2 dogs and a cat and 4 free range hens
I'm looking for a practical independent person 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 like gardening, even better....Would also suit a couple, if they have some time for some basic DIY and especially gardening. EU citizens preferred as otherwise stays are restricted to a 3 month visa......
To walk 2 well-behaved dogs twice a day - easy as the garden backs straight onto the mountain. Also to feed the dogs and a friendly cat. Also, to water the garden sometimes. And now there are 2 hens to feed 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 of usually a reasonable speed, but I do have a 25GB per month limit, which isn't usually an issue, but depends what your needs are....
Sofia is an hour away, which is where I work, returning to the village most weekends. We'll be in separate houses though, so this won't disturb you, although a shared cup of tea might be nice sometimes. Also, if you'd like to explore the area further, I'll be happy to arrange to come back to the village for longer periods, enabling you to take trips to explore this fascinating country, including the capital, Sofia and its neighbours.
I can't offer any pay, but you'll be living in a beautiful place and visitors always have a magical time here!
Wi-fi is usually good ( I need it myself for work) but if you need to make say, video calls for appointments with clients, then I wouldn't like to guarantee it will be fast enough for that.
Some weekends I will be bringing my daughter, so there may be some shrieking from a 7 year old girl and her friend ;)
There are a few people in the village who speak English, but away from the capital, not much English is spoken, but everyone usually muddles through in the local shop and with the neighbours....
Testimonials
Cozy rural home
We had a lovely, relaxed winter time in Malak Izvor, with the pets, the white mountain scenery and lighting our fire everyday. It is a great place for nature lovers and an excellent oportunity to relax and enjoy the rural time. Max comes often to his other house next to the guest house and is always available to assist or share. There s a nice orchard , that even in winter provides delicious fresh Kale. Lots of birds, books and silence to spend a healing time in the countryside. Cheers
Juliana Pablo, Argentina, 09 May, 2022
Peaceful retreat in Bulgarian mountains
I stayed over four months. The house was lovely and comfortable. The village was quiet and the property directly borders an area with nature and all sorts of wildlife, and good hiking.The animals were easy to take care of. The dogs were friendly and well behaved. Max was very friendly, easygoing and always responded instantly whenever I contacted him, and he is a great cook! If you enjoy stillness, fresh air, hiking and good weather, this is the place for you.
Ludolf, Africa, 04 February, 2020
Wonderful sit
I had the pleasure of sitting for Max for almost 3 months during the '16 summer. Max made sure I was situated and had local contacts for help. The guest house is very comfortable. As promised, I was able to get away a few times to explore Bulgaria. The dogs spoiled me as they are so well behaved and intelligent. The cat is very sweet (but watch any food left out!). I didn't have a car and managed all right, but a car would definitely be an asset since Malak Izvor is 6KM from a decent supermarket (although you can catch a bus to Sofia 2KM from the village a few times a day).
Rae, Mexico, 15 November, 2016