I Tackled 3 Massive Projects on My Bulgarian Homestead (Alone)

#​homesteading #rewilding #houserenovation

Taking on an old homestead means the to-do list never truly ends. This week, I’m tackling three separate projects across the property to breathe some life back into these old buildings and land here in Bulgaria. From structural fixes to clearing space, it’s a lot of work for one person, but every step makes this place feel a little more like home.

​If you enjoy slow living, hands-on restoration, and the realities of building a homestead from scratch, don't forget to subscribe and follow the journey!

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Chapters:

00:00 – 3 Projects / 1 Bulgarian Homestead
00:11 – The Plan That Could Change Everything
00:36 – Project 1 Begins
01:28 – Clearing Years Of Neglect
02:09 – The Root Problem We Didn’t Expect
03:12 – Hidden Damage Around The Homestead
04:07 – Old Tools, Hard Work & Bulgarian Homestead Life
05:04 – Restoring The Patio Area
06:33 – Time For A Garden Update
06:45 – Reclaiming The Overgrown Space
07:58 – Saving Plants Before It’s Too Late
09:16 – Why This Workbench Matters
10:02 – The Transformation Starts To Show
11:02 – What This Space Could Become
11:44 – Next… The Real Rebuild Begins

☉ WELCOME TO FRESH START STICKS ☀︎
We’re a family of five who left the UK to start a new life in rural Bulgaria.
After the events of 2020, life in the UK changed dramatically. Attitudes shifted, businesses struggled under constant regulation changes, and with three young children, we began questioning whether the traditional path still offered the future we wanted for them.

We didn’t feel that the school system could provide the structure, freedom, and real-life skills our children need as they grow into young adults — so we chose to homeschool.

After researching several European countries, we chose Bulgaria. It’s still organic, the people are welcoming, and the nature is truly beautiful. After months of searching — and almost giving up — we finally found an old farmhouse in the countryside that had been empty for over a year. We decided to buy it and renovate it, learning as we go.

OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE:
Renovate our Bulgarian farmhouse
More freedom.
More family time.
Growing our own food.
And travelling together as a family in the Balkan countries

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🎥 WHAT WE SHARE HERE

This channel documents real family life after moving abroad — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Real-time relocation & rural living
Honest DIY & renovation (no experts — just learning as we go)
No crew. No big budgets. Just us.
New videos every Sunday.

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👉 Subscribe here:
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🌍 Official Website & Project Links:
Homepage → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/
Watch the Journey →
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Explore renovation blogs, cost of living guides and sustainable living insights

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📝 FEATURED BLOG GUIDES

Cost of Living in Bulgaria → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/post/cost-of-living-in-bulgaria
Rural Living in Bulgaria → https://www.freshstartsticks.com/post/rural-living-in-bulgaria-our-honest-experience
Buying Property in Bulgaria
Home Renovation in Bulgaria: What You Should Know

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🤍 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
Your support helps us continue renovating and documenting this journey.
https://www.freshstartsticks.com/donate

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🎵 MUSIC
Song list: Morning Mist
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