Our Family NEEDED This | Off Grid in BULGARIA #12

#bulgaria #offgrid #offgridfamily #farm #movingtobulgaria #renovation
When you live off grid with young children you need to be prepared and for us, this latest build ticks the boxes.
We're Phil and Kayleigh, a husband and wife living in rural Bulgaria with our two children, Alex and Ember. It's always been our dream to live a more self-sustainable life off grid. So, we've sold all our belongings, escaped the rental rat race and bought a plot of land. Complete with a derelict house and 3 barns, we hope to create our new life mortgage free. We've faced lots of hurdles already, so hang on tight as we show you highs and lows of moving abroad and starting again.
Ние сме Фил и Кейли, съпруг и съпруга, живеещи в провинциална България с нашите две деца, Алекс и Ембър. Нашата мечта винаги е била да живеем по-самоустойчив живот извън мрежата. И така, продадохме всичките си вещи, избягахме от надпреварата с плъхове под наем и купихме парцел земя. В комплект с изоставена къща и 3 хамбара се надяваме да създадем нашия нов живот без ипотека. Вече се сблъскахме с много препятствия, така че изчакайте, докато ви показваме върховете и недостатъците на преместването в чужбина и започването отново.
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Work With Us:
[e-mail]
Link:
For UK:
ALLPOWERS R1500 Power Station: bit.ly/3Ul3LTw
ALLPOWERS SP037 400W Solar Panel: bit.ly/3ucEG2t
ALLPOWERS R1500 Plus SP037 Solar Generator: bit.ly/3SD6uGA
15% Off Discount code: OffGridWithTheUdens
Ends on April 30th,2024
For EU:
ALLPOWERS R1500 Power Station: bit.ly/3Oiovr1
ALLPOWERS SP037 400W Solar Panel: bit.ly/3SBZLwt
ALLPOWERS R1500 Plus SP037 Solar Generator: bit.ly/3Sb3MGY
15% Off Discount code: OffGridWithTheUdens
Ends on April 30th,2024

[@firelight-vitality]

Encourage your friends to consider relocating to Bulgaria! Your presence would be invaluable, and we could certainly benefit from more individuals like you. The cost of living in the UK has become exorbitant, making it challenging to maintain a decent standard of living.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes - the cost of living is one of the many reasons we left the UK. Since Brexit, long term residency is not an easy process for Brits and many have sold their properties over here because of this. We love living here and consider it home for us now.

[@nicolakeeling3670]

Absolutely love your videos ❤ we have just brought our first property in Bulgaria x you guys are a true inspiration 😊

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Wow that's very, very kind. We really appreciate it! Best of luck with your plans 😁🥰

[@VWApachey]

Really loved the capturing of the lightening during the night.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It came out so much better than we had hoped!

[@ourderelictdream]

Just awesome, well done Phil! ...great news you're all booked to return xx

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks guys! Really appreciate it. We can't wait to get back out 😁

[@r.a.3984]

Wow! I’m impressed how much you’ve done alone!!! Great job mate!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much indeed. Yeah I did quite well and got some stuff fixed on the Land Rover too. 👍😁

[@anthonytaylor1439]

Brilliant Job !!! Well done 👍 you should be very proud!!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you! I am very pleased with it 😁

[@project-bulgaria]

The deck looks very good💪. Even if you decide to do more and more, don't take it too hard. It's normal that something always comes up. We know that too 😅

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Life is all about the ups and downs - we appreciate every bit of the rollercoaster 😊👍

[@krasimirkirev7178]

Don't tempt fate! The most important thing is that you and your family be well and healthy and the rest will just come together. It is good to have a plan of what you want to do , but live day by day and don't make any huge plans, because if you do things don't usually happen the way you have planned them. Just let everything happen naturally, if you know what I mean. Good luck!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely - we are taking it day by day. I think when you have been through tough times you truly understand how precious every minute of life is - and that's why we are so desperate to get back home 😊🇧🇬

[@krasimirkirev7178]

I do understand. There is something about Bulgaria. It is not perfect, it has its pros and cons, but it makes you wanna go back, doesn't it? It draws you back to it, because it feels like home I guess.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes - it gets into your blood! ❤️🇧🇬

[@once-was]

Ref your question about the outdoor kitchen!!! Make sure you put the cooker part of the kitchen on the sticky out bit of the kitchen, to keep the heat away from the caravan... (Fire Hazard.)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Not sure where we will put a hob yet but, I think we will do some kind of tile splashback or something anyway to protect from the heat etc.

