It is a beautiful and unique property. The courtyard is lovely. I bought a property in Spain as i love the country and culture, but never thought about Bulgaria. However, if you like Bulgaria, its a win win.. In Spain, that would be worth alot of money. Personally, i would stick with it. Rome wasnt built in a day and when completed, will be a beautiful home and due to size, could be used as a b and b or small farm. You will never lose with property and with the future of the UK, more and more Brits will be wanting to relocate or retire abroad. You certainly have a unique property there and better weather than we do here. Its only been a few months and you have already transformed the property, imagine how it will look in a few years. Take your time; go travelling when you get the need to span your wings, you may feel different in the future. Change, sometimes takes time. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose in life and wish you both all the best x
Thank you Leah, it certainly is quite an interesting place and the courtyard means there's a lot of privacy if we want it.. I did think about Spain for a while as my Grandad was Spanish, but I'm not sure whether I'd still have to adhere to having £30k sat in a bank account for two years, which I don't have. I hope you're nowhere near Valencia..we've seen videos and pictures from there..such devastation 😥 We've slowed down with the house a little now anyway and we're certainly contemplating having a small Air BnB one day. Maybe we will benefit from the amount of Brits who want to sample Bulgaria, you never know 🤷🏻♂️ Thank you for your kind words and best wishes.. Take care won't you 🙏 xx
@@LillaHusVanlife thankyou for your kind words. I have bought in Almeria, ok there, thank god. X I'd defo stay at your property if you ever turn into a b and b. It's so pretty x
You guys will make it... a long hot summer is a tough time to start a journey like that. If you can give yourself periodic breaks and time away it will refresh you to start again!
Thank you Diane, it's been hard for us to take a break when things were so focused, but things are easing off and we've had some days off, thankfully 😊 Hope you guys are well 👌
Well done for not giving up. Fair play to you it was really hot and there is so much to sort out. You are making progress, it will be worth the effort ❤️❤️❤️
We think you're right.! 😊👍 I've heard that we have to go and visit the Rhodope Mountains..been told by neighbours that it's absolutely stunning there.. 😉🙏
Good choice, take it step by step, and yes it is a big property, but is has a lot of possibilities, you can make a parking place for the camper under a roof, a big garden to grow your own vegetables, space for your own repair shop, bed and breakfast, space for solar panels and what else ? There are also people who take such a step on their own, and you are a couple, so go for it !
We are definitely wanting to grow some of our own fruit and vegetables next year and looking at maybe an Air BnB in the future for folk who want to sample village life, but we'll see how thing progress on that side.. We'll be fine, I'm sure. Thank you so much for your suggestions 😊🙏
Thank you so very much Maria..glad that you're enjoying the videos 😊 The house is beautiful and now we've slowed down the pace, it feels a little easier to manage.. Hope you're staying warm back in the UK..take care 🙏❤️
You did great work with the cellar! And btw my family has a house in a mountain village. For the last 10-15 years two or three UK families tried to settle there because of the cooler climate but they eventually went to look for warmer places. I recently heard the last couple moved. So I think a lot of people from the UK look for a cooler place in Bulgaria at first but they change their mind later. So maybe you've just avoided a common mistake. And I hope you will enjoy the diversity offered by the four seasons and that they all last around 3 months.
Thank you 😊 I'm so happy with the way it cleaned up, although I'm not sure what it will be used for as yet. That's quite an interesting insight into families who have sought a cooler area to live.. 🤔 I can see that more mountains lead to more cloud and more rain or snow, but you would think that would suit people from the UK better...lol 🤷🏻♂️😂 Maybe we've dodged a bullet in that case though.. The seasons so far in Bulgaria have been proper seasons like when we were young, which is as it should be. One thing that always amazes me is the amount of star filled night after star filled night we get compared to the UK..it's beautiful.. 😁
I'm glad your keeping this property as your a couple I could relate to also plan on also doing something like yous hav but I'm a year away from it as hav kids still not 100 per cent set off on there own just yet
Thank you 😊🙏 When it's all right for you then things will come together, I have no doubt. The universe seems clunky sometimes, but then when it's right, it's smooth sailing 😉 Take care 😊
Enjoyed this, thank you. You have such a beautiful property, and it's nice to have a base and keep on travelling when you want. Best of both worlds and if you change your minds later on.
Thank you so much, we're glad you enjoyed it 🥰 That's exactly the plan as we both still want to travel..there's so much of Europe that I for one have never seen. 🤷🏻♂️ Take care 😉🙏
Great decision! Take it one step at a time, if it starts to overwhelm you take time away in your van. I have had a house here 20 years and know what it's like. Even now there is still always something to do! Best of luck to you both. x
Thank you so much Sue, it's certainly comforting to know that we're not the first people to go through this stage and also that we have the option to take ourselves out of the stress, even if only for a few days. I'm sure we've bought a never ending project, but that's okay, now we know there's no need to rush.. Take care.. 🙏😊 xx
That sure is one fantastic home and will be a gem of a place to live. I would love to have a place like that . The love and time and hard work into a house will turn out to be a great home .👍❤
You’re working SO hard ! You’ve done so much. It’s really made a difference! Loved seeing you both. Some of our work will start soon 🫶🏻 You have a great view , it’s a special place ! Well done for staying 🫶🏻🙌🏻
Thank you Louise, it was great to meet you both and at least you got to take the tour with Karen 🥰 We're happy with our decision now and things are coming along at a more copeable pace, which is better for us. I bet you're excited for your place to start taking shape 😁 Take care both of you 🙏❤️
A friend gave me this advice a long time ago ‘faint heart no fair maiden’ so take time for you both and one space at a time finding a few treasures in between. Looking forward to future vlogs .
