2012-05-17T20:47:41Z TheTravelBug List Owner rachel@thetravelbug.org http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi Dada Mail 2.10.16 tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2012-05-13:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20120513065759%2F 2012-05-13T06:57:59Z 2012-05-13T06:57:59Z <p><br /> Well it must be close to 30 degrees and I am sat looking out over a beautiful bay in Greece. This is our half way stopping point back to Bulgaria, where we now have a caravan and spend a couple of weeks here on the way to and on the way back from Bulgaria at the start and end of each summer. <br /> <br /> In a few days we leave for our house in Bulgaria and will no doubt spend the first week or two getting the gardens under control and cleaning. <br /> <br /> Then it will be off to the coast as we have an apartment there to furnish for a friend and other issues to deal with. The main one being we may need to sell or exchange the two apartments we bought close to Sunny Beach over the last couple of years. This is a real pity and we are hoping we might be able to avoid this and are consulting lawyers. Basically before we bought our main apartment there we looked at many on different complexes in various places but settled on Sunset Kosharitsa because it is fairly rural, being 6km outside of Sunny Beach, its nice and quiet and most importantly there were no rules stopping us taking our dogs. We even stayed there with one of the our dogs in a rental apartment and no-one said a word. So we went ahead and bought a large one bed apartment there which we absolutely love and we love the complex, with the 6 pools, the fact we can walk the dogs in the countryside around and have peace and quiet, yet can get the bus into Sunny Beach for more <br /> 'life' there if we want. With this in mind we bought a second apartment there last year as well. But now because of a few small-minded Brits on the committee and others who own a holiday apartment there and come for one week a year and think they know it all, we are being forced out. At the last AGM towards the end of last year it was voted to ban pets. Effectively this means we cannot use or enjoy our apartment. <br /> <br /> But for work and other reasons (helping the Nessebar dog charity) we want to keep a property in the Sunny Beach area. We are looking to exchange our main apartment (and possibly the studio) for another apartment or small villa on a managed complex that do not have a problem with dogs. There must be a pool and should be quiet and ideally more rural than central Sunny Beach. We would consider slightly south of Sunny Beach or up to 15 to 20 mins inland but NOT Varna way. So if anyone has a small villa or a decent sized apartment on a quiet, smallish complex and would like to swap for a very nice one bed apartment on Sunset Kosharitsa please let me know. Value wise our apartment is around 26,000 to 28,000 Euros. We could offer the studio as well (15,000 E) if your place for worth more, or would take a cheaper apartment and cash. Both our places are furnished. We would also consider selling both or one or the other as a package. <br /> <br /> The studio will be available to rent through out the summer from just 90 Euros a week and our renovated village properties for similar. If you are thinking of coming to Bulgaria, why not come and stay for a week or two and we can show you around and you can see what you think. <br /> <br /> Or if you have a place close to Sunny Beach or down towards Sozopol that you would like checked on over the summer or any small jobs doing then let me know and we can help you. <br /> <br /> And we still have our renovated villa close to the city of Stara Zagora for sale for offers around 22,000 Euros. Or we are looking for a small motorboat (up to 30 HP engine) with trailer or a moped if anyone has anything like this and could get to Bulgaria for a part-exchange. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2012-03-28:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20120328144254%2F 2012-03-28T14:42:54Z 2012-03-28T14:42:54Z <p><br /> Well spring is here - even in the French Alps it has been around 20 degrees for almost 3 weeks now and the snow is melting fast and everyone is out preparing their gardens. We are doing the same - the mad rush to get everything done in the last couple of weeks of the season before we once again pack up the car and head to Bulgaria for the summer. <br /> <br /> After a bitterly cold winter in Bulgaria with a lot of snow, the warmer weather has arrived, but the second half of May and start of June will be rather unsettled according to long term forecasts with many storms - pretty similar to last year by all accounts. <br /> <br /> So this summer we have lots to do. As well as our gardens to get sorted and in control and get the veggies planted as soon as we get back, we want to tidy up another plot we have next to our holiday cottage and maybe see if one of our farming neighbours wants to use it and also we want to tackle the jungle in the old house we own next door. <br /> <br /> We also still have one villa to sell - the renovated villa in