In Bulgaria, there are many unused buildings and old hotels in out-of-the-way places that can be purchased at a much lower cost than in more developed areas. This presents an opportunity to transform these properties into something amazing and affordable.
Our vision is to convert a 16,700 m2+ building, which is 3 times the size of the White House, into 200 apartments and create a one-of-a-kind coliving community in a remote, natural setting. This will provide residents with a unique living experience that fosters collaboration, community, and cooperation. And it is probably going to be one of the biggest rural coliving destinations worldwide!
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We are creating a coliving experience that brings together a community of innovators, dreamers, and change makers, providing them with an amazing environment to live and grow.
Our distraction-free community for adults allows us to focus on the needs and interests of our members, providing a tailored and enjoyable experience. This also eliminates distractions and disruptions that can come with having children.
With 200 units, our community has the size and scale to offer a wide range of experiences and activities for our residents. Whether you're looking for someone to share a meal with, explore the local area, or work on a project.
Semkovo is a destination in itself, offering a wide range of outdoor activities in the nearby mountains as well as a range of indoor amenities and facilities for a unique and memorable experience to enjoy.
Our remote location creates a close-knit community where residents can form deep connections and focus on building strong relationships. This creates a unique and rewarding living experience.
Being part of the Coliving Semkovo community means you share a common interest and can build social and professional connections with others from diverse backgrounds and locations.
Our community of 200 can achieve ambitious goals together and create a vibrant and active community. Our size allows us to be innovative and effective together.
Our building provides a platform for residents to pursue their interests and contribute to the community. We plan to partner with local businesses for amenities and events.
"I'm a computer scientist, backpacker, hiker. I feel it is just for me"- Oleg
"To cultivate deep connections while doing deep work :)" - Alexandra
"I have been living low-impact, simple off-grid, growing/raising my own food, on a hill, in a forest in rural Bulgaria for the past 14 years & I feel it is time for me to have a radical change. To be part of something bigger. Something very different for me. I enjoy the idea of comunity, somewhere small & easy to look after to call my base. I love the Rila mountains after having hiked there 2 years ago. I love learning new skills/information & sharing what I have already. I have had a dream to become nomadic in a lifestyle way for some time & this seems a good solution. & the building is sooo beautiful:)" - Lisa Sarah
"As a digital nomad, I have been looking for a base in the EU (in particular Bulgaria) and I have only heard good things about the community Matthias has built in Bansko, so this had me instantly sold and I'm really looking forward to being part of this project!!" - Gareth
"Absolutely in love with the idea of a hub in nature for up to 200 people to connect and spend time together. The group is small enough to get to know people over the duration of a longer stay, but big enough to make great things happen and find enough like-minded folks." - Tobias
"Very creative and exciting opportunity to be part of a coliving space with professionals from around the world." - Fady
"I'm very flexible workwise in terms of location, and this spot is great for me since Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes are in immediate vicinity." - Dimitar
"I believe that with our experience we can be helpful for making Coliving Semkovo even happier and tastier place to be. And we spent almost all our spare time in the mountains." - Deyan
"It could be a great investment" - Steven
"The location is very good and I want to be part of that community" - Irdi
"I love the idea of coliving and want to invest in being part of it! I also love Bulgaria and would like to have a place there. It'll give me a good reason to visit more often." - Christopher
"The location is of outstanding natural beauty, in one of the great wilderness areas of Europe but nonetheless very accessible." - Igor
"I like the place and the idea. It will be nice to be part of the project." - Nedyalko
"To promote sustainable, close to nature way of living and prepare for the social collapse if global warming goes catastrophic soon" - Kuzman
"Innovative project with stunning views, fresh air, clean food from the surrounding villages, many options to walk around in forest, ideal for focused work." - Dragiya
"Pure investment opportunity." - Petko
"I've dreamt about starting a project like that myself for years. It's a great opportunity to get involved in something bigger in my own country and take part in a huge social experiment, too. As for Semkovo, that's where I learned to ski when I was a kid. I'd love to see the region alive again and help bring more investment to the area." - Boyko
"I went to Bansko coliving and enjoyed my time there. I can relate to the vision and can see myself involved in this project early on." - Tinghsiao
"Sounds like a great opportunity to embrace coworking and coliving."- Tsonko
"I have spent my childhood Christmas holidays in Semkovo so I would love to revive the place. Working remotely in nature is another motivation for me. But most of all I believe in the power of the community to trigger positive change." - Simona
"Belong to a project that meets the requirements of digital nomads and provides a distinctive living experience in a breathtaking natural environment." - Jorge
"I am fan of coliving an am organizing a coliving Workshop for Citizen Circle since more than 2 years. I am looking for a way to live after retiring from my original work as a business coach and consultant. I would love to bring my new ideas, my energy and my experience into this community." - Arnold
When undertaking a project as large and complex as converting an old building into a coliving community, there are always risks that need to be considered. These can include issues related to the building itself, such as structural problems or unexpected costs, as well as risks associated with the schedule and overall budget. To mitigate these risks, it is important to have a risk buffer in place and to be prepared to adjust plans as necessary. By carefully planning and being prepared to adapt to required changes, we will manage these risks and ensure the success of the project.
