Surrounded by the verdant forests of Central Bulgaria and caressed by crisp mountain breezes, Karashka is an ideal chic and cheap vacation rental off the beaten path. This delicately restored old house from 1921 sits within a tiny neighborhood of 10 houses at an altitude of 500m, offering majestic views of Stara Planina.

Authentic and sincere, the house brims with a gentle rustic character. The owners were careful to use only natural materials such as stone, clay, and wood during restoration, and preserved the stone roof that is a beautiful representation of the spirit of 19th-century Bulgarian architecture. 

We love the subtle narrative of this house that invites guests to discover the local culture through artisanal pottery, folkloric textiles, and its structure itself, made of local materials and Bulgarian savoir-faire. 

This Balkan gem appears frozen in time. Built in 1921, the vacation home in Bulgaria's central region is a beautifully preserved cultural vestige of traditional architecture.

Artfully and meticulously renovated by the owners, the very essence of rural life has been preserved in great detail with subtly integrated modern amenities that don't outshine the home's authentic character.  

The rustic timber, stone and clay appear as they have for almost a century with locally sourced antiques and crafts that have an innate sense of belonging.

The ground floor lounge is separated by concertina doors from the kitchen and dining area, each with a blazing hearth for cool nights. There are three comfortable and snug bedrooms with countryside views and one bathroom on the upper floor with room for up to five guests. 

Nature lovers and urban escapees alike will be inspired by this slice of life that transports you to a peaceful and authentic place in time. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, TV, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, on site parking.

AROUND

The village of Selishte is a fifteen minute drive from Apriltsi town located in central Bulgaria's Gabrovo region. Small and rural, the area is located on a southern slope, surrounded by large forests, offering spectacular views of Stara Planina.

Close to Central Balkan National Park, the area is one of the largest and most important protected areas in Europe and features some of the country's most majestic peaks including Botev, Kademlya and Maragidik. 

The area is for nature lovers with nary a tourist hub within miles but the country's interesting capital of Sofia is just two hour drive west. With an eclectic mix of Ottoman empire monuments and contemporary and Soviet era architecture, the city is a vibrant mix of youthful, modern energy and exotic past.

LOCATION

Selishte, Bulgaria. Nearest Airport: Sofia International Airport (190km) 

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round. Summer features numerous events in the area and mild weather, winter for snow, and shoulder season from April – May, and September – October, when the weather will be pleasant.