Rakitnitica, split into 2 apartments and now for sale for offers around 22,000 Euros (or part exchange - what have you got??? Anything interesting&#133;&#133;&#133;&#133;..). Or we are happy to do a rent to buy option or payment by instalments. Just get in contact and lets talk! <br /> <br /> I have had some interesting enquiries from eBay where it is on as an information only listing&#133;..some guy bid and thought he was getting full title to the villa for &#163;6, another calling him-self Lord so-and-so threatened legal action if he could not buy it for his winning bid (for information) of a few quid&#133;&#133;on checking he was not a proper Lord at all! <br /> <br /> We do have the other villa still listed for sale but as this is in our village we are not so bothered if we sit on this for another few years. <br /> <br /> And of course we will be spending time at our coastal apartment and doing rentals&#133;&#133;so if you fancy a cheap week's holiday then it is just 90E a week for 2/3 people or 120 E in high season. Airport transfers or car hire can be arranged. Or how about a 2 spot holiday - spend a week by the pool and sea and then a week exploring central Bulgaria, staying in a renovated village house. <br /> <br /> Any spare time will be spent running our charity (<a href="http://twitchynoses.org">http://twitchynoses.org</a>) and helping build dog kennels and cat pens etc at the Cherno More shelter and walking and socialising dogs at the Nessebar shelter. We hope to hold a small charity gig somewhere to raise funds. <br /> <br /> REMEMBER - Your accounts are due by the end of March - deadline is approaching for those with a Bulgarian company. <br /> <br /> We also have an apartment to furnish for a friend and I am sure there will be the usual beuocracy to deal with and various friends to catch up with, share a beer (or several) and the odd BBQ. <br /> <br /> Are you planning on a trip to Bulgaria? Why not pop in for a beer if passing or we can meet at the coast&#133;.<br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2012-01-17:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20120117132733%2F 2012-01-17T13:27:33Z 2012-01-17T13:27:33Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> Well its very cold here in France (did not get much above minus 10 all day to day) and not much warmer in some parts of Bulgaria. The Bulgarian ski resorts have seen a fair amount of snow and there is currently a publicity drive on at Bansko to get Bulgarian ski resorts featured in British travel publications and newspapers (for being a good place to holiday presumably and not because of development problems!) with a number of British journalists being taken to Bankso. <br /> <br /> However, this might not be much help to investors with apartments in Bansko. A recent report in the Sofia Echo said that prices there had dropped there the most in 2011, by 25% on 2010. In general property prices in Bulgaria were 5 to 10 per cent lower in 2011 than in 2010, while initial estimates for 2012 are that prices will remain largely unchanged, or as the broker put it : at &#34;crisis levels&#34;. And around a 3rd of those sales in 2011 were people desperate to get rid of their Bulgarian property. But another report produced by TheMoveChannel does still say that Bulgaria is still in the top 10 of places Britons consider buying a second home in. <br /> <br /> While at Vitosha mountain on the edge of Sofia, the company that runs the ski lifts are saying they will not be operating the lifts this year due to clashes with the Foresty Act, although similar noises were made in 2009 and the lifts still operated. <br /> <br /> Anyway for those of you looking to purchase a holiday home (or permanent home) in Bulgaria, I am offering the renovated villa I have for sale on a longer plan instalment scheme. It is ready to move into, you just need furniture. I will require a &#163;4999 deposit and then you can move in (mid-May onwards) and pay &#163;800 a month for next 18 months. You will need to cover utility bills and keep the garden tidy, I will insure the building and pay the council tax. You are welcome to rent out one of the apartments if you wish. Or we can come to some other instalment option - less deposit, more each month, or vice versa. I may take land in part exchange but would need to be fairly close to Kazanlak or Sunny Beach. Or would consider France. <br /> <br /> I have also set up a small charity at <a href="http://twitchynoses.org">http://twitchynoses.org</a> to raise funds for and awareness of a couple of dog shelters in Bulgaria that are near my homes there. Please pledge your support by liking our facebook page at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/twitchynoses">http://www.facebook.com/twitchynoses</a>. <br /> <br /> Anyway keep well and have fun.