That is really bad bernie and dave, lovely to hear from you.  

If this was to have happened in England, surely we could all claim compensation due to the delay in completion. 

Bansko does sound lovely, but this Mountain Suites sounds like faulty towers!!

I look forward to seeing other posts from recent visitors

bev

Hi , Dave and Bev here!

We own apartment 7 on the second floor.  Has anyone got any recent photos, we plan to make our first visit Bank Holiday weekend.  Any tips or advice would be very welcome.

HI All

We are also visiting in August for a week and my children will be wanting to swim. I have no intention of paying to use someone else's pool. I have emailled Tatiana informing her of the dates of the British school summer holidays and telling her we expect the pool to be heated at this time. I suggest we all email via George to get the pool heated.

JO

I have just read the post from Elvis7 and suppose it makes sense if the pool heater costs so much it isn't on all year.

We are coming to the apartment for the first 2 weeks in August and have heard that others may also be going out to try Bansko in the Summer. I am going to e mail developers and ask the heater is turned on for the sumer season. If there are other owners with people going out then it maybe worth e mailing also, power in numbers.

I have started renting the apartment for the winter so hopefully everything will be completed.

Ian 

Many  thanks  Paddy,   myself,  daughters  &  grandchildren   are  going  out  next  month,  now  I  know  what  to  expect.   Using  Kempinski  facilities,  do  they  charge  much  for  this.

                                                                                                     Cheers

                                                                                                               Daniel.

Here is the e-mail we recieved he has an answer for each of our questions.

1. When is the buliding going to be finished? You are six months
> behind the completion date and this has cost me financially.
The building is completed, the electricity and water supply are
permanent. The only thing left to be installed is the sauna and the
laundry room. We are working on that and it will be present before the
start of the winter. Tatiana can give you more information on that.
> 2. There are still problems with the heating we were expecting to see
> and extra one or two heaters in the bedroom and living room.
The additional heaters are not a problem. They can be installed anytime.
Although, I am sure that you will not have problems with the heating
this winter, because as I mentioned we are now on permanent and reliable
electricity supply and your heaters will work properly.
> 3. The maintence money I have paid- I would either like that money
> back or when the buliding is completed that will be the first
> maintence payment.
Due to the delay of the facilities last winter season, we will not
collect maintenance fees this year and the money that we have collected
last season will be used during the coming one.
> 4. I am very annoyed that the pool was not working, when will this be
> fixed? I have now spent the last two days using the Kempinski's
> facilities at a cost to myself.
The pool is fully operational but not heated in the moment, because
there is nobody in the complex and it cost about 5000E per month for
electricity. With the start of the winter season when we expect much
more owners and guest, the pool will be heated and fully operational.
> 5. Could you please inform me about the installation of the two
> elevators, how will this be done and what are the consquences of this
> for the coming season? Is there going to be men working on the
> buliding while people are staying there?
About the elevators I am not sure what is the situation. Tatiana should
be able to answer that.
> 6. What is the importance of "Act 16" and when will you have final
> notification of that?
Act 16 is a formal document, certifying that a governmental commission
has accepted the building and it is ready to be used. We are absolutely
ready for that, just waiting for the authorities.
> 7. I am now contacting my solicitor about compensation because you are
> six months behind.
>

SORRY SORRY SORRY!

Here's the biz on what happened.........

We went out to the apartment no facilities finished the pool had water in it but the pump was not working becasue we were the only ones in the building and it costs too much to run for two people- so we went swimming in the Kempinski hotel which are absolutly fantastic for the money. They also had internet facilities.

Meet with Tatiana much the same as last time we spoke- was very polite but didn't get much satisfaction kept saying facilities will be finished for this season coming. So we sent an e-mail to the builder with complaints and will post letter after this.

As for the golf course- there are nine holes opened but you can only play if you are an owner or guest, my advice to get a game of golf is to say that you are looking to buy there and take a chance they will let you play - again you can hire clubs at the course.

