Several of our friends and work colleagues have expressed an interest in coming to stay with us when we have settled in to our new home in BG. Most of these are like us, interested in wildlife, especially birds, photography and painting, and exploring the wilder side of the landscapes. I have looked at the legalities of this as I would rather do things "
by the book"
and understand all the stuff about fire checks, registering with the council and tourist board so that you can get insurance (and having to look abroad for public liability) The other thing mentioned was buying and registering a cash register, but would that be the same with just the odd paying guest?

Most of our acquaintances would rather pay the small sum charged for B&
B and have the formality of being a guest and doing their own thing, rather then wanting to be entertained "
as family"
and feeling they had to do what we do, which I would hate anyway. It's nice to see people, and I love to cook for them, but I don't want to give my life over to them!

So, in my usual long-winded way, what I am asking is, does anyone else do this sort of thing, and is there anything else we need to know?

PM if you do things unofficially.

Mrs Eq

I would seriously consider if you want to run your friends visits as a a buisness, as you will need an accountant (approx 90lev per month) as taxes are updated monthly. A cash register (cheapest 350lev) plus yearly charge,this is a special electronic register that is registered to your company and contains a chip which registers transactions and sends daily updates to the tax office. It is a hugh fine to run a buisness without one. think we paid 80lev this year as not currently using mine. You are required to pay health insurance for everyone considered to be working, (our accountant says thats everyone on the company deeds) for my husband an i its 250lev per month minimum. Plus pay the taxes at the end of the tax yr (march)
For bed and breakfast accommodation I believe you have regular health and hygiene visits, im told by a friend that runs a cafe, they always involved cash backhanders [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Plus all the other things you've already mentioned. Very doable if it is a buisness but expensive if its only a few visits a year.
I'm sure some of the b&
b owners on here will be able to give more detailed information.

Hmmmm, thanks for that Beautifulangel. If we have to form a company and pay an accountant monthly even if we don't have any visitors that is a huge drain on our capital. I don't think the area we are buying in would be viable as a regular B&
B, we are not in the mountains or forest, though they are within easy reach, and have no pool or anything to attract visitors in a general way, though it seems to be a thriving village with amenities. I would like to do B&
B, it has always been something I think I could be good at, but not if it going to cost money!

It might be that our friends will have to remain just that. I just hope they feel they can still visit on an informal basis.

Things to ponder.

Mrs Eq

Mrs E

There must be a B&
B or a small hotel nearby you that your friends can stay in and visit you as an when they wish - this give them and you the freedom to do what ever they choose to do. Hotel rooms are very cheap and some of them offer food B&
B are also very good value. By the way have you heard of the Serbarna Reservation our friends Mike and Jerry own the Pelican Guest house and our friend Lubka has a 14 bed gust house too well worth a visit at some stage - Actually here is a posting
viewtopic.php?f=97&
t=4271&
p=36089&
hilit=pelican+lake+guesthouse#p36089

Oddy

you could consider just having a donatition box that your friends could voluntarily contribute in. if theres no charge its not a buisness, but they wouls still be able to feel they had paid there way.

Thanks for your input Oddy. I don't know why I am worrying about it at this time, we haven't even moved out yet and any fool wanting to visit this year will end up with a spade or paintbrush in their hands! I guess I'm getting too bogged down in the unimportant.

I have seen the Pelican Lake website before, and read their blog. Looks well worth a visit........one day.

Beautifulangel, that is a good idea, or they could buy us something for the house/garden/chickens.

I am going to stop worrying about it for this year. We will know a lot more about the area and what like-minded folk might want to see when we actually move out and have got things in the garden up and running. First priority, get stuff in the garden, followed by finding some hens, which I am informed wecan get from the market at Polski Trambesh, Then sorting the house ready for winter. Plenty of time for planning and thinking when we hibernate for the winter.

Mrs Eq

Equinus ... There are sites where you can register and welcome fellow travellers into your home. I will not recommend any on an open forum in case it does not work out. I am sure you can Google these sites yourself.

Quote :

Most of these are like us, interested in wildlife, especially birds, photography and painting, and exploring the wilder side of the landscapes

There are many people who will be want to be involved in this. Charging a small sum to cover your expenses and time is very viable. Good luck with your idea

Equinus wrote:

First priority, get stuff in the garden, followed by finding some hens, which I am informed wecan get from the market at Polski Trambesh, Then sorting the house ready for winter. Plenty of time for planning and thinking when we hibernate for the winter.

Mrs Eq

You are right about the hibernation, we keep trying to come out of it and the weather keeps sending us back indoors. Not before I have got some cementing done though and the inevitable axing of the wood. Happy days . . . but will be happier in a few weeks time.