<br /> <br /> Rachel<br /> <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org">http://www.thetravelbug.org</a> </p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-11-24:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20111124095728%2F 2011-11-24T09:57:28Z 2011-11-24T09:57:28Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> We have now arrived back in France and are waiting for the snow to arrive and the ski season to start. If you are planning a ski holiday this year and are considering Courchevel area please pop in for a visit. <br /> <br /> We had a great two weeks exploring Romania, Hungary, a little of Austria and then the Alsace region of France on the way back. If you want to view the photos of our trip and see some of the places to visit in Romania and Hungary have a look at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thetravelbug.org">http://www.facebook.com/thetravelbug.org</a>. It did get rather chilly at times and we woke to ice on the inside of the van at times. But now pleased to report we have sourced and bought a caravan so all set for travels in the spring! <br /> <br /> Also means no longer looking to exchange one of our villas for a caravan. Over the summer I sold the remaining 2 of my cheap old houses and so now we only really have the renovated villa in Rakitnitca for sale for offers around 23,000 E, but won't be doing any viewings until next summer. We are undecided as to whether we will sell the other villa as it is very sweet and just over the road from our main house so easy to keep an eye on. We spent sometime clearing the garden over the summer and decided it was silly to sell it at such a cheap price. <br /> <br /> We are also about to complete on two apartments on the coast - one as a holiday rental and the other as an investment. If anyone is interested in a cheap coastal apartment, a friend is selling his studio apartment in Sunny Day 5 for just 8,500 Euros. Its certainly not the best complex around, and not the greatest of locations but for a cheap place to go to sit by the pool, go to the beach, could do worse. <br /> <br /> Or if you have a rather higher budget, how about a one bed ski apartment in the exclusive resort of Courchevel. Friends are selling their apartment which is ski in/ski out and has a very good rental record. Sleeps up to 6 and has been well marketed over the years. Bookings already taken for coming season. Full management available from promotion of rentals, to cleaning, to transfers for your guests. Other apartments in the same block are selling for 180,000 Euros. This one is 160,000 Euros. The apartment is well furnished and was repainted and decorated a year ago. Should be looking at a return of around 7000 to 8000 Euros a year. There will be management fees to pay. <br /> <br /> Anyway the main TheTravelBug website has been updated as has the rental site at <a href="http://www.therentalbug.com">http://www.therentalbug.com</a> so please take a look. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-08-29:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110829060307%2F 2011-08-29T06:03:07Z 2011-08-29T06:03:07Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> Wow! The end of August already, the summer has just flown by. <br /> <br /> We have been fairly busy. We have had lovely metal security grills fitted on our windows to make the house more secure. I am pleased to say we used a Bulgarian metal worker and builder and apart from a few small marks on the windows, which couldn't really be helped when they were fitting them, they did an excellent job. And we've been doing small DIY jobs around the houses, as well as trying to keep on top of the grass and weeds. <br /> <br /> The couple who bought one of my old houses came to stay with us and view the house. It was lovely to meet them at last after months of email and facebook correspondence. We spent a fun if busy couple of days showing them their new house and Stara Zagora and discussing various ideas they have for their place. <br /> <br /> If anyone has property here and their electric bill is in their company name, then new monthly charges have been introduced for commercial premises (and if your house is owned by your company it is considered a small commercial exercise). These differ according to the area, actual village and strength of electric available. It does not matter if you do not have the electric turned on. For my houses this new charge ranges from 0.09 BGN to 3.38 BGN per month per house. After asking the main EVN office and the local offices here, there is basically nothing you can do about this if you use EVN as your provider. Other providers allow you to rent the house to yourself as a person, not a company and thus avoid the charge - EVN do not (although said they would allow, then wouldn't, then would, but then not.....).