Indeed Tania, I love the veranda or the Man Cave as the girls christened it..lol I keep looking at how to build my own smokeless firepit, so you never know, I might be able to sit next to a fire without the smoke chasing me..haha!! Take care 🙏❤️
We're definitely taking our time now hon..a bit more time to hang out and just relax, which is nicer. Still places to explore in the property, but they'll come in time.. 😊👍
Could see last week you were overwhelmed. You can have the best of both worlds, go away when you want to and stay at the house as snd when you need to settle. You worked so hard and remember go at your pace.
Thank you Anne, we were both exhausted, physically and mentally, but now we're taking things a little easier, having down time and none work days, so that's helping. We will have a lovely base to travel to and from when we're done setting up the basics and that's all we need.. Thank you so much for your comment 😊🙏
I'd say any house would be happy to have you as owners. Love grows in us when we care for something. Like a mother grows to love her child more every day, more than anyone else. I know you saw all those other houses and realised that what you have is good. You can always, always sale. But your beautiful lady is right. This is your house and if you feel tired, sad, cold or hot just fill the tank up and go! By the way, I want to congratulate you on your editing, this episode was crafted. 👍
Thank you so much 🙏 we're glad you enjoyed watching this.. 😊 You're right, we have plenty of options and we certainly learnt the value of straight walls and a decent roof compared to the other properties we looked at. If things don't work out for us here, we can always continue our travels, but hopefully we can make this work.. 😉 Take care and thanks again.. 👍
If you don't know what to do with the buildings, I definetly would put clear roof on and use as greenhouse 😊💕 sending you beautiful people lots of love and strength
You are so smart...those houses are so big and need a lot of work. I'm looking at rural areas, smaller single story houses, further north (cooler), and don't mind the locals. These houses in UK-heavy populations are expensive to begin with, and require too much work to make sense.
Thank you 😊 I wish you good luck in your search, there are plenty of properties out there..it just depends on what level of work you are wanting to take on.. 😉🙏
Just wow - such a lot of hard work and not surprised you guys felt overwhelmed! Such a tough call too - hopefully you will be able to just go off if and when you need to. Keep going Phil and Karen - we’ve nothing but admiration for you both. Maybe check those bottles before you bin them too - you just never know what you could find. 😃 Stay safe and well guys.
Thank you guys, it's been a hard slog, but I think that was mostly down to the pressure we put on ourselves than anything 🙄 We're taking time to do other things than clearing or building now, although travel has been curtailed for now..i'm sure it'll come back when we really need to. I'm not sure about the bottles, but will happily put them aside for if you guys decide to visit and fancy the taste test.? 🤷🏻♂️😂 Take care both of you and safe travels to you.. 🙏💜
I do love these Bulgarian properties, so very interesting, full of different spaces and potential! Glad you decided to stay, lots of work but you just need to pace yourselves. Be of good cheer! You made the right decision! 🍀🍀
They're certainly quirky aren't they? As we're finding out the build techniques are so very different too..lol 😁👍 We're pacing ourselves now, certainly and we've also brought in help to do the proper building side of things as they have more experience of how things work here.. 😉 We're happy we made the decision to stay though.. Thank you..take care 🙏😊
I am so happy to see you Guys have decided to stay. The work you are doing is immense and inspiring. Your Wife is quite correct....working at your own pace and resting when you you both need too is right way to go about in getting your home the way you want it to look. Your dont eat a cake in one sitting ...rather piece by piece as you both only know too well. Best Wishes Mark ....Dublin..Ireland...PS. Wonderful Video....
Thank you for the encouragement Mark and yes, Karen's comment came at a crucial moment for us. We have now reigned things in a bit, having pottering days and the occasional day away from the house stuff altogether, which helps our minds. Things will come in time, I'm sure and you're right, it doesn't have to happen all at once.. Thank you again, we're glad you enjoyed it..take care.. Phil
@LillaHusVanlife Hi Phil...thanks for replying much appreciated. The Veranda you both enjoy during the evening is a great place too contemplate as you know . I myself am not far from retirement but I need to focus more on retirement and see were that brings me. Phil have a great Day and kind regards too your wife. Mark Dublin...Irl
Hello There 👋 Finally chance to catch up with videos after exploring Scotland. So glad you are staying put. All places are going to need work doing on them. And you seem to have settled into the village life. Hope you're all well. Keep Loving the Lifestyle. Love and Big Hugs 💙😻💜
How do Asa mate.! It seems so long now since we last saw you guys in a field.. Scotland looked exciting and you certainly had more luck finding wild animals than we ever had up there..haha!! You're right..every place will need work, but at least gong to see others helped set ours into some kind of perspective, so that's a good thing.. 😉 Take care my friend and safe travels to you.. Love and Massive Hugs to you.. 💜😻💙
We recently bought a small house with a nice property in Romania. Lots of work to do, but we enjoy the process. No view but nice neighbors and we see the potential. Cheers and succes!!
Be strong be couragous, one day at a time. Hubby and I dont let any work chase us. On our own speed. Take of when you are tired. If you need to change your walls drive of in to the sun and relax for a few days. 😊
Do stay, we had the same thoughts as you that was three years ago now, your property is huge so you need to do small bits at a time, start at making everything wind and water tight,if not already, then your living areas, after that other projects bit by bit. Hang in there.
