A New Life in Bulgaria: The Reality Behind the Dream
A British family who moved to Bulgaria in search of a more affordable and idyllic lifestyle have shared their experiences, revealing that the reality is far more complex than it appears. Laura Phoenix, 35, and her husband Anthony, 33, relocated to Strazhitsa, a small town in northeastern Bulgaria, with their two daughters, Cecelia, six, and Nova, three, in September 2023. Their decision was driven by financial pressures in the UK, where they were unable to afford the property prices they desired.
Previously living in a two-bedroom house in Darlington, County Durham, the couple aimed to upgrade but found themselves priced out of the market. After selling their home for £85,000, they purchased an abandoned three-bedroom property in Strazhitsa for just £7,000. This move was intended to offer them an off-grid lifestyle and a better quality of life. They have since invested £5,000 in renovations and claim they have never been happier.
However, the family has also faced significant challenges. They have struggled with the harsh weather conditions and the difficulty of learning the Bulgarian language. Laura, who works as an online English teacher and writer, experienced a major setback when she fell victim to a visa scam shortly after moving. This incident left her stranded in Bulgaria for over a month while her husband took the children back to the UK. She described the experience as “horrendous” and warned others about the risks involved.
The Phoenix family is part of a growing trend of younger Brits seeking a new life in Bulgaria to escape the rising cost of living in the UK. However, Laura emphasizes that this lifestyle is not for everyone, especially those accustomed to modern comforts and well-established utilities. She notes that the misconception of an idyllic life can be misleading, as the reality includes challenges such as extreme cold, frozen pipes, and the difficulty of learning Bulgarian.
Language, in particular, plays a crucial role in integration. Laura stresses that without it, locals may not respect you, and there are limited job opportunities for those who only speak English. Despite these hurdles, the couple has made significant progress on their home, which they estimate is now 60% complete. They describe the property as finally feeling like a “normal house” after being initially in a state of disrepair.
In addition to the renovation efforts, the family uses their large garden space to grow tomato plants and fresh berries. However, they have not avoided the drawbacks of life in Bulgaria. The visa scam they encountered highlights the need for caution, as many other British families have fallen victim to similar schemes. Laura warns that no one should handle visa paperwork unless they are an immigration lawyer.
Anthony and Laura, who have Irish family ties, have secured Irish citizenship, allowing them to apply for residency in Bulgaria. This process requires only £500 in each of their bank accounts, a significant reduction from the previous requirement of £6,000. Despite these benefits, they acknowledge the harsh winters in Bulgaria, which can reach temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. Many families, they say, struggle to cope with the extreme conditions.
Laura remains optimistic about their decision, stating that she has never been happier in her life. She believes that while the lifestyle is challenging, it is achievable for those who are tough and determined. The family’s story reflects the broader trend of Brits relocating to Bulgaria, with hundreds moving each year.
Another example of this trend is the Somerset couple Amy and Jerry Smerdon, who recently moved to Bulgaria with their four sons. They bought a former warehouse for £7,000 and are converting it into a liveable home. They describe the lifestyle as idyllic, with simple and relaxed living, free from the noise and constraints of British suburbia. For them, the move has been a saviour, offering a sense of freedom and possibility that they had not experienced before.
As more Brits consider a move to Bulgaria, the stories of those who have already made the transition provide valuable insights. While the dream of a cheaper, simpler life is appealing, the reality involves navigating cultural, linguistic, and logistical challenges. For those willing to embrace the difficulties, however, the rewards can be profound.