As for the apartment absolutly delighted but lockers, saunas not finished. As for the security man he has no english and tried to be polite and tried to help as best he could and when he smoked he went outside the building.

I  wonder  what  has  happened  to  Elvis 7,  I  was  so  looking  forward  to  his  comments  when  he  got  back.    I  hope  he  did'nt  go  mountain  climbing  and  run  into  one  of  those  big  brown    bears.

           Cheers  Daniel.

Hi Pattie P,

By gardens I was talking about those on the ground floor who have a garden rather than a balcony. On looking at your photos it appears each appartment has a fenced garden area. Is that the case.? Mountain Suites looks good from the photos. Will be in Bansko in 5 weeks time to see our own appartment in Pirin View due for completion late summer.

Regards

Gordon

Going out on the 11th July for a week of relaxation.  Hiring a car from Sofia and looking foward to finding our way to Bansko.  Plan to drive to Greece and explore a bit further.  Would like to go riding in the mountains if I can find somewhere to ride from.  Will let you know how I get on.  We are also going to explore the golf courses????  Looking forward to yet another Parnell adventure.  If anyone is about hope to meet up for a few drinks.

Charles and Jane

Hello All,

We were in Bansko a month ago and visited our apartment in Mountain Suites.We were pleased with the apartment itself but less so with the communal areas.The pool was not heated,there was some fitness equipment in the gym room.Tatiana showed us the door where the sauna room allegedly is,but said it was not yet ready!The 'bar'area contained a number of chairs scattered about.I am not sure what you mean by 'gardens'.There is a paved patio area at the side of the building above the garage door.The pavements and the road are incomplete but appear to be getting closer.On a good note our electricity was working and the radiators were hot. As mentioned by others, we feel that we are unable to source bookings for our apartment until the communal areas are finished, we await a posting from Elvis on his return from Bansko. This all seems very negative, but we enjoyed our visit very much , we thought the town was lovely and look forward to spending more time there once the problems have been sorted out.

Hello All.

Has anyone visited Mountain Suites recently. I would like to know what state the communal areas are now in, ie. bar, gardens etc  Is the pool heated yet? Is the electricity sorted? Has the road been made up yet?

Thanks for any info.

JO

Hi There,

When completing on your property did you have to pay vat on your price of the appartment. In our contract for the sister development Pirin View there is no mention of an additional payment of vat which sits at 20% in Bulgaria. I know other taxes have to be paid at notary signing but there is no mention of vat. My understanding was that VAT is included in the quoted price in the preliminary contract.

Thanks

Gordon

I was interested to know how they have finnished of the outside of the appartments for people  on the ground floor with gardens. For example are these areas decked/grass etc. Generally have they landscaped the building. ?

Thanks

Hi All,

Reply to "swithers" ? re wardrobe space & table/chairs.

We also have 1 bed with 1 wardrobe but found it fine when we were out in Feb skiing for 10 days with a 13 & 16 year old. We used the shelves under the TV unit for childrens clothes- folded up no problem. Will take out some shallow baskets to stop socks etc getting lost at back though.

We have put up some hooks in hall- no nails is great! for ski gear & moves the large coffee table out there too. Ski boot bags on top fo rour gloves, hats etc & small case underneath for fresh ski socks etc.

We asked Tatiana for small table & chairs as contract includede them & she supplied betwen a visit in November & January. Chairs are a bit bulky but all fit in ok with sofabed & armchair & small coffee table. I know she has supplied same to another apt as well.

can e-mail you a phot of what we've got if this would be of any help.

Also looking forward to "Elvis7" post after trip in June.

Nicole

Hi All

Along with a group of friends we have bought an apt in Mountain suites. Our friends have just returned from signing at the notary. We are pleased with the look of Mountain suites but we have one or 2 questions, the main one is about ski lockers, has anyone seen any? Does anyone know anything further about the temperature in the swimming pool? We would love to hear your comments as we have people who want to go out for the next ski season and we are not happy to 'let' the apt in the complex as it is at the moment.