Thank you 🙏 we're definitely staying and making things as good as we can before Winter get to us. We're not in the house besides for eating our evening meal, but things are heading towards having some facilities outside of our van..maybe even an indoor shower one day..lol 😉 We'll get there, I'm sure.. 😉
@ Everything takes time, especially when doing things yourself, I’ve never worked so hard lol , it’s been an interesting journey though and learning things as I go which is part of the journey.
Thank you Zoe, that's exactly it.! 👍 There's still so much of the world to see and when we want to hunker down, then we will have somewhere safe to come back to 😉 Thank you so much for your comment 🥰 xx
Glad you decided to stay and look at your choices. If you want company, Im sure you can find some friends to live in the cottage and help you fix it all up. Sounds like your need is to relax, enjoy nature, travel and explore and do things at an enjoyable pace. Rein in your work hard ethic and allow yourselves to mutter and putter about doing things that are also fun. Great angles and editing, enjoyable to watch.
Thank you so very much Sharon 🥰 If it wasn't for that one comment from Karen, we wouldn't be here, but we're both so glad that's how things turned for us. Once we get the toilet and shower in then friends coming to help will be something that might be an option. We can manage with next to nothing, but I wouldn't want guests to cope with standing outside in the cold for a luke warm solar shower..lol 😂 We're taking time out for us a little now, although it's just odd days. Yesterday, I did nothing except edit and make a new leather case for my leatherman multitool..lol Travel will still come in the future. Thank you for the support and lovely comments too..take care 😊🙏
Alan says your balcony looks like it is from a Wild West saloon. Need your rocking chairs and gun by your side. The great thing about your property is you have a safe place to park and it is a great starting point for going out exploring from. So many countries on your doorstep. The renovations can be done as and when needed. We are still waiting for our D visa 🤷
Funnily enough we've just bought a rocking chair from a couple who've just moved back to the UK..lolol 😂😂 Having a safe place to rest is an absolute bonus, definitely 😊 One of the appeals of residing in Bulgaria, besides it's very own beautiful scenery, is how central it is for visiting any of the many countries which surround it. The house has slowed down a little now, but progress is still under way.. Fingers crossed you get your D Visa soon..our friend got hers 32 days after submitting..she just turned up at the embassy, handed her passport in and was told it was ready..our took months...lol 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe things have sped up a little.. 😉🤞
Thank you Beej, we're glad that we did now, although there has been the occasional nervous doubt that creeps up.. It'll all come together, I'm sure. Take care my friend. Love back to you 🙏😊
Good ideas Sharon, although we've moved past that now we 've had Danny's digger in. We had thought about making a van style setup initially with fresh water and waste canisters under the sink, if we had to make do.. 🤔
So glad you decided to stay. I think a bit of panic set in for you both with the move, the size of property. The work you need to do can be done at your own pace when you feel like it. I think you will settle in there. Relax and enjoy now ❤
Thank you so much 🥰 We're glad we did now too. We have had a rollercoaster of emotions since we arrived, but things are moving along slower now, which is better for us. Take care 🙏❤️
I had a feeling you get to that point, it's such a big property, even by Bulgarian standards. Just as an idea, and to keep life a bit more varied, run it as a dirt cheap Air B'N'B and you'll get travellers who will add value to your life. You will feel more connected and in touch with the world, just like when you were travelling in your van. Happy days to you!
It was bound to happen, looking back, but at least we got through to the here and now.. 😊 We've discussed the Air BnB option and it might happen in the future, although not being near anywhere scenic might go against that..we might give it a whirl one day though. You never know until you try, eh.? 😉👍 Take care and thank you 🙏
@@LillaHusVanlife it really is a spectacular property though. I immediately saw myself sitting on that beautifully made wooden balcony with a beer. My plan is to retire there in about 5 years time, and build a swimming pool. Also, build a white wall in the garden and watch movies from a projector. That's the best thing about Bulgaria, you have the space.
I think you made the right decision, step by step everything will turn out great in the end. Just do it at your own pace and enjoy the whole process :)
We're getting there now Gary mate..some days are spent like sundays, which is refreshing. Yesterday I edited and made a new leatherman case in the sunshine, so that's productive and chilled. Feel free to come over when we have the bathroom fitted..you're more than welcome.. 😊 Massive Hugs and love back tp you both from us.. Take care and safe travels to you 🙏❤️ XX
Don’t you have the option to divide it up and rent parts out to locals who of course would have to keep it right. I’d be across to help but you’ve joined Schengen. I barely have enough days as it is. As for views…. Look where I live! Still get away as much as possible. I haven’t made my back box yet. Might get a different van.
Karen has run things by me, but I don't see the sense in dividing it up..maybe and Air BnB option would be better some time in the future 🤷🏻♂️ Yes the whole Schengen thing is a bugger isn't it.? We initially cam here before it happened and Bulgaria was still a three months out option, but that's buggered a few friend's plans now as they can no longer step out here. Ha.! Exactly what Karen meant with the views, yes.!! 😂 👍 You know that making a back box would be easier than a different van, dontcha Kieth.?? 🤔 lol 😂🤣😂🍻
I can empathise with your emotions. The feeling of 'f..k, what have we done?'. It is such an absolute break in your way of life, you just had to flinch back. But after all, you decided to do the right thing. By the way, are there no municipal sewage lines?
