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Description
We are restoring an old mountain property in "the highest & sunniest town in Bulgaria"; a small ski resort in winter and a gateway to the mountains in summer. Perched overlooking a scenic valley we are the last property on a rough 4x4 road before disappearing into the wilderness. Fresh spring water comes directly into the house which is already modernised with all the usual facilities. We require some extra hands for various tasks and projects in return for food and board and good company, in a truly scenic and inspiring environment.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Sustainability
Self development
Plant care
History
DIY & crafts
Books
Languages
Gardening
Cooking & food
Blogging
Writing
Carpentry
Animals
Cycling
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Sailing / Boating
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Team sports
Nature
Fitness
Winter sports
Mountain
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Chepelare is a typical small mountain town only 10 minutes ramble down the hill, with several cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and bars and an open market on Tuesday mornings. There is a hotel with a spa and swimming pool, as well as a sports gym and a couple of interesting museums. Winter provides skiing and summer offers rambling, hikes and sightseeing in the Rhodope Mountains. Holidays and special events are celebrated collectively in the large town centre square where you may get the chance to observe or participate in festivals and 'all-in' Bulgarian traditional dancing. Most locals speak some English and are kind and friendly to us. Your host is an author and publisher, an ex-University level English & Communication Skills teacher who speaks a few languages (some poorly) with a background in winter sports instruction and social justice advocacy. We are eager to keep meeting new people from different cultures, showing them around, and sharing our mutual skills, knowledge and life stories, because ultimately, we believe that we are all connected at heart.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Various ongoing projects include general practical help such as gardening, chopping wood, painting fences (weather allowing) and/or socialising with my son (who loves music) or doing some simple computer tasks. Nothing too demanding. Skills can be learned and shared. Little to no general housework, as our housekeeper attends weekly. You will accompany us (if you wish) on our various local journeys. Being friendly, sociable and willing to help are the main 'skillset' we are looking for.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
Bulgarian: Beginner
Japanese: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
Happy to help travellers improve their English language and general communication skills (I taught this course at University), whilst improving my own in their native language..
Accommodation
We offer clean, cosy, modern accommodation including a main shared living space plus private double bedroom upstairs overlooking the valley with access to one of two shared bathrooms. A family room adjoins with en suite bathroom that can sleep up to 5 in 2 double beds and a futon. Mornings are (appropriately) slow and relaxed here with fruit, toast, cereal and eggs available, plus a light (soup and sandwiches) lunch plus a robust and nutritious evening meal around 7.00pm - or, we can eat out inexpensively at a local restaurant where we will subsidise your meal if you wish to join us? Otherwise, cooking facilities are available all day. 'Work' gets done at a leisurely pace usually between midday and 5.00pm. Early risers are asked to be considerate, remembering that we are all here to enjoy the peace and quiet, and you are supposed to be on holiday ;-).
What else ...
Your mornings are completely your own, and if you want a full day off to go sightseeing, hiking or skiing for example, then everything is of course negotiable and we will help where-and-when we can. There are plenty of private spaces too, on and around the immediate property for quiet personal time. Everything here is done on trust and mutual respect. Guests are asked to be tidy and responsible, which means no naughty narcotics please. If you are kind to Danny (my DS son) and are willing to help me in the afternoons with enthusiasm and a happy smile, then I'm sure all will be well.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have high-speed internet and a number of locations in-and-around the property where you can work privately. Your mornings, evenings and weekends will be completely free, unless you choose to willingly forfeit them because you are enjoying working with me so much.. ;-)
Space for parking camper vans
If (and that's a rather big 'if') you can get up the hill, then you can park right outside the property. The alternative is to park nearby within viewing distance (safe parking BTW) and basically, you just move into the house for your stay, as previous round-the-world Japanese guests did in their mini-camper (see pics).
Can possibly accept pets
We listed 'pets okay' because a number of local, semi-feral cats have worked out that I am a soft touch and make themselves at home, albeit mostly outside. But we do have enough outside covered space and secure fencing to accommodate certain pets, as long as they are non-venomous and non-man-eating species (such as snakes, tigers, crocodiles etc) and provided their owners take full responsibility. But essentially, we like animals and tend to get on well with them. Just message me in advance to discuss, thanks.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
'Puss' - who visits us daily for love and treats.. (5 months)
Local young cat who quickly learned that the new neighbours were a soft touch. He comes daily - sometimes with his mum - to snack on treats and insists on coming in to inspect the house and cuddle up to Danny..
Photos
