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'The White House' is a newly-renovated Bulgarian mountain-style villa situated in Bulgaria, on the west slopes of the Pirin Mountains, in the tiny mountain village of Varbite, 1000 metres above sea level. Varbite can be found 15 km east from the town of Kresna, 6km from the village of Vlahi and 160 km south of Sofia. Kresna, the nearest town, can be also be reached by bus or train. Transport can be arranged from here to and from 'The White House'. whilst the villa is accessible by car in reasonable weather, when it is wet 4-wheel drive transport is essential.
Varbite is also a gateway to the Pirin National Park, one of the three National Parks in Bulgaria and the only one which is a UNESCO site of outstanding natural beauty. Varbite has grown as a summer mountain hamlet where local peop...'The White House' is a newly-renovated Bulgarian mountain-style villa situated in Bulgaria, on the west slopes of the Pirin Mountains, in the tiny mountain village of Varbite, 1000 metres above sea level. Varbite can be found 15 km east from the town of Kresna, 6km from the village of Vlahi and 160 km south of Sofia. Kresna, the nearest town, can be also be reached by bus or train. Transport can be arranged from here to and from 'The White House'. whilst the villa is accessible by car in reasonable weather, when it is wet 4-wheel drive transport is essential.
Varbite is also a gateway to the Pirin National Park, one of the three National Parks in Bulgaria and the only one which is a UNESCO site of outstanding natural beauty. Varbite has grown as a summer mountain hamlet where local people escape from the heat of summer. In midwinter it is often above the snowline.
On the ground floor of the villa there's a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, electric cooker, fridge with freezer and plenty of utensils. There is one cozy living room with a wood fire and a larger lounge with a splendid view over the surrounding scenery and across to the Macedonian mountains in the far distance.
On the first floor, there are 3 bedrooms, one bedroom with a double bed, one bedroom with 2 beds and a single bedroom as well as a shower-room with toilet. There's also a separate toilet. These are accessed externally in the traditional bulgarian fashion.
On the second floor, there is a twin bed room under the eaves with a panoramic view from the top of the house accessed by an external spiral stair. This is not suitable for children under 12.
In spite of its remote location at 1000 metres, The White House has plenty of modern facilities but is an ideal mountain retreat for those looking to experience an adventure in the wild. It's the perfect setting for mountain rambles or peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. There are no pesticides used in the region so there are many varieties of butterflies and wild flowers.
The area around the villa is forested with black and white pine-trees and there are delightful local walks. Be sure to take a compass, map and walking boots. Mobile reception is available at the villa but not everywhere in the locality, so SATNAV cannot be relied upon. Higher up beyond the tree-line there are plenty of mountain climbing routes and the scenery is breathtaking.
Two famous peaks are accessible from the villa, Vihren and Sinantsa, and if you are a less experienced mountain walker a local guide can easily be arranged. The villa is quite isolated from shops and restaurants, with only few other private residences around it. Unless the weather is dry a 4x4 is advisable because the road beyond Vlahi is not metalled. Drive carefully because the road is steep in places though the views are spectacular as you travel up towards the Pirins.
One of the most beautiful trips you can make from the villa is to the Sini Vrah (Sinanitca) peak. It's a four hour walk from Vihren hut to reach the gully of Sini Vrah (Blue Peak). The peak of Sini Vrah is famous for its beauty. According to local lore it throws bluish glows early in the morning. Deep in the small gully is an 'eye-tear' lake. There is a hostel by the lake so it is possible to stay overnight there, but advisable to book in advance in the summer months.
The White House resolutely resists TV or WIFI (though there is a radio and CD player) because it is designed as a retreat – a space for relaxation, intimacy, family quality time or a stop-over for mountain climbers and adventurous spirits. It is a mountain region so it is vital to take sufficient groceries and supplies for your entire trip unless you are planning to travel further afield.
It takes 3-4 hours to drive to the Halkidi and Sithonia peninsular resorts from the villa. The town of Melnik to the south and Blagoevgrad to the north are worth a visit, as it the magnificent Rila Monastery.
House Rules
Pet-friendlyNot suitable for childrenSmoking allowed
We did not want to leave and go back to our real lives, but such is what a good holiday means.
We have had a truly wonderful 3-week holiday in Bulgaria and our eyes have been opened to a country we had barely thought about before. Our hours have been spent relaxing in the sun at the White House (you have to move about a bit in the garden to find the spot), reading, drinking wine, talking and studying all the many various birds in the woods. As we were only two people staying it was easy to make the larger living room into a study where we managed to get quite lot of work done for a couple of hours most days. The house is detached and relatively spacious. Very much enjoyed was a two-day walk in the mountain from Vihren to Sinanitsca and we stayed at the hostel there (that particular hostel turned out to be a grotty, filthy place but we had such a lovely time in the mountains). We also went to the caves in Rhodolpi and stayed in Dospat and then Devin. A highlight was a visit to the village of Pirin where lunch at a lady's "hotel" was a miraculous find of a famous folk singer. On a different occasion we walked up through the woods near the White House to the first area where the trees clear which is a magical place. We even spent an evening with Petar (the local Bulgarian contact) showing us his allotment and somehow managing to communicate together (with a little translation phone-help from his daughter) - they have been so lovely and incredibly helpful. Petar's wine, honey and other produce has been gratefully consumed by us in considerable quantity. Another lovely experience was going up to the Zagaza Hut (NNE about 9km from the White House along the track) where we had a simple meal and excellent home made wine and meeting the lovely man/caretaker there. Luckily another guest was on site translating for us. The Zagaza Hut looks very clean and seems like a great place to stay for a few nights.