Thank you 😊 It really is such a change for us and what we had originally planned back in 2020 when I started building Lilla..we feel better with the choice we made now and travel will come again with time I'm sure.. 😉 I'm not sure about the sewage lines..the toilet is a pit at the far end of the property and all I know is that there have never been any facilities in the house besides a kitchen sink. From what we gather, the shower in the worker's house was used, along with the big concrete water tank that's fed from the guttering.. 🤔
We have land and house in Poland so much work go in all ready ,and now from January we will do more ,hope hard work will finish in March and then we can enjoy very hot summer ❤ Hope we can meet some day like I see you in Castleton ❤
I think you made the right decision. I agree that the property is a little two big for a couple, but I think it is better to live in a home that is spacious, than in a cramped one. Once you renovate it, you will have a choice - to stay or to sell it for a healthy profit. As for the view - yes, it is nice to have a mountain or a sea view, but that is expensive. I am buying a property in VT region and will move to BG from New Zealand. My house needs renovation, but I like that because everythning is going to be done according to my taste and it is going to be new. The plot is bigger than I would have like it and I have no view. All windows are facing the dull garden. But I will create my view by planting nice flowers. I have a few fruit trees and they will provide a lot of pleasure when bloom in spring and change colour in autumn. My decision is to give it my best for 2 years and if I find it difficult to settle for any reason, I will sell and will move to another location. Good luck to you!
Exactly that Julia.! We have a house that's in fairly good condition and with some work can be quite liveable, or be used more as a base for us...even then if things don't work out then we can always fall back in to travelling full time again. The beauty of having a house that needs some work, is that you can put your own stamp on things.. We wish you luck with your property and hope that your two years sees you settled in nicely.. Thank you and take care.. 🙏😊❤️
Make it a whisky and Ill call you when I'm setting off cous..lol 🥃 We've slowed things down a little now, so things are a little easier to cope with, but thank you 😉 Take care.. ❤️
I agree,if dont have a big family,then this property is to big for 2 people to manage,you need just two rooms to come back to after traveling ,do not spend all your prescious years to keep up with a big property that you dont need,,i will not do that if i where you,,we dont need too much stuff in this life..
We will keep it for now and make it fit for the future. We never know what is round the corner but the whole property needed love right now before the problems became terminal. Thank you for your honest input x
Indeed, it was part of the overwhelming feeling because we parted with most of our excess belongings over 2 and a half years ago..only carrying the bare minimum of things around and all of a sudden we have this massive property.. I'm sure we'll try to keep things minimal as possible.. 👍
It is a big old project right enuf but....get the part you are going to live in sorted and do the rest ''at your leisure''. It all looks pretty sound and unlikely to fall over in the meantime.
In honesty, dont think Oliver is pulling his weight. That maybe where the problem lies. Give him some tools and make him get to work plumbing; laying floors and digging. Just a confidence thing with him, im guessing. My dog Quinn is already on her 2nd full house renovation, as well as helping renovate an old campervan, she is easily swayed by payment in dog chews. Nothing in life is free and he now needs to help his parents and start pulling his weight.😅😅
Spot on Leah.! I tell the little ginger freeloader the same thing, but so far, extra food, withholding food or threatening to replace him with a dog or two kittens has had zero effect on his desire to muck in and pull his weight. He still plays on the looking cute thing and unfortunately it works on us..what can I say?? lolol 😹🤷🏻♂️😻
It is a beautiful and unique property. The courtyard is lovely. I bought a property in Spain as i love the country and culture, but never thought about Bulgaria. However, if you like Bulgaria, its a win win.. In Spain, that would be worth alot of money. Personally, i would stick with it. Rome wasnt built in a day and when completed, will be a beautiful home and due to size, could be used as a b and b or small farm. You will never lose with property and with the future of the UK, more and more Brits will be wanting to relocate or retire abroad. You certainly have a unique property there and better weather than we do here. Its only been a few months and you have already transformed the property, imagine how it will look in a few years. Take your time; go travelling when you get the need to span your wings, you may feel different in the future. Change, sometimes takes time. Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose in life and wish you both all the best x
Thank you Leah, it certainly is quite an interesting place and the courtyard means there's a lot of privacy if we want it.. I did think about Spain for a while as my Grandad was Spanish, but I'm not sure whether I'd still have to adhere to having £30k sat in a bank account for two years, which I don't have.
I hope you're nowhere near Valencia..we've seen videos and pictures from there..such devastation 😥
We've slowed down with the house a little now anyway and we're certainly contemplating having a small Air BnB one day. Maybe we will benefit from the amount of Brits who want to sample Bulgaria, you never know 🤷🏻♂️
Thank you for your kind words and best wishes.. Take care won't you 🙏 xx
@@LillaHusVanlife thankyou for your kind words. I have bought in Almeria, ok there, thank god. X I'd defo stay at your property if you ever turn into a b and b. It's so pretty x
So happy to know you have decided to stay . Looking forto more videos of your home and traveling. 😊
Thank you Jane, it's coming along slowly but surely now 🥰🙏
You guys will make it... a long hot summer is a tough time to start a journey like that. If you can give yourself periodic breaks and time away it will refresh you to start again!
Thank you Diane, it's been hard for us to take a break when things were so focused, but things are easing off and we've had some days off, thankfully 😊 Hope you guys are well 👌
Very glad that you're staying there. It's a lovely property.