[@travellingarts93]

Just perfect it is fun to watch your videos, thanks for sharing

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks so much for watching. We really do appreciate it 😊

[@sueanderson4757]

Well what an amazing job you have done. Hurry back so we can watch more of your vlog 👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Haha thank you very much... We are working on it! Returning next month so not long to wait. 😁👍

[@JR-xw5dk]

Moving the latch to the top might make it easier to reach from the outside and keep it out of reach from the little one. Keep up the good work.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Kayleigh recommended moving the latch to the outside of the gate the second I sent her a photo haha 🤣

[@paulturner7837]

What a great job 👍 Looks good, secure and dry. That power bank will be very useful and you’ll get plenty of solar to keep it charged up. The storm at the end looked amazing,who needs TV 😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much for the positive comment. Yes I think the allpowers will be really useful out and about on our land. The storm was awesome and rolled in out of nowhere! I had to get the drone up 😆

[@Leed216]

think i would do the kitchen along the left side of deck(as you face caravan) wear the solid panels are. Easy for stove top/bbq heat/greases to escape. the solid panels will help to stop wind blowing out flames on bbq/gas stove top. Although you might want to add some lattice or other shade protection on that side if it is westerly facing. don’t ‘build in’ your seating area as your needs will change over time and its nice to move things around. You might want an area for eating el fresco other than a sofa. quality work on the railings and gate (Canada). I agree with others to mount the lock on top out of gate out of Ember’s reach.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks for the suggestions ☺️ Kayleigh also said immediately that the latch had to be moved to the outside of the gate haha. We are also planning to have moveable furniture, like you say plans change. Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@nancyjason8159]

Well done that ye are not giving up and moving back I'm an irish man myself bought a house over there just last month can't wait to go over next month and get started the endless projects I have planned I would love to come meet ye or the other way around Well Phil really 😂😂 cause I would need a hand with things and ye will also I take it

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks for watching - congratulations on your new house! 👍

[@deehalpern8988]

Love the out takes 😂. The railing /fence looks wonderful. But I’m sure Ember will figure out that gate latch in a minute. Can’t wait to see the whole family back in your little home. ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you. The outtakes are always great to watch after 18 hours of editing too 😆. As soon as I sent Kayleigh a photo of the completed gate she said the same thing! Moving the bolt is on the list as soon as we get back haha. Thanks for watching. 😁

[@zlatko.petrov]

Amazing job!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you 😊

[@Mi-cljjj]

You make everything to such a high standard! Nothing ever looks botched in the slightest! 👏🙌

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you so, so much, this means a lot to me! We always say do it once do it properly and I always try my best. Thank you for the positive comment, I hope we can keep the same standards up for everything we do on the land.

[@betty9201]

Looks a great job, safe and attractive for little ones. Looking forward to your next one! 😊

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you so much😁

[@wheelyliving4093]

Another very positive video Phil...Great job on the deck...Enjoy your family love...Best wishes. Tony and Carolyn... :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you. 😊

[@elizabethdunn2992]

The deck is STUNNING!!! Brilliant episode as usual 😅❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it. So pleased you enjoyed the video 😁🥰

[@djryne]

Love what you have done ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It's really starting to come together now 😁

[@jeanettebarns1024]

love the videos keep it up you are both a true inspiration to lots of poeple ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

That's so kind thank you so much, it means a lot to us 🥰🥰

[@TV.Vlashev]

glad that you made safe comeback

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you 😊

[@frombournemouthtobulgaria]

Looks locely fella :) Really good craftsmanship on the job bud.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Cheers buddy really appreciate it. Hope you guys are doing alright 👍

[@stephenboulding5485]

welldone lovely job steve

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much - it turned out a lot smarter than we had hoped!

