Bulgaria
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COVID 19 update: if you are already in Bulgaria and looking for somewhere to stay, please get in touch and we can decide together if it's safe for you to come. Enquiries are also welcome for later in the year when we are (hopefully) allowed to travel again!
I have been living in Bulgaria on and off since 2011, and in this house since 2016. My dream is to create a retreat based on permaculture principles. Until now I've been working on essential repairs to the house.
This year I'm looking for help with a couple of exciting garden projects. The first is redesigning the front garden from the jungle that it has previously been and creating a beautiful new garden and seating area. Right now I'm digging out unwanted tree roots before starting on making raised beds and paths.
The other project is making a food growing area in the field behind the house. I've covered over some areas to weaken the grass and weeds until it's time to plant out.
There will be other small projects around the house and garden that you could get involved in, as well as pruning trees in the winter, and helping to look after my two dogs.
The dogs are friendly although the puppy is a bit crazy but he is slowly growing up! They don't have any health problems or special requirements.
I'd ask for around 20-25 hours help a week in return for accommodation and food. I'm relaxed about work times, depends on our mood, the weather and what else is happening. Vegan meals are provided, and it would be great to share the cooking sometimes. I can accomodate one single person, or a couple / two people travelling together sharing a room.
Occasionally I'm also looking for a house-sit arrangement.
My house is in a good position in a popular village, with 2 shops and a bar. The nearest town, Chirpan, is around 7km away with a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants, banks, supermarkets, and a fabulous weekly market. There are 3 buses daily into Chirpan, with an extra one on Fridays for the market. The house is basic but comfortable, with electric hob and oven, fridge freezer, washing machine, and hot shower. I don't have a television, but there is high speed internet. The garden has a nice view up into the hills. There are many tracks around the village that are great for walking with the dogs.
What else ...
The house is comfortable, but rustic. The toilet and shower are both in outbuildings separate from the main house, although the corridor to the shower room is under cover, and there is a small compost toilet next to the shower room (when I can get sawdust or similar for it). I'd prefer non smokers, or at least someone prepared to only smoke outside.
I'm self employed, working from home, with hours to suit myself. Work is a means to an end, just to earn enough to live. Apart from permaculture and becoming self sufficient, I'm into meditation, yoga, rowing, walking, cycling, going to the gym, playing uke (very badly, in truth), reading, and generally being outdoors.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Language practice
There are museums in many of the villages and the town. It will be a chance to live a quiet Bulgarian style life for a while - ideal for someone wanting a quiet place for work or retreat.
Helping with house and garden projects, and helping to care for the dogs.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Bulgarian: Beginner
Russian: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Two large single beds in one room in the house
There's are three buses a day into Chirpan, with an extra on Friday for market day.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
The internet is good but it does stop occasionally, so it would be good to have mobile backup if it's essential to always have internet. It's not usually down for long. The house is small so at the moment I can't offer a dedicated office space.
There is space at the end of the garden for parking a caravan or large van
Two
Maximum 25 hours per week, by mutual arrangement