Thank you Karina, it's certainly in need of TLC, but it has such an appeal to the whole property.. 😊🙏
Well done with the cellar - looks a great space
Thank you Susan, it certainly smartened it up without all the cobwebs, jars and mud 👍
Well done for not giving up. Fair play to you it was really hot and there is so much to sort out. You are making progress, it will be worth the effort ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Lucy..it all got too much at the time, but we think we've made the right decision.. 👍❤️❤️❤️
Amazing video Amazing people keep up the hard work
Thank you so much.! You know we can't thank you both enough for your help 🙏❤️
Good to hear your staying 😊. Great job clearing that out, going to look lovely when done. Tc guys ❤xxxx
Thank you hon, it'll be reet.. 😊👍 Hope you're staying warm now.. 🤞❤️ xxx
Bulgaria is the best choice for now. You wont regret ! Greeting from wild Rhodope Mountains 😊
We think you're right.! 😊👍 I've heard that we have to go and visit the Rhodope Mountains..been told by neighbours that it's absolutely stunning there.. 😉🙏
This is the right decision for you both,look forward to a great future and enjoy
Thank you so much Philip 🙏 We're both happy that we stayed.. 😊 Take care
Lovely people 🥰🥰
Thank you 🥰 Hope you guys are doing well and enjoying having a cat.. ❤️😻❤️
@LillaHusVanlife ha ha nope..cats I can cope with, kittens..drive me crazy 🤣
@@ourderelictdream 😹😹😹😹
Good choice, take it step by step, and yes it is a big property, but is has a lot of possibilities, you can make a parking place for the camper under a roof, a big garden to grow your own vegetables, space for your own repair shop, bed and breakfast, space for solar panels and what else ? There are also people who take such a step on their own, and you are a couple, so go for it !
We are definitely wanting to grow some of our own fruit and vegetables next year and looking at maybe an Air BnB in the future for folk who want to sample village life, but we'll see how thing progress on that side.. We'll be fine, I'm sure. Thank you so much for your suggestions 😊🙏
So glad you decided to stay 😊you both such hard workers
Thank you Terry, we're still just muddling through things, but we're less stressed about being tied to the property now. 😉 Take care.. 🙏
@ ❤️
Glad you’re staying, such a beautiful property. No shame in overwhelme, am really enjoying your journey . Happy greetings from Somerset Uk 🇬🇧 ❤
Thank you so very much Maria..glad that you're enjoying the videos 😊 The house is beautiful and now we've slowed down the pace, it feels a little easier to manage..
Hope you're staying warm back in the UK..take care 🙏❤️
The cellar might be the cooler room to work in when the weather is toasty!
It's actually proving to be quite stable in temperature in the cellar, which is brilliant.! 😉👍
I am so happy you have decided to stay looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Thank you Julie, 🥰 we're both happy with the decision too, now we've realised that we're not trapped to a schedule.. 😉🙏
You did great work with the cellar! And btw my family has a house in a mountain village. For the last 10-15 years two or three UK families tried to settle there because of the cooler climate but they eventually went to look for warmer places. I recently heard the last couple moved. So I think a lot of people from the UK look for a cooler place in Bulgaria at first but they change their mind later. So maybe you've just avoided a common mistake. And I hope you will enjoy the diversity offered by the four seasons and that they all last around 3 months.
Thank you 😊 I'm so happy with the way it cleaned up, although I'm not sure what it will be used for as yet. That's quite an interesting insight into families who have sought a cooler area to live.. 🤔 I can see that more mountains lead to more cloud and more rain or snow, but you would think that would suit people from the UK better...lol 🤷🏻♂️😂
Maybe we've dodged a bullet in that case though..
The seasons so far in Bulgaria have been proper seasons like when we were young, which is as it should be.
One thing that always amazes me is the amount of star filled night after star filled night we get compared to the UK..it's beautiful.. 😁
I'm glad your keeping this property as your a couple I could relate to also plan on also doing something like yous hav but I'm a year away from it as hav kids still not 100 per cent set off on there own just yet
Thank you 😊🙏 When it's all right for you then things will come together, I have no doubt. The universe seems clunky sometimes, but then when it's right, it's smooth sailing 😉 Take care 😊
Enjoyed this, thank you. You have such a beautiful property, and it's nice to have a base and keep on travelling when you want. Best of both worlds and if you change your minds later on.
Thank you so much, we're glad you enjoyed it 🥰 That's exactly the plan as we both still want to travel..there's so much of Europe that I for one have never seen. 🤷🏻♂️ Take care 😉🙏
Great decision! Take it one step at a time, if it starts to overwhelm you take time away in your van. I have had a house here 20 years and know what it's like. Even now there is still always something to do! Best of luck to you both. x
Thank you so much Sue, it's certainly comforting to know that we're not the first people to go through this stage and also that we have the option to take ourselves out of the stress, even if only for a few days. I'm sure we've bought a never ending project, but that's okay, now we know there's no need to rush.. Take care.. 🙏😊 xx
I think you have made a good decision. More travelling the work will be there when you get back. Take care.
Thank you Desmond, we have plans to travel once we have some of the basics in place. The rest will progress in time.. 😉 Safe travels to you 🙏
That sure is one fantastic home and will be a gem of a place to live. I would love to have a place like that . The love and time and hard work into a house will turn out to be a great home .👍❤
You’re working SO hard ! You’ve done so much. It’s really made a difference! Loved seeing you both. Some of our work will start soon 🫶🏻
You have a great view , it’s a special place ! Well done for staying 🫶🏻🙌🏻
Thank you Louise, it was great to meet you both and at least you got to take the tour with Karen 🥰 We're happy with our decision now and things are coming along at a more copeable pace, which is better for us. I bet you're excited for your place to start taking shape 😁 Take care both of you 🙏❤️
A friend gave me this advice a long time ago ‘faint heart no fair maiden’ so take time for you both and one space at a time finding a few treasures in between. Looking forward to future vlogs .