<br /> <br /> We now have just 2 villas to sell. We have taken all the furniture out of the renovated villa in Rakinitica, close to Stara Zagora and reduced the price to offers around 22,000 Euros. I am open to offers and payment options (monthly instalments, lump sums over a period of time etc) as ideally would like to agree a sale before we leave Bulgaria for the winter. It is more important to me that the villa is sold to someone who will love the place as I did and be really happy there. Whilst it is very good value for a renovated and ready to move into villa so close to the city, I do not really want to sell it to someone just looking for a speculative buy and an investment. I would like someone to buy it who will spend time there and keep the garden nice etc. If you are looking for somewhere in Bulgaria you can just move straight into (needs furniture) and you can enjoy for a few weeks a year to permanent living, get in touch so we can discuss finance options. We would also definite<br /> ly consider an exchange for an apartment in Sunny Beach or Sveti Vlas. <br /> <br /> I also have another villa in the same village where we live which is habitable but needs some modernisation and whilst it has 3 bedrooms, as it stands it works better as a one bed apartment with two additional storage rooms upstairs. Offers of 13,500 Euros for the villa or 15,000 E for the villa with an additional plot opposite. Would make an ideal campsite or could maybe plant an orchard, lavender, vines etc.....<br /> <br /> We are back off to the coast this week to view some more apartments. If you have anything for sale in the Sunny Beach or Sveti Vlas area do let me know. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-08-01:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110801025259%2F 2011-08-01T02:52:59Z 2011-08-01T02:52:59Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> Well we have just finished tidying another house and garden, ready for its new owner. In August we are looking forward to meeting the new owner's of two of my un-renovated places. And have to say its nice to know that these two places are being bought with fantastic plans and dreams in mind, not just as an investment to sit there and crumble away over time. It will be fantastic to watch as these two houses are renovated and become someone else's home. <br /> Rest assured if you buy a property from me you will receive a tidy, clean house, easy access (no trudging through nettles and brambles to the front door) and constant updates and support and answers to any questions both before and after a sale. <br /> <br /> We now just have a couple of villas we would like to sell and one in particular we would like to try and agree a deal on by the end of the summer. It is fully renovated with a secure, dog-proof fenced and landscaped garden and a couple of barns. As we are now selling it unfurnished, the price has been dropped a little to reflect this so we would now take offers around 22,000 Euros. We would also exchange for a decent apartment in Sunny Beach and for the right place we could put in a little cash or if you only have a small studio, we could accept some cash in part payment. Alternatively we are happy to take a deposit and monthly instalments for the villa. The second villa is perfectly habitable with indoor bathroom and toilet (a luxury in Bulgaria) and is being sold for offers around 13,500 Euros for the villa and garden and there is an additional 700sqm opposite the villa that can be bought together with the villa for 15,000 Euros. Again we would accept an exchange for a smal<br /> l studio in Sunny Beach. <br /> <br /> On recent talks with agents in the area, Russian buyers are now looking for renovated villas (they want a house they can walk straight into) in more rural areas so fingers crossed a couple of Russian cash buyers will come along. A report in Novinite newspaper stated that movement had returned to the Bulgarian property market, basically due to the low prices being offered by many home owners and the most property transactions were occurring around the Stara Zagora and Plovdiv regions. <br /> <br /> Other reports show how around 60% or more of British holiday home owners are now trying to now sell their second homes due to financial pressures back in the UK, lack of rental income and mortgage repayments. Many are selling at a loss of up to 60% of what they paid for the property a few years back. <br /> <br /> I have added another private sales listing to the site. It is a large, furnished villa over towards Dobrich and Varna. At 25,000 Euros it would offer a good holiday home or permanent home, or it has been used as a holiday let for the last couple of years. You can walk right into this villa or could carry on renting it out through the current advertising. If you are interested please let me know. <br /> <br /> The weather is expected to remain very hot through out August although we have still been having some amazing storms. The current top news in Bulgaria is the Governments arguments with LukOil, the Russian refinery over licensing agreements. This has led to production stopping at the largest refinery in Bulgaria with a knock on effect of availability of jet fuel for planes and possible trains. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly as we approach the busiest holiday month. <br /> <br /> If you are interested to discuss a deal for one of my villas (exchange, payment by instalments, discount for quick cash buy) then please get in touch. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-07-12:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110712050438%2F 2011-07-12T05:04:38Z 2011-07-12T05:04:38Z <p><br /> Good Morning!