11th January, 20
Bansko Bulgaria
Stephen Dainty, managing director of Bulgarian builder and developer, HHB Holiday Homes, believes that the ban on foreign purchases in Switzerland - coupled with problems of poor snowfall in the country and in neighbourng countries such as France - will make people look with renewed interest at the Bulgarian market.
He says: “Bansko is a high resort with very good faciities. It’s the country’s most modern ski centre. Snow started falling in Bansko in December and ski conditions are currently excellent.
“As well as the snowfall, there are dozens of snow cannons which means that the main run is never cloased. Ski-runs cater for both the beginner and advanced skiers.
“With flights to Sofia on the increase and flight prices falling, more and more people are prepared to try new resorts and new countries.
“People like to buy in places where they feel welcome and where they feel that there is room for growth. Switzerland’s loss could well be Bulgaria’s gain.”
Bansko sits in the Pirin mountains around 160 kilometres from Sofia. At more than 900 metres above sea-level, Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season - from December to April - of all Bulgarian ski resorts and has seen a huge amount of investment over the past few years.
HHB Holiday Homes recently released 70 studios and apartments at the Pinewood Ski Lodge and Health Spa at the foot of the mountain and a five minute walk to the Gondola and the forest.
The complex will include a spa and treatment centre offering facials, massages and body treatments. There will also be a sauna and fitness room. Prices will start at £9, considerably cheaper than treatments in the UK.
Studios and apartments at Pinewood will include flooring and kitchen units with electric cooker rings and stainless steel hood. Ski storage facilities will also be available.
Pinewood will have a dedicated reception team and site manager. There will also be a bar, on-site parking and landscaped gardens. Apartments will have satellite TV connection and optional air conditioning.
The apartments at Pinewood will be open all-year-round and offer excellent rental potential for holidaymakers and weekenders keen to take advantage of the spa facilities.
Prices at Pinewood start from £28,000 for a studio, around £48,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £85,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. The building is due to be completed in summer 2008.
Reader enquiries: HHB Holiday Homes (Manchester)
Tel: 08452 60 90 60
Email: info@hhbholidayhomes.com
Website: www.hhbholidayhomes.com
HHB Holiday Homes is a member of the British Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and has offices in Manchester, Varna and Bansko.