What a spot night❤ and day and rain will freshen everything. Lots of good fire pits when ban goes away. 😊
Indeed Tania, I love the veranda or the Man Cave as the girls christened it..lol
I keep looking at how to build my own smokeless firepit, so you never know, I might be able to sit next to a fire without the smoke chasing me..haha!! Take care 🙏❤️
We're definitely taking our time now hon..a bit more time to hang out and just relax, which is nicer. Still places to explore in the property, but they'll come in time.. 😊👍
Could see last week you were overwhelmed. You can have the best of both worlds, go away when you want to and stay at the house as snd when you need to settle. You worked so hard and remember go at your pace.
Thank you Anne, we were both exhausted, physically and mentally, but now we're taking things a little easier, having down time and none work days, so that's helping. We will have a lovely base to travel to and from when we're done setting up the basics and that's all we need.. Thank you so much for your comment 😊🙏
I'd say any house would be happy to have you as owners.
Love grows in us when we care for something. Like a mother grows to love her child more every day, more than anyone else.
I know you saw all those other houses and realised that what you have is good.
You can always, always sale.
But your beautiful lady is right.
This is your house and if you feel tired, sad, cold or hot just fill the tank up and go!
By the way, I want to congratulate you on your editing, this episode was crafted. 👍
Thank you so much 🙏 we're glad you enjoyed watching this.. 😊 You're right, we have plenty of options and we certainly learnt the value of straight walls and a decent roof compared to the other properties we looked at. If things don't work out for us here, we can always continue our travels, but hopefully we can make this work.. 😉 Take care and thanks again.. 👍
If you don't know what to do with the buildings, I definetly would put clear roof on and use as greenhouse 😊💕 sending you beautiful people lots of love and strength
Thank you so much 😊🙏 I'm sure we'll find uses for spaces eventually.. ❤️
You are so smart...those houses are so big and need a lot of work. I'm looking at rural areas, smaller single story houses, further north (cooler), and don't mind the locals. These houses in UK-heavy populations are expensive to begin with, and require too much work to make sense.
Thank you 😊 I wish you good luck in your search, there are plenty of properties out there..it just depends on what level of work you are wanting to take on.. 😉🙏
Just wow - such a lot of hard work and not surprised you guys felt overwhelmed!
Such a tough call too - hopefully you will be able to just go off if and when you need to.
Keep going Phil and Karen - we’ve nothing but admiration for you both.
Maybe check those bottles before you bin them too - you just never know what you could find. 😃
Stay safe and well guys.
Thank you guys, it's been a hard slog, but I think that was mostly down to the pressure we put on ourselves than anything 🙄
We're taking time to do other things than clearing or building now, although travel has been curtailed for now..i'm sure it'll come back when we really need to.
I'm not sure about the bottles, but will happily put them aside for if you guys decide to visit and fancy the taste test.? 🤷🏻♂️😂 Take care both of you and safe travels to you.. 🙏💜
I do love these Bulgarian properties, so very interesting, full of different spaces and potential! Glad you decided to stay, lots of work but you just need to pace yourselves. Be of good cheer! You made the right decision! 🍀🍀
They're certainly quirky aren't they? As we're finding out the build techniques are so very different too..lol 😁👍 We're pacing ourselves now, certainly and we've also brought in help to do the proper building side of things as they have more experience of how things work here.. 😉 We're happy we made the decision to stay though.. Thank you..take care 🙏😊
I am so happy to see you Guys have decided to stay. The work you are doing is immense and inspiring. Your Wife is quite correct....working at your own pace and resting when you you both need too is right way to go about in getting your home the way you want it to look. Your dont eat a cake in one sitting ...rather piece by piece as you both only know too well.
Best Wishes
Mark ....Dublin..Ireland...PS. Wonderful Video....
Thank you for the encouragement Mark and yes, Karen's comment came at a crucial moment for us. We have now reigned things in a bit, having pottering days and the occasional day away from the house stuff altogether, which helps our minds.
Things will come in time, I'm sure and you're right, it doesn't have to happen all at once..
Thank you again, we're glad you enjoyed it..take care..
Phil
@LillaHusVanlife Hi Phil...thanks for replying much appreciated. The Veranda you both enjoy during the evening is a great place too contemplate as you know . I myself am not far from retirement but I need to focus more on retirement and see were that brings me.
Phil have a great Day and kind regards too your wife.
Mark
Dublin...Irl
Yay! Well done, you got a nice place there, you had the excitement and then the shock now you get to fall in love with the place.🎉
Haha! 😂 Yes! Spot on for ALL of that.! 😂👍
Thank you 😊🙏
Hello There 👋 Finally chance to catch up with videos after exploring Scotland. So glad you are staying put. All places are going to need work doing on them. And you seem to have settled into the village life. Hope you're all well. Keep Loving the Lifestyle. Love and Big Hugs 💙😻💜
How do Asa mate.! It seems so long now since we last saw you guys in a field.. Scotland looked exciting and you certainly had more luck finding wild animals than we ever had up there..haha!! You're right..every place will need work, but at least gong to see others helped set ours into some kind of perspective, so that's a good thing.. 😉 Take care my friend and safe travels to you.. Love and Massive Hugs to you.. 💜😻💙
@LillaHusVanlife Love and The Biggest Hugs Back at you All 💙😻💜
We recently bought a small house with a nice property in Romania. Lots of work to do, but we enjoy the process. No view but nice neighbors and we see the potential. Cheers and succes!!
