If you have ever longed for a perfect hideaway in which to write , here is the first on offer.

A rural chalet on the borders of forest land in the foothills of Bulgarian mountains, it was only habitable at first if you didn't mind flushing the toilet with a bucket, washing in washing up bowls and fetching your water from the natural spring tap 100 yards or so away.

However by late Summer  2006, water and bathroom facilities were on tap, the electricity supply was officially checked and upgraded. The beds, writing table, and stimulus for writing are  there.

Near the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Turnovo, past signs for historic monasteries and shepherds asleep in the shade alongside their flocks, this small mountain chalet offers peace and tranquillity aplenty in which to achieve your writing dreams.  Learn Bulgarian and the Cyrillic alphabet from friendly locals in the village bar or start with the Bulgarian Visitor language learning notes before you go.  Further travel notes are on the Annie-in-Bulgaria blog

Now November 2006, it boasts a clean white tiled kitchen, bathroom sink, separate loo and shower -- all ready and waiting for visitors.  Of course, I'm going first for the planned inspection in April.  There's a cold winter ahead so we need to be prepared for whatever may befall.

With beautiful views of mountain and forest as inspiration, you can use it as a base for a meditative retreat or a walking or painting holiday in unspoiled countryside.  The adventurous can try out the local bus service but taxis are cheap and easy to contact --especially if you can't face the uphill climb home from the bus stop in the village 

There are horse riding facilities very near by.   Rob and Michelle will be glad to sort out transport for you should you wish to visit.  There is also a well-appointed guest house in the village, a close secret known only to influential Bulgarians until now.  So if you don't fancy self-catering, you can eat there or in the village taverna run by the loveliest of all pub landladies, the blonde and bubbly Latinka.  She is also the village postmistress and proprietor of the village stores.

The nearby monasteries and the fascinating rug washing service are within jogging distance if you're fit or a short taxi or bus trip away.  Veliko Turnovo hosts several international folk dancing festivals throughout the year as well as art exhibitions and the son et lumiere display at the awe-inspiring citadel of the Tsarewitz.

If you fancy the scenery, the tranquillity and an open sesame into the life of a rural Bulgarian village, you can now do it in style.  We have a new guest house in the village.  Better still it is to have its own taverna for evening meals and infiltrating village life.

We have now stayed there twice and can thoroughly recommend the standard of the rooms, all with ensuite shower rooms, the meals and the friendliness of the owners.

Although the pension is in the centre of the village, the breakfast balcony looks out over wooded hillsides -- not a house in sight.