Our apt is a 1 bedroom apt. We only have 1 wardrobe and feel that this is inadequate for 4 people in winter! Anyone else feel the same.  Plus there isnt anywhere to eat, no table and chairs a necessity with young kids. Has anyone else noted this.

Hope for a reply soon

I am going to Bansko on Monday 9th June. I have arrangements to meet my solicitor and to discuss the terms of the contract over the amenities not being finished and loss of rental. I'm posting this message to see if anybody else has done this, please advise. will update when I return.

Paddy 

Hi everyone

We are about to visit Bansko for the first time next week and wondered if some one could supply us with the full address of the Mountain Suites Apartments.

Pat & Gordon

Hi everyone, Bernice and Dave here from apt 12 on 2nd floor. We went out at beginning of April for a week. No snow on the ground in Bansko and warm enough some days to go without a coat, but still plenty of snow on the slopes. We just made it in time before the skiing season ended on 12th April. More luck than judgement!

We are pleased with our apartment but it has taken 3 visits since last year to verify snagging issues, still a couple more things to do but only minor. We have water leaking from under our shower tray which is still happening despite it being fixed, apparently. Does anyone else have a leaky shower? Perhaps I am being too fussy!

The communal areas are still not ready. Pool filled with water but freezing and Tatiana says it will' probably be ready for next season' in that shoulder shrugging kind of vague manner she has! She was completely unaware of the plans including a restaurant, laundry, jacuzzi and mini market so heaven knows if we will ever get those. Never mind the ski lockers and sauna!  I explained how impossible it will be for us to rent our apartment until these facilities are available but I doubt it made much difference.

I wrote a strongly worded e mail to BG Realty and Interlink pointing out their failure to deliver their side of the contract but unsurprisingly I have had no reply. I stated that I wanted the return of my maintenance payment and also compensation for the late delivery of facilities as promised. I believe that is only fair in the circumstances. As I have not heard from them I have asked my solicitor to look at the contract for me and advise.

During this visit I couldn't help but notice that the apartment next door was occupied. I was woken in the morning by a parent asking their kids whether they would like to drink milk or orange juice! I was quite shocked initially in my sleepfulness wondering whether we had uninvited guests in the next room! The walls really are paper thin but I think it highly unlikely that anything will be done about that. Just something we shall all have to bear in mind when the apartments are fully occupied. I dread to think what other people may hear us doing, mainly shouting at the kids!

Apart from all this I am actually really happy that we bought in Mountain Suites and we have a great view of the mountain peak as we face south and even with more building this won't be obscured. I think Bansko has a real rough and ready charm and I enjoy exploring the surrounding areas.

I have a good phrase book and love practising my Bulgarian and the locals are delighted when you make the effort. I bought one on line as could not find anywhere in the shops.

Hope to meet some of you in the future. We will probably go out again in the summer and try out some more guided mountain walks.

Ciao, Bernice and Dave.

Hi All,

Lots of ?'s...hope some of you may have some answers!!

To those out there over Easter what was the snow like?

Does anyone have any more news on Laundry, sauna , cafe/bar on ground floor, Ski lockers & second Gondola?

There are 2 security guys each spends 7 days on duty. We have only really had contact with one of them on each of our 3 visits. Very friendly, & chatty almost no english (we have no Bulgarian apart from what he has taught us...good morning/day/evening!) but very able to communicate & very helpful...lent us torch & matches when lost power.

Does anyone know who has keys to block apart from Tatiana and is front door being kept locked as this was an issue when we were over in Feb.?

we also had radiator replaced immediately, but also had toilet left dirty by workman & muddy footprints on cream rug!

Nicole

Just got back from 12 days at mountain suites ( 24.03.08 - 04.04.08 ). everything looked good to me. The swimming pool has been filled with water, but has not yet been heated ( I spoke to Tatiana about it, but there is no answer as to when it will be heated ! ). The general heating of the building seems to have been sorted out because I had to turn some of my appartments radiators down !!, and the radiators in the hallways have definately made a difference. I mentioned to tatiana that 2 of the radiators in my friends appartment were not working, and they REPLACED them both with new ones within half an hour !

