'The White House' is a newly-renovated Bulgarian mountain-style villa situated in Bulgaria, on the west slopes of the Pirin Mountains, in the tiny mountain village of Varbite, 1000 metres above sea level. Varbite can be found 15 km east from the town of Kresna, 6km from the village of Vlahi and 160 km south of Sofia. Kresna, the nearest town, can be also be reached by bus or train. Transport can be arranged from here to and from 'The White House'. whilst the villa is accessible by car in reasonable weather, when it is wet 4-wheel drive transport is essential.
Varbite is also a gateway to the Pirin National Park, one of the three National Parks in Bulgaria and the only one which is a UNESCO site of outstanding natural beauty. Varbite has grown as a summer mountain hamlet where local people escape from the heat of summer. In midwinter it is often above the snowline.
On the ground floor of the villa there's a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, electric cooker, fridge with freezer and plenty of utensils. There is one cozy living room with a wood fire and a larger lounge with a splendid view over the surrounding scenery and across to the Macedonian mountains in the far distance.
On the first floor, there are 3 bedrooms, one bedroom with a double bed, one bedroom with 2 beds and a single bedroom as well as a shower-room with toilet. There's also a separate toilet. These are accessed externally in the traditional bulgarian fashion.
On the second floor, there is a twin bed room under the eaves with a panoramic view from the top of the house accessed by an external spiral stair. This is not suitable for children under 12.
In spite of its remote location at 1000 metres, The White House has plenty of modern facilities but is an ideal mountain retreat for those looking to experience an adventure in the wild. It's the perfect setting for mountain rambles or peace and tranquility surrounded by nature. There are no pesticides used in the region so there are many varieties of butterflies and wild flowers.
The area around the villa is forested with black and white pine-trees and there are delightful local walks. Be sure to take a compass, map and walking boots. Mobile reception is available at the villa but not everywhere in the locality, so SATNAV cannot be relied upon. Higher up beyond the tree-line there are plenty of mountain climbing routes and the scenery is breathtaking.
Two famous peaks are accessible from the villa, Vihren and Sinantsa, and if you are a less experienced mountain walker a local guide can easily be arranged. The villa is quite isolated from shops and restaurants, with only few other private residences around it. Unless the weather is dry a 4x4 is advisable because the road beyond Vlahi is not metalled. Drive carefully because the road is steep in places though the views are spectacular as you travel up towards the Pirins.
One of the most beautiful trips you can make from the villa is to the Sini Vrah (Sinanitca) peak. It's a four hour walk from Vihren hut to reach the gully of Sini Vrah (Blue Peak). The peak of Sini Vrah is famous for its beauty. According to local lore it throws bluish glows early in the morning. Deep in the small gully is an 'eye-tear' lake. There is a hostel by the lake so it is possible to stay overnight there, but advisable to book in advance in the summer months.
The White House resolutely resists TV or WIFI (though there is a radio and CD player) because it is designed as a retreat – a space for relaxation, intimacy, family quality time or a stop-over for mountain climbers and adventurous spirits. It is a mountain region so it is vital to take sufficient groceries and supplies for your entire trip unless you are planning to travel further afield.
It takes 3-4 hours to drive to the Halkidi and Sithonia peninsular resorts from the villa. The town of Melnik to the south and Blagoevgrad to the north are worth a visit, as it the magnificent Rila Monastery.