<br /> <br /> Looks like today is going to be another scorcher so after an unsettled start to the Bulgarian summer, the weather has turned and now it is well over 30 degrees every day! I can't believe it is already well into July, the summer is flying past! We have been busy picking some of our fruit to make plum jam, apricot jam, strawberry ice cream, elderflower champagne........and soon the corn on the cob should be ready and we'll have loads of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chillies and beans and peas. <br /> <br /> I am pleased to report that I have found a buyer for my last old urn-renovated property that I have for sale - a lovely couple with great plans to turn the place into a small holiday retreat with log cabins and various excursions. It will be ideal for this and looked forward to helping them develop the idea. <br /> <br /> So at the moment I only have a couple of villas for sale and would be happy to take payment by monthly instalments for any of these, although would of course prefer to sell outright for a one off cash payment. I would also consider an exchange or part exchange for property close to Sunny Beach - maybe an apartment, older house no further than 40 minutes away, regulated land, orchard&#133;..<br /> <br /> FOR SALE:<br /> <br /> 1. Renovated villa only 5 minutes from the motorway junction, under an hour from Plovdiv international airport, 10 minutes from Chirpan and Stara Zagora. Excellent location, close to city and all amenities yet still in a lovely village where you can enjoy the peace and quite and grow your own vegetables and collect the fruit from your apricot, plum, cherry, apple and peach trees and of course sit on your terrace and pick grapes. The villa is split into two one bed apartments so ideal holiday home for you and your family and friends. Garden is 800sqm and there are 2 barns. More details and lots of photos and video at: <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/rakinitza.php">http://www.thetravelbug.org/rakinitza.php</a><br /> <br /> I am looking for 22,000 Euros (&#163;19,500) as a straight cash sale or will accept &#163;9999 as a deposit now, you get the keys and can move in and then pay &#163;850 a month for the next 12 months. <br /> <br /> We are happy to check on this villa for you and strim the garden and weed and clean the house through the summer months for a small amount as we live fairly close or check on it for free on an adhoc basis if passing. <br /> <br /> 2. 3 Bedroom villa, perfectly habitable with septic tank and indoor bathroom (toilet, shower) but good scope for modernisation and extension. There are 3 levels - basement with tavern and storage room, ground floor with large bedroom, hallway, shower room/toilet and living area and kitchen and second floor, accessed by external steps to 2 bedrooms and a terrace. The garden is 800sqm and has fruit trees and is flat and fenced all around. Opposite the villa, right next door is an additional plot of land of 700sqm that could also be included the sale. More details at:<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/yulievo3.html">http://www.thetravelbug.org/yulievo3.html</a><br /> <br /> I am looking for 13,500 Euros for the villa and 15,000 Euros for the villa with the additional plot. Or I would accept &#163;6,500 now and you get the keys and can move in and then &#163;500/mth for 12 months (for villa only). <br /> <br /> FREE property management as we live over the road for half the year so can check on it for you easily. Could also sort out and keep the garden tidy for you for a small amount. <br /> <br /> 3. Or I have a fully renovated property, split into 2 large one bed apartments. Brand new renovation and never lived in or rented out. Everything new. Large barn and plot of 1000sqm. For sale for 39,999 Euros. <br /> <br /> If you have any offers for exchange (sorry will only consider Sunny Beach area, not Varna region and not Sredets/Yambol way) let me know. Please keep in mind current market values. My properties are reasonably priced for today's market. I can get a fully furnished studio in Sunny Beach from around 12,000 Euros, a small renovated villa close by for around 30,000 Euros and an old house for 15,000 Euros. <br /> <br /> I have also been back in contact with the manager of the large dog shelter near Burgas and discovered there is a smaller shelter near Nessebar, not far away from our apartment here. I intend to try and raise awareness of these two shelters and help re-home some of the dogs there. More details are at <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/tierschutzmission.htm">http://www.thetravelbug.org/tierschutzmission.htm</a> and I have also set up a facebook page at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-SOS-Burgas-Nessebar/183351645058574">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-SOS-Burgas-Nessebar/183351645058574</a> If you can help and support in any way please let me know. I can maybe arrange for collections from the UK. We need dog toys, beds, bowls, collars, leads, blankets, old rugs, sheets etc. <br /> <br /> Right well work done for the morning, I think it is time to have a dip in the pool! <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-06-28:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110628035658%2F 2011-06-28T03:56:58Z 2011-06-28T03:56:58Z <p><br /> Hi All!