[@lynniestreater]

I love the idea of an outdoor kitchen, but I wouldn’t put any kind of hot cooker next to the caravan. I’ve seen too many of them have melted siding due to a cooker being too close. If you did a peninsula and put the cooker in that it would be amazing. Whatever you do will be wonderful

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you so much. Yes the heat from the cooker certainly needs to be considered when building the kitchen area. Thanks for the comment.

[@audsy017]

Wow well done looks fab done a great job 😊

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you very much 😊

[@AandDexcellentadventure]

Cracking job mate, well done !

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much 😊

[@Rob-100]

The fence is great Phil. The gate lock I would have put on the outside so no little hand can watch and unlatch it. 😂I think you will be able to set up a carpenter service with your standard of workmanship phi.

[@Rob-100]

Have a safe trip home.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks Robin really appreciate it. Yes indeed Kayleigh mentioned this the second I sent her a photo of the finished gate! It will be one of the first jobs when I get back 😆

[@gw6056]

Met you and your wife and family seperatly at the airport... Nice to see the live version...well done

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Was great to meet you! Thanks for coming and saying hello 🤗

[@Kikistravels]

Great decking guys can't wait to see what you do.next

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks so much. There's plenty more to do that's for sure, stay tuned 😁

[@vladivladi6004]

Bravo, super 😊👍♥️

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you 😁🥰

[@katejolee]

Bloopers 😅😅 well done so far on the build 👏

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🤣Thank you - we will begin uploading weekly again very soon ❤️👍

[@petyobenov]

You've done a great job! Well done! You are definitelly right about the car, we always go with a "баничарка (banitcharka - minivan) for a family car. Happy to see you flying from Plovdiv airport, that is next to me, may be see you here someday!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much 😁 yes a minivan/people carrier is a good practical choice, we fly from Plovdiv quite often so yea maybe see you around 👍

[@NewBulgarians]

Lol we had a Mondeo estate car and she was a fantastic work horse for all the building supplies, footy kit and footy team we got in her. Would defo have another one. That portable solar kit is going to come in handy for loads of situations I bet. Decking looking better and better. Looking very rustic ranch style. Perfect for those long lazy summer days to enjoy that view. Bulgaria is definitely our happy place. I bet you couldn't wait to get back to your lovely family though, and won't be long before you ALL return 'home'. Love your mum's car picnic - so lucky. Lolol😂sluts! Oh keeping us hanging again 😮

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes me saying estate cars wasn't the most thought through process as they are surprisingly practical 🤣 I've found the Allpowers super useful already! I was supposed to say 'slats' 🤦‍♂️. We're back out next month.... Not long to go 😁

[@NewBulgarians]

Oh that's great you are going to all get back so soon - happy for you! @@OffGridWithTheUdens

[@derekbilston9290]

Estate cars are brill. Good alternative if a van or Landy is not available.

[@SylviaWhite-w7p]

Good job looks great

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much 👍🇧🇬

[@Cathy-ty3fp]

Brilliant miss u guys, have you thought about shutters to block you all in during cold weather 🤷‍♀️. Then you can use outdoor heaters Perfick xx

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you 🥰. Yes we are looking into clear plastic screens that can be rolled down to make it a warm and dry place in the winter.

[@guypettit9548]

Love the work you do, some of the other channels in Bulgaria do some pretty shoddy stuff but you always do a proper job. Nice!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks for the lovely comment. I can't speak for anyone else but we've always said "do it once do it properly". The downside of this is it takes 3x longer and costs 2x more! 🤣,

[@guypettit9548]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens I've always said "do it once, do it properly" I've over engineered my place in Bulgaria because I don't want to do it again 🙂. Your work will last for you and your children, its worth the extra time.

