RILA MOUNTAIN LODGE
The Big White House.
THE AREA.
Charlie and I have fallen in love with the area, it wasn't difficult !  Our first, and lasting impression was how awesome the Rila  Mountains that surround us are.You can sit on one of our balconies for hours just watching their changing moods and colours.  The night sky is a wonder to behold, there is so little light pollution that you will see thousands of stars and the milky way.

                                       Sunset                                    The Milky Way


An early morning walk, just  as the sun rises , will delight any bird watcher.  I, without much knowledge, have spotted storks, kestrels, wheatears  and several birds of prey.  The dawn chorus sounds quite different to that in the U.K.
                                                                             
                                                                          Common Kestrel
                  Wheatear                                           
                                                                                                   White Stork

From our window you can see Yastrebets Gondola Station at nearby Borovets, Borovets is the main ski resort in the area, with a reputation as being really good for beginners and intermediate skiers, with English speaking instructors and more challenging runs for the experienced skier.  There are other ski  runs close by , one in our own village of Govedartsi  and  the other at nearby Maliovitsa . These are much smaller but they can be quite a challenge!

                                                         


When the snow melts and the sun gently warms the  land the  mountains and valleys  bloom  into a colourful blanket of wild flowers. It really is a glorious time to go walking,  hiking or mountain biking. There are endless ˜off the beaten tracks" to follow, some that will take you high into the mountains and the famous  Seven Lakes    During the summer months  it' s a great adventure to stay overnight at one of the mountain huts which offer basic accommodation, or you can pitch a tent and cook over an open fire. The scenery is breathtaking, and with a guide you can find somewhere really tranquil.   

                   The Seven Lakes                     Rila Map                           National Park   


For those who prefer a little more sophistication, Lake Iskar, with its stunning mountain backdrop, is just 20 minutes drive from us, and a really fun place to visit.  Fishermen and water sports enthusiasts will be in heaven!  There are boats and jet skis to hire,water skiing and wakeboarding or just relax at one of the lakeside restaurants.



Sofia is a sophisticated City and one of the highest in Europe. It boasts fantastic shops and a lively nightlife with plenty of clubs, restaurants, music nights for opera lovers, jazz fans and rock concerts.  Bulgarians love their music !. 





Relax !!  After all this activity you may need to laze around in a spa or just soak up the atmosphere in a local  bar.