<br /> <br /> Well its nine o'clock in the morning here in sunny Bulgaria and already the thermometer is hitting well above 20 degrees in the shade. I have just been across to the little shop over the road to get our fresh bread (and old bread for the dogs) and eggs. <br /> <br /> It has been incredibly hot here the last few days, although with fairly gusty winds getting up in the afternoon. The stormy weather seems to have stopped though. <br /> <br /> The veggie garden is looking good with the corn on the cob shooting up and the beans taking over and a few tomatoes starting to appear. And I tidied all my vines the other day and looks like a bumper crop of grapes this year. <br /> <br /> Tomorrow we are off to our place on the coast again as Pete (my other half) has a string of 4 gigs at Jacks Bar in Sunny Beach. If anyone is around that area, pop in and say hi! <br /> <br /> Yesterday we went round to inspect the old house next door, which I have not ventured to for the last couple of years. We had to break off the lock and hack our way in. Then as we were fighting our way through the jungle of vines to get to the buildings, the next door neighbour came with his chainsaw and started chopping a pathway. And surprisingly the house was in a much better condition than I had remember it. Downstairs the door was open and some swallows had made their nest in the hall but upstairs was dry and in good condition. We both decided it would be a good future project to clear the plot and maybe renovate the house so we are keeping this one. <br /> <br /> So I currently just have the one old house left for sale and at a very cheap price. It is listed on Ebay with just one day to go and could be yours for just over &#163;2000! An excellent buy - it cost me around 7,000 Euros 4 years ago. But things change and we are now spending more time at the coast and have other ventures so need to sell this. <br /> <br /> If interested please make your bid at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280698811155">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280698811155</a>. If the reserve isn't reached (its only a few hundred higher than the current bid) then the nearest bidder will be offered the house. <br /> <br /> I have also reduced the price on the renovated villa I have of sale just outside the city of Stara Zagora. We are now selling it unfurnished so it is for sale for offers around &#163;19,500. A great price for a lovely villa with nice garden and loads of fruit trees and excellent location. <br /> <br /> And if you are considering a holiday to Bulgaria then we have our holiday cottage sleeping 6 available and shortly another property for 2/4. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-06-05:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110605084643%2F 2011-06-05T08:46:43Z 2011-06-05T08:46:43Z <p><br /> <br /> Well I guess summer is here in Bulgaria, although weather not as hot as some years and it is very stormy. Still good for the veggie garden (and unfortunately the weeds!). We have now been back around 3 weeks and are just about on top of the gardens. <br /> <br /> We have been to our new apartment on the coast and it is fab! Few quirky bits and pieces as you expect in Bulgaria - such as wires for the TV right in the centre of the room, door handles only on one side of door..&#133;&#133;but all in all very good quality. If anyone is interested in an apartment on a great complex I know of a couple for sale at good prices. <br /> <br /> Now the main reason for this update is that as you may recall in my last email, we were looking for a caravan in exchange for an old house we have here. Well we have not managed to arrange a swap, but we have found a caravan we really like. Therefore in order to raise the funds required, I am willing to sell off the urn-renovated place VERY CHEAP. It is already very good value at offers around 4000 Euros, similar here in this area, for this condition will cost around 6000 to 7000 Euros. However, we really want this caravan and so basically I am opening it to all on this mailing list, as a number of people on here have expressed interest in this house in the past, and the person who makes me the best offer [over 3000 Euros] and then sends me a 20% deposit within 3 days (UK sterling or Bulgarian Euro account) and rest of the money within 4 weeks will win the house. Legal fees and taxes on transfer to be paid by buyer and will be around 300 to 400 Euros plus company set up. Any <br /> buyer is welcome to come over and stay with us or in our guest annex for free for a few days to complete the deal any time over the summer. <br /> <br /> Please note I reserve the right to accept higher offers from other advertising I will be doing in the next couple of days. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-05-19:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110519004028%2F 2011-05-19T00:40:28Z 2011-05-19T00:40:28Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> Well we are now back in 'not so sunny' Bulgaria. Hoping the rain will hold off and we can get the garden sorted.