[@Gallivantinggriffiths]

Decking looks fab. we have the ALLPOWERS 1kw that did us proud in the motorhome for our travels 👍 also if you get a chance let us know the lumber yard you used as there’s a few to choose from…

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you. Yea I've been really impressed with the Allpowers so far! For sure I'll send you a pin. 👍

[@krissky4835]

Great video and solid work on the deck 🔥 ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks man really appreciate it 😁

[@terrycostin2719]

Awesome video, still laughing at the outakes😂😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🤣🤣 so am I, it's the best thing about editing the video's!

[@newbeginningsinbulgaria]

You have some lovely kit! I assume that's from your previous business in the UK? Tool envy really is a thing! lol

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Haha! Thanks yes it's been MANY years building my collection, most of it was when I was running my landscaping business in the UK but I started my tool addiction about the age of 12🤣

[@simonaa_n]

Wooow so beautiful ❤ good job! Can't wait for the next video 😊

[@carpathianoverland]

Hi Udens. We are getting to the same in Bulgaria.. ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

❤️👍 Good luck 😊

[@deborahbasel184]

The verandah railings look great. Nice job.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you very much!

[@RuinsRebuilt]

Looks amazing👏 Great job👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks guys appreciate it 😁

[@nadyadobreva9904]

Congratulations!❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you 😊

[@UKvet246]

Looking absolutely brilliant, well done.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you so much. We are super happy with how it's turned out 😁

[@ace1rtp]

Awesome work. 😊 You even now got a crawlspace under the decking for storage. Maybe some mash or boarding to conceal it and finish it off.. 👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you. Yeah nice idea, to be honest though it would only fill up with stuff we don't need. Also we will need good access to the underside when Ember learns she can 'post' stuff through the gap in the floorboards 😆

[@Firebreath1988]

nice woodwork skills mate :) really satisfying to see, nice deck aswel so far, and iff later improved nice rental for people that want to get rest in between the stress of life ;) love to see more and love to see these vids and its logical you want to be with your family

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate it. Really pleased you're enjoying the videos, it makes it all worthwhile getting positive comments like this 😁

[@dweamy1]

Well done! I note you have the little latch on inside of the door leading to the step, will the children not be able to open that easily? (not sure if it's there to keep them safe or not? Otherwise I'd add another on the outside that the little ones cant reach).

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes indeed Kayleigh said about this the second I sent her a photo of the completed gate 😆 it's the first job when we get back.

[@SEDMEROHOR]

Here at BG a cheap, custom-made removable plastic tarp is very popular, very durable, keeps the interior warm in the winter. Then you could easily be on the porch even in winter:-).

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

This is exactly part of our plan ready for next winter. That's why we've made the 'fence' flush with the front of the posts 😉

[@wesbutler8289]

Good job! Add some string lights and you'll have quite the party deck!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Haha absolutely! 🥳

[@MrDariomag327]

You might want to consider adding some translucent side curtains that can be deployed during heavy downpours, accompanied by a strong wind. If that happens (and it does) you'll have the whole deck soaked and the roof will not matter. Just a thought.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

This is exactly part of our plan ready for next winter. That's why we've made the 'fence' flush with the front of the posts 😉

[@probuden]

I like that : )

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you - we do too!

[@derekbilston9290]

👍

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

😁

[@dweamy1]

LOL. .... the end of the vlog!!!!!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🤣🤣 glad you enjoyed it.

