do not suggest my guests cannot do either of those whilst here.

    My aim is to remain independent for as long as possible through diet, strength and other forms of training to keep the body strong and mobile. Robert has two small YouTube Channels which require more input/content.

    I am a fairly easy going sociable person, as long as guests don't try to take advantage of my hospitality but I do respect that sometimes other people just wish to be left to be quiet and I expect the same in return as not every evening can be a party. I can afford to be picky about who I invite as anything less than a perceived harmonious stay is not good for my mental wellbeing so, I have to feel that your stay will be a good fit for me.

    Objectives:-

    In addition of my personal goals in health and fitness, my objectives are quite simple, to blend in, not waste resources, make and mend instead of buying new, be as self-sufficient as can be reasonably expected, learn new skills, hone older skills, but keep learning, keep moving forwards.

    Other:-

    I am a consumer of meat, mostly chicken and fish, but will respect your choice of not eating meat albeit, I would prefer non-vegetarians because it makes shared cooking mutual and more interesting.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Elderly Companionship
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    History
    Dancing
    Videography
    Sustainability
    Self development
    DIY & crafts
    Fitness
    Nature
    Outdoor activities
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities;-

    I live right out on the boundary of what is termed a dying village. Therefore, I cannot offer you much in our village for integration with the ageing locals. Bulgaria has a very long and rich history. Volunteers will achieve as much as they wish to achieve by visiting me and what they're prepared to contribute albeit, I would hope that any Volunteer will leave having more self-confidence and having had their opinions heard and considered on projects I have to complete. As a minimum you should achieve an exchange of cultures as I am an Englishman who has served, worked and lived in numerous countries including Russia.

    If you are into Wildlife then Bulgaria has much to offer. We will have Swallows nesting, Storks in the village and rich variety of fauna and flora. You might be lucky and see on our Tortoises or Turtles around if you are quick. Make sure you have a camera with you. During winter of course, the options are far fewer.

    As previously mentioned, there are opportunities to travel to the City of Burgas an hour away by Public Transport and further beyond to explore the Black Sea or even Turkey. Train and Bus services to and from Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas are mostly reliable, safe and cheap in comparison to Western European ticket prices. Bus services from our village to Karnobat are not that frequent, but I can drive you and collect you from there if you wish to go exploring by train or bus.

  • Help

    Help

    I have many maintenance upkeep on-going projects in simply living and keeping warm during these winter months and any helping hand is welcomed especially as you will be prepping your own firewood to keep your accommodation heated.

    Some jobs require two pairs of hands and others are best suited to someone who likes to carry out tasks on their own unsupervised once the task has been fully explained and demonstrated.

    In exchange for 2-3 meals per day, a comfortable bed with a dry roof over your head, unlimited Internet, a hot shower and a flush toilet, I expect you to be prepared to offer me a few hours per day per 5 day week minimum. If you do not think this to be a fair deal or think this is slave labour then, please do not waste each other's time taking this invitation any further. It is winter time and you're welcome to go roaming about any time you wish as long as we have discussed and agreed beforehand.

    As previously mentioned, I have my own YouTube channels, but I am not allowed to link them here
    Just think of Robert and Bulgaria and you might find the channel.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    German: Intermediate
    Russian: Intermediate
    Bulgarian: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I am a Russian speaker, but can always improve. My spoken Bulgarian is poor, but my understanding is reasonable. My German can also do with some practise.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation:-

    I offer a caravan which a single can use, (I do not accept couples or families). The Caravan has basic amenities with a wood burning stove, gas stove for cooking, electricity 220 volt, chemical toilet for night use, but the flush toilet, shower and washing machine are located in another building a few metres walk away.

    For those that wish to really get back to nature basics then, I can offer outdoor sleeping under canvas shelters in one of Robert's camps dotted around the territory.

    All Volunteers also have use of the summer kitchen for preparing food and/or BBQ facilities around the territory. I can also offer a pitch for campers whether a Tent, Camper or Caravan for those who prefer to sleep in their own facilities. I provide offer unlimited Internet WiFi around the territory as best as I can or a Hotspot, but I cannot guarantee permanent internet access all over this large territory.

