Hello everyone, today on Apartment Gathers (don't want to infringe copyright of a popular cable program!) we are following Mark and Lynnette Leonard on their move from Omaha, NE all the way to Blagoevgrad Bulgaria. They are excited to be professors at AUBG, but are a bit nervous about settling in. Thanks to the wonderful support staff at AUBG they have help in finding their new home in Bulgaria.
Looking for apartments with two bedrooms, bathroom with shower/bath, air conditioning, and internet access within a budget of 700-1000bg ($500-$700) can be tricky in this college town. An additional criteria is the location of the two offices for the professors (AUBG main building in the towne center and the new academic building known as Bulkanski Academic Center to the south of town). Three options were found that fit the criteria.
Option #1: Walking through the iron gate, a lovely white stucco four story home comes into view. With bowed front terraces overflowing with flowers, the homey feel is appealing. Walking under a grape arbor, past the dog house for the resident German Shepard, we walk up three flights of stone steps to the third floor. Entering the apartment, we can see straight to the terrace outside and the mountain beyond. The white marble tile continues throughout the apartment and the tall ceilings give it a very spacious feel.
To the right is a good size bedroom (13X13) with a wardrobe and a tall window with small balcony. To the left of the entry way, is the dining room and kitchen. The dining room has a large table that could easily seat 6-8 for dinner. The kitchen has all modern appliances, thought the refrigerator is smaller than American standard and the washing machine is in the kitchen. The Leonards are prepared for changes and the light coming in through the window makes for a cheery kitchen/dining experience. Back out to the entry way, there is a small den with fireplace and large window overlooking the front garden. The living room is large with several full length windows.
Easy walking distance to the AUBG main building gives Lynnette the shortest walk from this property, leaving Mark with a good 20 minutes to the BAC. This property is a bit over budget at 1060bg but price includes internet, utilities, phone, cleaning services once a week, and the availability of a car when needed.
Option # 2: The outside of the apartment is not much to comment on, but the street is quiet and the building is secure. The Leonards climb the five floors to the penthouse apartment with some trepidation. But upon reaching the top, find a peacefully decorated and recently renovated apartment. Entering in the central hallway, to the left is the door to the large terrace that wraps around from the east side of the building to the south side. Part of the terrace is covered, with a lovely table and surround sound speakers for an amazing lounging experience. The fountain directly across from the table bubbles happily as the view changes from mountainside to full vista across the city.
Back inside, the central hallway extends with four doors. On the right is the master bedroom, with fitted wardrobes and large window. Next on the right is the smaller 2nd bedroom, with wardrobes, twin bed and computer desk. Back in the hallway, the door on the left goes to the bathroom. This luxurious space has a shower stall and deep jet tub. Tiled in blue and white tiles, the beachy feel of the place is very relaxing and the surround sound speakers complete the picture of a calming bath with music. The washing machine is tucked under the counter with the sink and vanity area.
Finally at the end of the hall is the door to the living room/dining room/kitchen. The view ahead is amazing as you can see across the town to the mountains in the distance. The room is tastefully decorated with a fire and a fully equipped kitchen. Again a smaller refrigerator, but the appliances are newer and includes a dishwasher. The small terrace off the kitchen is perfect for coffee in the morning or wine at night to watch the glorious sunset.
This property is within budget at 882bg but the utilities and internet are extra and can run anywhere from 80-110bg a month. Closer to the BAC than the other property helps Mark out, however, the walk to AUBG main building is only 10 minutes longer and includes the pedestrian center of town.
Option #3: The third property is more traditional and closest to both buildings. At three bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths, this is the largest apartment and also the cheapest at 700bg.
Again a secure building, we walk up the steps to the third floor apartment. The wood paneling encased entryway is dark and a bit imposing. There are a series of doors off the main hallway. To the immediate left, is a small 1/2 bath. To the right, is a living room/dining room/kitchen and winter terrace (enclosed terrace with large window and a drying rack for clothes). The furniture is outdated and the rooms feel dark. The new refrigerator is large, but the stand-alone stove/oven is old and grimy.
Back in the hallway we pass cabinets in the walls for storage and three small rooms with beds. Off of the master bedroom is an open terrace that is narrow but long. The full bath at the end of the hallway has an awkward layout and feels very outdated.
SO...which will they choose:
Option #1: spacious, all inclusive, but over budget.
Option #2: views galore but five flights and still a good walk to work.
Option #3: cheap and old but close to work.
Check back later in the week for the answer!
Lynnette