Be strong be couragous, one day at a time. Hubby and I dont let any work chase us. On our own speed. Take of when you are tired. If you need to change your walls drive of in to the sun and relax for a few days. 😊
So true! Thank you Louise..we've taken the odd day or two off since and certainly eased the pace at which we're working.. Take care 😊🙏
Do stay, we had the same thoughts as you that was three years ago now, your property is huge so you need to do small bits at a time, start at making everything wind and water tight,if not already, then your living areas, after that other projects bit by bit. Hang in there.
Thank you 🙏 we're definitely staying and making things as good as we can before Winter get to us. We're not in the house besides for eating our evening meal, but things are heading towards having some facilities outside of our van..maybe even an indoor shower one day..lol 😉 We'll get there, I'm sure.. 😉
@ Everything takes time, especially when doing things yourself, I’ve never worked so hard lol , it’s been an interesting journey though and learning things as I go which is part of the journey.
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I think it's the right decision, it can be a base for you and it will always be yours. Another great video and u work so hard xx
Thank you Zoe, that's exactly it.! 👍 There's still so much of the world to see and when we want to hunker down, then we will have somewhere safe to come back to 😉 Thank you so much for your comment 🥰 xx
Wise decision 😻
Thank you, we think so.. 🙏😊
Glad you decided to stay and look at your choices. If you want company, Im sure you can find some friends to live in the cottage and help you fix it all up. Sounds like your need is to relax, enjoy nature, travel and explore and do things at an enjoyable pace. Rein in your work hard ethic and allow yourselves to mutter and putter about doing things that are also fun. Great angles and editing, enjoyable to watch.
Thank you so very much Sharon 🥰 If it wasn't for that one comment from Karen, we wouldn't be here, but we're both so glad that's how things turned for us.
Once we get the toilet and shower in then friends coming to help will be something that might be an option. We can manage with next to nothing, but I wouldn't want guests to cope with standing outside in the cold for a luke warm solar shower..lol 😂
We're taking time out for us a little now, although it's just odd days.
Yesterday, I did nothing except edit and make a new leather case for my leatherman multitool..lol
Travel will still come in the future.
Thank you for the support and lovely comments too..take care 😊🙏
Alan says your balcony looks like it is from a Wild West saloon. Need your rocking chairs and gun by your side. The great thing about your property is you have a safe place to park and it is a great starting point for going out exploring from. So many countries on your doorstep. The renovations can be done as and when needed.
We are still waiting for our D visa 🤷
Funnily enough we've just bought a rocking chair from a couple who've just moved back to the UK..lolol 😂😂
Having a safe place to rest is an absolute bonus, definitely 😊 One of the appeals of residing in Bulgaria, besides it's very own beautiful scenery, is how central it is for visiting any of the many countries which surround it. The house has slowed down a little now, but progress is still under way.. Fingers crossed you get your D Visa soon..our friend got hers 32 days after submitting..she just turned up at the embassy, handed her passport in and was told it was ready..our took months...lol 🤷🏻♂️ Maybe things have sped up a little.. 😉🤞
@LillaHusVanlife now you need a banjo 🪕 to go with the rocking chair.
We are on 50 working days since applying for the visa 🤷😢
Good decision.
Thank you Nigel, we think so now..despite the odd flutter of nerves since.. 🤷🏻♂️
So glad you decided to stay, a lot of hard work to do, but I think it will be worth it ! much love to you both, Beej :) :)
Thank you Beej, we're glad that we did now, although there has been the occasional nervous doubt that creeps up.. It'll all come together, I'm sure. Take care my friend. Love back to you 🙏😊
Use your washbasin and shower water for your garden. Simplifies plumbing as well.
Good ideas Sharon, although we've moved past that now we 've had Danny's digger in. We had thought about making a van style setup initially with fresh water and waste canisters under the sink, if we had to make do.. 🤔
@LillaHusVanlife well it will be adding to the ground water so thats 👍
So glad you decided to stay. I think a bit of panic set in for you both with the move, the size of property. The work you need to do can be done at your own pace when you feel like it. I think you will settle in there. Relax and enjoy now ❤
Thank you so much 🥰 We're glad we did now too. We have had a rollercoaster of emotions since we arrived, but things are moving along slower now, which is better for us. Take care 🙏❤️
I had a feeling you get to that point, it's such a big property, even by Bulgarian standards. Just as an idea, and to keep life a bit more varied, run it as a dirt cheap Air B'N'B and you'll get travellers who will add value to your life. You will feel more connected and in touch with the world, just like when you were travelling in your van. Happy days to you!
It was bound to happen, looking back, but at least we got through to the here and now.. 😊
We've discussed the Air BnB option and it might happen in the future, although not being near anywhere scenic might go against that..we might give it a whirl one day though. You never know until you try, eh.? 😉👍 Take care and thank you 🙏
@@LillaHusVanlife it really is a spectacular property though. I immediately saw myself sitting on that beautifully made wooden balcony with a beer. My plan is to retire there in about 5 years time, and build a swimming pool. Also, build a white wall in the garden and watch movies from a projector. That's the best thing about Bulgaria, you have the space.