    Food:-

    I understand that FOOD is a huge motivating factor for my guests and I try my best to provide good wholesome meals supplemented with seasonal salads/vegetables, home-grown and wild fruits with snacks in between for those that burn off their calories through hard work, (see typical Menu Photograph in our Gallery). However, during the winter, I am limited to what is available in the supermarkets.

    Therefore, I offer 2-3 meals per working day whether that be self-catering or a collective meal for both of us. I offer refreshments and do not mind you drinking a beer or a glass of wine with your evening meal, but within reason as this is not a happy hour bar and I do not drink alcohol myself after many years of over consumption.


    Dogs:-
    We have 3 mixed breed rescue dogs who will not harm you, but who seek attention, so, if you're terrified of dogs then, this place is probably not for you. However, if you are nervous of dogs and wish to build your confidence with canines then, this is the place for you.

    Other:-

    I am not a Hotel, I do not provide a Maid Service and your Mother's are not here either so, I expect my guests to clean up after themselves including the toilet they use; leave everything as you would expect to find it and we will all get on famously. I am not running a Military Boot Camp here, but neither am I providing a Nanny Service for people who think others should clean up the mess they make.

    I do not family units and as I stated earlier, I can afford to be picky about who I accept to come here as my guest. It is winter time, not a lot of work goes on, the days are short, the nights are long and we either spend the daylight hours under one roof or we spend it separately under two which is not cost effective so I have to get a feeling that you will be a good fit and I can only assess that from your profile and introduction to me.

    Thank you and I wish you all the very best this life has to offer.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Clothing:-

    I strongly recommend good footwear and layered clothing with an outer waterproof barrier whilst working on my projects and not sandal type footwear. It gets very MUDDY here during the winter. Waterproof, windproof warm layers are a must as hypothermia is not a joke, but a reality.

    Footnote:-

    We had some really great experiences with my Workaway Volunteers all of which came here with a good work ethic, ready to assist, learn and teach me something too. Therefore, I am looking forward to more great experiences during the coming years.

    However, what I HATE/DISLIKE the most are ''No Shows'' and I must have heard every excuse under the sun during my years as a host so, If you make an enquiry, confirm that you are coming and then, for whatever reason, change your mind then, please have the common decency to inform me of your decision at the earliest opportunity so that I may offer your place to someone else. There is little excuse in this modern day and age for not contacting me if your plans change.

    Thank you for reading the foregoing, I hope it will give you an insight into what we are about and we hope to see you soon.

    Robert

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Any size of van with and have access to an 220 Volt electrical hookup.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 593125239661

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Photos

A man in a green sleeveless outfit is outdoors on dry grass, lifting a large tractor tire, likely exercising or training under a clear blue sky.
An older man in a blue jacket and white hoodie sits at a wooden table in a cozy cafe, holding a glass of water, looking thoughtful.
A man in camouflage clothing relaxes on a red ATV under the shade of a large tree, beside a white wall and garden with green foliage.
A person in a black tank top and shorts leans on a wooden chair outside a house, beside a Buddha statue sitting on a barrel and tire.
A man in camouflage winter gear and goggles stands in a snowy field, holding a walking stick. Bare trees and clear blue sky are visible behind him.
A smiling older man wearing a camouflage bandana and shirt stands outdoors, giving two thumbs up, with bright green foliage and sunlight in the background.
The image shows a green thermometer with white markings on a wooden background, displaying a temperature reading of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The image depicts a man pushing a wheelbarrow through a wooded area, carrying a white bag filled with bottles and other items.
The image depicts a serene scene of a body of water with a small island in the center, surrounded by trees and vegetation, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a tranquil body of water, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers, set against a blue sky with white clouds.
The image depicts a serene landscape with a vibrant blue sky, featuring a large body of water and a prominent tree, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image shows a yard with a large outdoor area, featuring a patio, a pool, and a fence, surrounded by greenery, with a few trees and a house visible in the background.
The image depicts a barn swallow perched on a wooden structure, with a watermark reading "workaway.info" superimposed over the bird.

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