<br /> <br /> If anyone wants to come out and view the 3 or 4 houses I have left for sale please get in touch. <br /> <br /> I have an un-renovated place south of Stara Zagora for offers around 3500 Euros for a quick sale (or would swap for a decent caravan but must be delivered to Bulgaria and have all paperwork to re-register), the renovated and partly furnished villa for offers around 23,000 E (with possible tenant paying around 150 Euros a month if wanted) and the other villa for 15,000 Euros. And then there is possibly a large, newly renovated property split into two massive one bed apartments with 1000sqm and massive barn. Would take offers around 39,000 Euros for this but not so bothered about selling. <br /> <br /> If any of the above take your fancy please make me an offer. You never know.......Anyone serious about viewing or buying is welcome to come and stay in our guest annex for free. <br /> <br /> We are heading over to Sunny Beach way in a couple of weeks to sort out a couple of apartments for sale and will be available to check on developments, furnish and decorate apartments etc there. <br /> <br /> So any questions about Bulgaria let me know - come and take a look over the summer.<br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> tag:www.thetravelbug.org,2011-04-06:%2Fcgi-bin%2Fmail.cgi%2Farchive%2Fthetravelbug%2F20110406025807%2F 2011-04-06T02:58:07Z 2011-04-06T02:58:07Z <p><br /> Hi!<br /> <br /> Welcome to the several new members of TheTravelBug mailing list. Thanks for joining and as always if you have any questions let me know. <br /> <br /> The ski season here in France is drawing to a close and we are now busy planning our trip across to Bulgaria, via Italy and Greece in the van with the 3 dogs. Will be chaos but should be good fun. We should arrive back in Bulgaria around mid May and will need a few days to get ourselves organised but will then be about if anyone wants to come and visit any of my properties for sale.<br /> <br /> Speaking of which, I have sold another of the older houses - the character property with additional building and 1500sqm plot. Had a lot of enquires about this lovely little house but no-one ever came through with the cash, now a lady has agreed to buy this, paying a 20% deposit now and then instalments for the rest over the next 4 or 5 months. I still have one very cheap, un-renovated place for sale (<a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/redbrick.html">http://www.thetravelbug.org/redbrick.html</a>) and happy to agree a similar deal, which would mean around &#163;650 as deposit on signing of the contract and then around &#163;510 a month for next 5 months (open to negotiation so could pay more deposit, less each month or vice versa). <br /> <br /> We will be splitting our time between our main house near Kazanlak/Stara Zagora and our apartment close to Sunny Beach and will be available to do small jobs and property checking in those two areas. So if you have an apartment you would like furnishing on the southern Black Sea coast, or maybe a new build you want checking and a snagging list done or some decorating, or just want us to air the place, give a clean etc, then let me know. Or maybe you have paid a deposit on a development and would like someone to go and have a look on the ground - see if there are any builders around, what stage it has got to, take photos, see if any notices around.....etc... Having someone check on your property just gives you peace of mind. <br /> <br /> Talking about apartments on the coast, a friend is selling his large one bed in Sunset Kosharitsa, where we bought our apartment, for offers around 26,000 Euros. We stayed in his apartment and it is part underground and so stays very cool, saving you electric costs on A/C. If you are interested let me know. Happy to show you around sometime over the summer. <br /> <br /> We are no longer doing long term rentals after awful problems with tenants. But will now be offering holiday lets instead so if you are interested to come and experience rural Bulgaria for a few days or longer do let me know. <br /> <br /> Rachel</p> <!-- begin feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl --> <hr /> <p> Subscribe to <a href="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi/list/thetravelbug/"> TheTravelBug </a> via email by entering your email address below: </p> <!-- begin list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <form action="http://www.thetravelbug.org/cgi-bin/mail.cgi" method="post"> <p> <input type="radio" name="f" value="subscribe" id="subscribe" style="background-color:transparent" checked="checked" /> <label for="subscribe">Subscribe</label> | <input type="radio" name="f" value="u" id="u" style="background-color:transparent" /> <label for="u">Unsubscribe</label> <br /> <input type="text" name="email" value="" maxlength="1024" /> <input type="hidden" name="list" value="thetravelbug" /> <input type="submit" value="Submit" class="processing" /> </p> </form> <!-- end list_subscribe_form.tmpl --> <!-- end feed_subscription_form_widget.tmpl -->