[@stiffrock3036]

loving the progress keep up the great videos would love to do the same myself.... is there anymore properties similar you know off..also whats the rough cost to living there for month and do you have to leave every 3 months?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much. Loads of places I recommend joining some of the Facebook groups. We have residency out here so we don't have to leave. 👍

[@writerlass5924]

Fab show - great carpentry, hilarious bloopers, love Phil’s mum, and your kids are so cute!😇😇 Thank you for showing us the power station, Phil - have been looking at loads of different ones to find one to bring back to BG to run my work laptop/monitors etc on those typical BG power outage days and also for my camper - was a bit bamboozled by all the technical stuff on the websites - your quick overview was just what I needed! How long do you reckon your model would last with a laptop/2 monitors and a couple of desk lights (I teach online!) - and how long do you reckon solar charging would take with your portable panels? I am thinking of fixing big permanent ones on my house roof at some point if I can find them in BG!😅

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thank you very much for the positive comment 😁. I used the Allpowers for editing the previous week's video. It took me about 18 hours running a laptop and an extra screen, from memory the battery went flat just as it was exporting. With another screen and lights I'd guess you'd probably be looking around 10 hours as a very rough estimate. The solar panel isn't very efficient as it's more designed for portability it will recharge the unit from 5% to 100% on a good day with good sun but only just. You would be much better off with solid solar panels as long as the power and voltage doesn't exceed the max input of the power station. You can also charge it from the mains though so you can charge it up and have it there just incase. Or if you plug it into the wall and then your computer into the Allpowers it works as a UPS so if the power goes out it automatically takes over from the onboard battery meaning you never loose your work on the computer. Hope that helps. Happy to talk more if you need help 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@gw6056]

Ive got two eco flows with solar.... Life savers but dont last as long you think but still useful

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes exactly, they don't replace a big system but they are incredibly convenient especially for out and about.

[@gw6056]

Living the dream, do you mind visits from suportive people in similar situations.....or prefer privacy?.....just fancied meeting up and sharing stories

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks for the comment, at the moment we prefer our privacy especially with the children too... we're always happy to respond to messages and emails though. We have some plans in the future but nothing we want to mention yet. 😊

[@valentin_danev]

Well done. That is a nice peace of woodworking. I love it! But just a quick question, what is the life expectancy of such light wood outside? Would it last?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Great question. The wood doesn't come treated as standard here, in fact it's very hard to get treated wood out here. We've treated the most exposed areas with shou shugi ban . I think the biggest threats will be insects and potential fire damage. We will just have to wait and see.

[@sebastianvagabond4692]

Totally agree you need a decent car in BG. How do you insure the Discovery when it’s SORN and has no MOT? Do you just rod it off? Hope you don’t hit another car?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Interesting you picked that up - we've been having lots of issues with importing the Land Rover and obviously we've been out of the country for the last 6 months. All is in hand though and we will update you all with how we get on.

[@VWApachey]

Nice work Mate . I would love to know the costs for the lumber to give me an idea what tiber costs over there .

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely - we will be covering costs in the near future. 👍

[@Bulgaria_Bucharest]

That solar generstor kit looks brilliant. Obviously I've seen this AFTER the 15% off ended! Would it be any use at all in winter?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

There's always a discount code floating around for them - keep an eye on their Instagram page ❤️ It would depend how much sunlight you get but you can charge it through mains and have it as a backup power supply in case of power cuts 👍🙂

[@Bulgaria_Bucharest]

Thanks for that, I'll look out on Insta. Is it proving to be a useful addition? I'd rather have that than a petrol one.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@Bulgaria_Bucharest Honestly, it's been more useful than we thought it would be. I think it depends what you will be using it for but it's so easy to use, we use it most days to charge phones and laptops and then having it as a backup removes the worry of not having power.

[@Bulgaria_Bucharest]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens brilliant, thanks for that

[@wheelyliving4093]

I am planning ahead towards renovation and materials, how are you finding the job of getting the right building materials and cost?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

You can get everything you need, often locally too. A lot of it is learning how they do things over here and what products and materials they use where. 😊

[@wheelyliving4093]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens the learning and culture curve... :)

[@FreeSpeech-q7v]

Is this an old video? It's odd your wrapped up with a hat and jackets in 35 degrees summer weather?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

March 2024 so yes not current video.

[@WelshVilliageDad]

Tidy.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

👍❤️