I think you made the right decision, step by step everything will turn out great in the end. Just do it at your own pace and enjoy the whole process :)
Thank you Katya, we've slowed down a little now, got help with the building part of things and we're certainly enjoying things more.... Take care 😊🙏
Phil you look like you need a rest ...wish I was there to help you mate ((BIG HUG)) TO YOU BOTH X
We're getting there now Gary mate..some days are spent like sundays, which is refreshing. Yesterday I edited and made a new leatherman case in the sunshine, so that's productive and chilled.
Feel free to come over when we have the bathroom fitted..you're more than welcome.. 😊 Massive Hugs and love back tp you both from us.. Take care and safe travels to you 🙏❤️ XX
Don’t you have the option to divide it up and rent parts out to locals who of course would have to keep it right.
I’d be across to help but you’ve joined Schengen. I barely have enough days as it is.
As for views…. Look where I live! Still get away as much as possible. I haven’t made my back box yet. Might get a different van.
Karen has run things by me, but I don't see the sense in dividing it up..maybe and Air BnB option would be better some time in the future 🤷🏻♂️ Yes the whole Schengen thing is a bugger isn't it.? We initially cam here before it happened and Bulgaria was still a three months out option, but that's buggered a few friend's plans now as they can no longer step out here.
Ha.! Exactly what Karen meant with the views, yes.!! 😂 👍
You know that making a back box would be easier than a different van, dontcha Kieth.?? 🤔 lol 😂🤣😂🍻
I can empathise with your emotions. The feeling of 'f..k, what have we done?'. It is such an absolute break in your way of life, you just had to flinch back.
But after all, you decided to do the right thing.
By the way, are there no municipal sewage lines?
Thank you 😊 It really is such a change for us and what we had originally planned back in 2020 when I started building Lilla..we feel better with the choice we made now and travel will come again with time I'm sure.. 😉
I'm not sure about the sewage lines..the toilet is a pit at the far end of the property and all I know is that there have never been any facilities in the house besides a kitchen sink. From what we gather, the shower in the worker's house was used, along with the big concrete water tank that's fed from the guttering.. 🤔
We have land and house in Poland so much work go in all ready ,and now from January we will do more ,hope hard work will finish in March and then we can enjoy very hot summer ❤
Hope we can meet some day like I see you in Castleton ❤
I think you made the right decision. I agree that the property is a little two big for a couple, but I think it is better to live in a home that is spacious, than in a cramped one. Once you renovate it, you will have a choice - to stay or to sell it for a healthy profit. As for the view - yes, it is nice to have a mountain or a sea view, but that is expensive. I am buying a property in VT region and will move to BG from New Zealand. My house needs renovation, but I like that because everythning is going to be done according to my taste and it is going to be new. The plot is bigger than I would have like it and I have no view. All windows are facing the dull garden. But I will create my view by planting nice flowers. I have a few fruit trees and they will provide a lot of pleasure when bloom in spring and change colour in autumn. My decision is to give it my best for 2 years and if I find it difficult to settle for any reason, I will sell and will move to another location. Good luck to you!
Exactly that Julia.! We have a house that's in fairly good condition and with some work can be quite liveable, or be used more as a base for us...even then if things don't work out then we can always fall back in to travelling full time again.
The beauty of having a house that needs some work, is that you can put your own stamp on things.. We wish you luck with your property and hope that your two years sees you settled in nicely.. Thank you and take care.. 🙏😊❤️
Cous.. if you need a break there is always a room here with us for you in barton Town... We can have some wine.
Make it a whisky and Ill call you when I'm setting off cous..lol 🥃 We've slowed things down a little now, so things are a little easier to cope with, but thank you 😉 Take care.. ❤️
I agree,if dont have a big family,then this property is to big for 2 people to manage,you need just two rooms to come back to after traveling ,do not spend all your prescious years to keep up with a big property that you dont need,,i will not do that if i where you,,we dont need too much stuff in this life..
We will keep it for now and make it fit for the future. We never know what is round the corner but the whole property needed love right now before the problems became terminal. Thank you for your honest input x
Indeed, it was part of the overwhelming feeling because we parted with most of our excess belongings over 2 and a half years ago..only carrying the bare minimum of things around and all of a sudden we have this massive property.. I'm sure we'll try to keep things minimal as possible.. 👍
It is a big old project right enuf but....get the part you are going to live in sorted and do the rest ''at your leisure''. It all looks pretty sound and unlikely to fall over in the meantime.
In honesty, dont think Oliver is pulling his weight. That maybe where the problem lies. Give him some tools and make him get to work plumbing; laying floors and digging. Just a confidence thing with him, im guessing. My dog Quinn is already on her 2nd full house renovation, as well as helping renovate an old campervan, she is easily swayed by payment in dog chews. Nothing in life is free and he now needs to help his parents and start pulling his weight.😅😅
Spot on Leah.! I tell the little ginger freeloader the same thing, but so far, extra food, withholding food or threatening to replace him with a dog or two kittens has had zero effect on his desire to muck in and pull his weight.
He still plays on the looking cute thing and unfortunately it works on us..what can I say?? lolol 😹🤷🏻♂️😻
@LillaHusVanlife yeah, guess the 'I'm cute' wins every time! No arguing with that 😆 🤣
are your friends not out there with you now x
They're not Jeanette..just Karen, Oliver and myself, although I'm not sure Oliver is pulling his weight..lol xx
If you get the urge to sell again please get in touch with me first 👍 as I’m looking for a place cheers
I don't think it's on the cards now Dave, but we wish you good luck with your search 👍