The White House is basic but equipped with most essentials. A four-wheel drive vehicle is definitely recommended. The house (on the west-facing side of the Pirin mountain range) is situated 45 min’s drive up into the mountains along a very rough track. The forests all along are dense but the views are stunning once you get to one of the clear areas. The house itself is also very much amongst the trees but the sun starts to shine through at around 9am (August). The temperature at that altitude (1400m?) takes it down from a sweltering 30C to around 22C, much preferred by us. The house is situated in a very small ‘village’ consisting of holiday houses scattered amongst the hillside trees. There were very few people about generally except at weekends. The nearest shop is a lengthy drive down to Kresna so it is essential to stock up with water and provisions. We were recommended not to drink the water in the house (fine for washing, boiling and for the WC) but, using a couple of large water-containers, we made a habit of filling up from the mountain-water tap halfway down the hill. There is no wifi in the house but there was just enough signal to use our mobile phone for internet connection.
I would recommend this place to stay once it is understood that it is perhaps not a holiday house for everyone. Those that might enjoy a remote mountain location and fairly basic living standards will find this an interesting and relaxing place. I am not sure that the overall idea of the house and the setting is fully conveyed through the website (all information on the website is correct, however), but once booked, the owner was always prompt and accurate in all communications.
We did not want to leave and go back to our real lives, but such is what a good holiday means.
Visited August 2016 Travelled as a couple
Written 2 September 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jondin
Thanks Torbjorn, I am very glad you enjoyed your stay and your feedback is very valuable.
Written 3 September 2016. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andrewpilgrimbooks
Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria18 contributions
Excellent for exploring nature and mountains
The White House is located amid forest to the southwest of the Pirin mountain range.
It is accessed by vehicle from Kresna, on the road and rail line from Sofia to Greece, though experienced (fit) trekkers will be attracted by arriving from Bansko, having taken advantage of the hut network to explore the Pirin National Park (Guide recommended).
The air is clean and gentle - benefiting from a Mediterranean and an alpine climate.
There is superb nature all around, and artists should pack a sketch pad.
There are other holiday homes here - all Bulgarian owned - and others under construction.
The house itself is renovated from a concrete construction common in the last years of Communism. It is a mix of the modern - such as the kitchen and excellent extension with high sloping roof - and the quirky - with access to the bedrooms and toilets from an external staircase at the rear of the property, and water via an electric pump - although all worked well during my stay.
The service is good from the people who look after the property, with initial contact and key drop-off working fine.
Well before the end of my 12 day stay, I felt relaxed and privileged to have experienced this superb natural environment.
Visited July 2014 Travelled solo
Written 27 July 2014. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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What this rental offers
Nearby
Hiking areas
Countryside area
Entertainment
Stereo system
Bathroom and laundry
Linens provided
Towels provided
Indoor amenities
Central heating
Fireplace
Outdoor amenities
Private yard
Parking
Parking available
Kitchen and dining
Freezer
Refrigerator
Kettle
Microwave
Cooker
Toaster
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Map
About the neighbourhood
Varbite is a unique bulgarian mountain village on the fringe of the Pirin National Park. The area is particularly fine for birds and a rich variety of other wildlife such as the amazing fire salamander.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
If you plan to fly to Sofia, you will reach Kresna by road or train in just over 2 hours. If you are driving remember to visit a supermarket in Sofia or en route to get groceries for your stay. There are no shops anywhere near the Villa! If you have time for a detour the Rila Monastery is a justifiably famous and venerated buiding not far off your route. 'The White House' is 16km east of Kresna by car, preferably 4-wheel drive. You will need a detailed map supplied by the owner of the villa, alternatively guidance or transport to Varbite can easily be arranged from Kresna.
Things to know
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
Please note that The White House is in a beautiful and remote village at a height of 1000 metres above sea level inside the Pirin National Park - a UNESCO site of outstanding natural beauty. There is a road, though there isn't much traffic and the last few kilometres are unmetalled. You will love The White House if you enjoy birds, animals and mountain walking! The White House was originally built as a bulgarian mountain lodge and sleeps 7 In the traditional Bulgarian style with an external staircase. It sleeps 8 with one on the sofa. It has a fully equipped kitchen, shower-room and toilet. There is a fish farm nearby and quite a few very friendly local people come to stay in the village for weekends. There are no shops, so you will need to bring plenty of provisions for your stay. Writers and artists can negotiate rates for longer periods.
About this property
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