About Balkanstone
Hello, my name is Stefan Dimov and I am the founder and managing director of Balkanstone Holidays & Properties (BHP). I was born and grew up in Sliven and the village of Kipilovo where my family still lives. I now live in London and Birmingham with my English wife, but return frequently to Bulgaria.

Living in England it seems to me that many people know very little about Bulgaria – its everyday life, its cities or its countryside. In recent years, cheap package holidays have brought more foreigners to the Black Sea coastal resorts, but visitors experience little of what in my opinion, is best about Bulgaria. Very few foreign visitors see what lies outside the purpose-built holiday resorts – and much of it is well worth seeing. I started BHP because I want to introduce people to some of the things I think are great about Bulgaria.

I have a passion for countryside, where as s a boy I used to hike, fish and hunt around Sliven and Kipilovo. Bulgaria is awash with rivers, lakes, hills and mountain ranges, and I am using my knowledge of the countryside where I grew up to plan and organise some excellent activity holidays.

As well as the countryside, I love the old-style architecture to be found in Bulgarian towns and villages. The old houses, built of wood and stone, are under-appreciated, and many of them are in a state of dilapidation. For many years I've wanted to restore and modernise some of these buildings, tastefully blending old and new styles. Starting BHP is allowing me to do this, and to give others the chance to use these wonderful old houses too.

Visiting some our towns and cities can be a rewarding experience. Most are more cosmopolitan than people would imagine, and often have plenty to see of an historical or cultural nature. Both I and everyone else at Balkanstone want to introduce foreign visitors to some of our great towns and cities.

An important factor for many people when traveling overseas is food and drink, and Bulgarian cuisine has lots to offer. Good food is readily available in cafés and restaurants, as are fresh natural ingredients, if you want to take the opportunity to cook yourself. I have worked in restaurants in a number of European cities, and good food and drink are very important to me. That's why I want want to ensure that in choosing one of our holidays or staying in one of our villas, you will get the opportunity to eat and drink some of the best of what Bulgaria has to offer.

Plese feel free to email me with any questions or suggestions.

I look forward to meeting you in Bulgaria.

Stefan Dimov