In the remote Bulgarian mountain resort of Semkovo Coliving Semkovo, a community-owned co-living space is aimed to attract digital nomads and remote workers.
Originally built in the 1980s as a hideaway for the Bulgarian Communist Party, the once-luxury hideaway is going to be transformed into a 200-unit property. Entrepreneur Matthias Zeitler launched a crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise $6 million to fund the renovation of the dilapidated hotel.
A two-hour drive from Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, Zeitler is hoping to attract digital nomads to the village of Semkovo.
While the crowdfunding campaign is offering apartments for about $30,000, the option to purchase the building expires in June. To date, there has been $2 million committed and secured backing for almost 70 apartments.
According to the website, “All units come with their own private bathrooms” and feature “open floorplans from 20m2 to 60m2”.
Zeitler is hoping to provide a unique community experience in a remote setting by creating a co-op structure. Along with individual apartments, Coliving Semkovo will offer an array of amenities and facilities for apartment owners and those renting.
Along with business and support services, the facility is reported to include: a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar and cafe, cinema, private offices, art space, work and event areas, a communal kitchen, and more. They will also offer group classes and activities such as yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and guided mountain tours to create a further sense of community.
Along with its remote destination, digital nomads are attracted to Bulgaria due to its income tax of only 10%. Furthermore, the natural beauty and low cost of living attract many citizens to move their residency and businesses there.
While Bulgaria is a member of the EU, it uses its own currency meaning current conversion rates will yield more lev notes. This means that for westerners that everything from rent to food to attractions are all cheap.