In order to manage a coliving community with many co-owners, it is important to have the right tools and systems in place. One way to do this is to use digital tools to support key processes, such as communication, decision-making, and budgeting. This can make it easier for everyone to stay informed and engaged, and to contribute to the success of the community. In addition, it is important to have a focused input to the budget, in order to ensure that the community has the resources it needs to thrive. Finally, having professional management in place can help to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the community are handled effectively and efficiently. By using these tools and approaches, it is possible to manage a large and complex coliving community successfully.
One way to ensure that annual maintenance costs do not spiral out of control is to carefully plan and budget for these expenses. This should include an assessment of the building and its systems, in order to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. By setting aside funds for regular maintenance and repairs, it is possible to keep costs under control and avoid unexpected expenses. Additionally, having a professional property management team in place can help to ensure that maintenance is performed in a timely and cost-effective manner. It is also important for the co-owners to have a say in the budgeting process, through a voting system, in order to ensure that everyone's priorities are taken into account. By being proactive and taking a strategic approach, it is possible to keep annual costs under control and avoid potential problems.
To avoid going over budget during the renovation, it is important to carefully plan and estimate the costs upfront. This should include an assessment of the building and its systems, in order to identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. By having a detailed understanding of the costs involved, it is possible to create a realistic budget and avoid unexpected expenses - before we set the final pricing for the apartment reservation
Additionally, it is important to have full transparency in the co-op, in order to ensure that everyone is informed and aware of the budget and any potential changes. This can be achieved through regular communication and updates, as well as a system for joint decision making that involves all of the co-owners. By being proactive and transparent, it is possible to avoid going over budget and keep the renovation on track.
Our project offers a very attractive price point compared to other coliving offerings, which will help to attract the first guests. In addition, the large scale of the project and the remote location will create a truly amazing community experience that people will be drawn to. And finally, the shared ownership model will incentivize the other 199 owners to help promote their apartments and the project as a whole. These factors will combine to create a unique and appealing coliving destination that will be in high demand.
Semkovo is located just a 20-minute drive from Belitza, a small town with a population of around 10,000, famous for its Bear Sanctuary. It offers a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, hotels, doctors, a train station, and a bus stop. This makes it easy for residents of Coliving Semkovo to access the services and conveniences of a larger town, while still enjoying the benefits of living in a remote and beautiful location.
Other places are a short drive away:
40-50 minutes to Bansko (ski resort)
2:30 hours to Sofia (airport & capital)
3 hours to Plovdiv (2nd biggest city)
3 hours to Kavala (beach town in Greece)
As the roads are improved, these trips will become shorter in the future.
Who are the people that said "yes" first to the idea of transforming this old building into one of the most amazing coliving locations in the world? What motivates them? What are their dreams? And do they like to play boardgames?
During our live sessions many coliving insiders are sharing their knowledge with us.
Click on session below or check the upcoming events on Facebook.
“Because it sounds like awesomeness!! Totally in line with what I wish to invest in and spend my time in the future :)“
“I am looking at buying a place in Bulgaria to live from part of the year anyway. This would meet that desire and automatically come with support renting the place out when I’m not there.”
"I love Bulgaria and I love what Matthias has done with his coworking business in Bansko. I love the DN community & the co-living concept"
“I am currently working IBM, but have a history of digital nomad lifestyle for a few years. I am thinking of this both as an investment for renting out, and as a potential retreat place for myself.”
“I like the idea about a community driven project. That is why I was part of the Coliving Bansko project. This one looks quite out of the box, but intriguing, so why not :)”
“There are several reasons... having a homebase while traveling, living together in a community of like-minded people. Of course, investment and future returns and earnings. Being part of something bigger. Etc.”