Comments on: Eastern Promise: Smallholding and self-sufficiency in Bulgaria

By: Michael Ahn

Michael Ahn — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 16:52:07 +0000

Grew up in Korea (that time it was rural all over)and I did swear I would never farm when I (no machinerieas all manual that time there) retire.
But by looking at your article, I may change my mind if I can use all the possible machineries which seemed available in Bulgaria..

Will be there when my Bulgarian American friend comes back for vacation from the ship he is working.

By: Alf

Alf — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 19:31:10 +0000

Been doing similar for 10 years near Targovishte. Only foreigner in village, but despite hair and beard, now part of village life. The Anglichan. Have a beef calf, soon destined for freezed, ducks, just one he , ( the fox got the others so waiting for spring to replace), 5 sheep in lamb. The tup got really aggressive, did his job, and now eating part of him. There’ll be a tup lamb to replace him. A goat in freezer. Veg from gardens. Compote, pickles etc. Make my own rakia. Calf to slaughter in # weeks. Next year at least 2 piglets. Would like Glou ester old spots or, , as well Tamworths.

By: Alf

Alf — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 19:01:27 +0000

Been living in Bulgaria for 10 years. Semi self sufficient. Turkish/ Bulgarian wife and step family. Kept pigs previously and worked for 5 years old. A farm in Lancashire. Big gardens. About to butcher a beef calf. Have ewes in lanb. When calf in freezer want some piglets to grow on. At least 2, maybe 4. Contacts. Also be good to stay in touch

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 20:54:49 +0000

Yep . That just tipped it for me . Getting my wallet and passport now . Knew i should of done it yrs ago .well done guys , live the dream .

By: ian williams

ian williams — Mon, 22 May 2017 16:30:37 +0000

We moved to BG last year, though have owned a property for a while.

We are on a fast learning curve as we were both employed in retail and now find ourselves learning gardening and all sorts of building skills, on a daily basis.

I would have a few questions if you are willing to answer via email?

if not, good luck in your venture
Ian

By: Leon

Leon — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 07:22:50 +0000

Hi Phil just your comment,as me and the wife also have a property 15km from Varna in a village called Voditsa we hope to move there full time in about 2 years ??email me for a chat if possible

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:21:07 +0000

Great personal account of village life in Bulgaria.Be warned… the life isn’t for everyone! Don’t expect lovely suburban gardens with neat hedges. Life in villages is really different. I have a little house in BG near Varna, one of the bigger cities in Bulgaria.But although we are only 15km from the city, this is village life. Most people depend on the land for their food and gardens are for growing vegetables. Yes… there are some big villas with flowers and even swimming pools, but these are a real minority!
Today I collected about 7 kilos of tomatoes ranging from cherry toms to the big beef toms.. lunch was beautiful with salads, local cheese and olive oil.
OK… the road outside is rough, the garden could be tidier. But we had big, sweet figs for desert. Soon the grapes will be ready for picking.
As I said, it won’t suit some. But give it atry… you may be hooked!

By: Corinne

Corinne — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 08:51:25 +0000

Thanks for your words – you have just tipped the balance. My question would be – what is the best time to move out considering we will be setting up as near as damn it self sufficienct?

Thanks

By: Sunny

Sunny — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 17:15:56 +0000

Wonderful and inspirational story, best of luck to this young couple and for anyone else who decides to live their dream. Back to the old ways!