I am not sure what the problem with the security guard is ? maybe I am just not quite as fussy as others in the development. I did find times when the translation was very difficult with him, but at other times, he was very helpful ( he borrowed he some of his own tools to hang a couple of pictures etc )

What snagging lists/issues have you all had, as I thought the finish and the quality of the build was of a good standard ?

Just to let you all know that the pavements were being completed on the corner of our street, but not around our appt as I was there..... lets hope that they get to ours soon.

The one worry for me, was that there were 4 or 5 other appartments being used while I was there. i don't think that the groups of people were particuarly rowdy, but the noise was almost as if they were stood in my appt. I don't think the interior insulation is up to much, so when the appts are full or busy, then there may be an issue with the noise....... anyone else have a comment on this ?

Had a message today from Bulgaria to say the pool now has water in it and being heated as we speak!!

Time to get the shorts out!!

Ian

Hi all,

I have just come back from my apartment and am also asking for my maintenance money back. Some snagging has been done however the quality was not good. Mess has been left and they have created more work! Also tea towels and cups have been used by workforce! I also agree with kris and mel about the guy in reception who's stinkin the place out! He's mad! Im not paying maintenance for a drunk 24hr security guard. Quick warning to all - Unless you've been out and seen your apartment COMPLETELY finished, dont beleive a word said. Go see for your self. I have made 3 trips now and although im sure it will be ok eventually I have been told a number of lies. Overall the apartments good but im still not completely happy. Sorry.

Insurance.

You do not need to insure your apartment until you have signed at the Notary however if you are leaving your belongings you should have these covered.

There are two types of insurance, one more comprehensive if you are letting than if you are not.

We are using Bob at Best Bulgaria to arrange insurance and  from memory I think it works out at approx Euros 110 per year (non letting).

JO

                       Has anybody got insurance on their apartment .who did they get it from. and do you have any  prices.

Hi all

We have just returned from a stay in our apartment and we were pleasantly suprised with our apartment as all the items on our snag list have been completed.  We spoke to Tatiana about the swimming pool but did not receive a definite answer as to when this will be completed.  We still believe that there is a problem with the security as the guy who was there when we was out there was quite a volatile character which could be taken as being aggressive occasionally.  We were also instructed by Bob to take charge of all sets of keys for our apartment as he was worried that there might be a security issue.

We were under the impression also that a restaurant was supposed to be in the complex but cannot see where this will fit in.

We use Bob at Best bulgaria for property management and have had absolutely no problems with him at all.

On the whole we had a brilliant week. 

Kris and Mel

Hi There,

I was wondering how people felt generally about the finish quality of the appartments and those who have completed the legals for their appartment have you been offered a reasonable management package.

cheers

Gordon

Has anyone had an update on the electricity situation in the last week or so. The oiginal plans did show a restaurant etc but I cant see where they have room to put now one as the ground floor seems to be all apartments. Would like to see the lounge bar finished. We are going to use Bob at Best Bulgaria to let our apartment.

JO 

                   Has anybody checked out the rental agents.

We had been told that the basement rooms were going to be used for laundry & ski lockers but no mention of restaurant! we are second floor no.3 if any of our neighbours are out there!

Nicole

Just wondered what other owners views are on the restaurant in the basement. I can't  see how it is going to be used very much especially with all the good places to go and eat nearby.

I think it would be better to use the area for lockers, laundrey and other things they are missing.

Anybody else got a view.

Ian

Spent a week in January enjoying the skiing (our first time on the slopes).  Had a great evening with fellow neighbours.  We did not have any problems with the warmth of the apartment, but did notice that the electrics could not cope. We have communicated with George regarding the state of the basement and no tiles on the floor of the kitchen area as per the spec.!!  It wil be great when all is complete, so just keep communicating with George if any problems. Don't give up.  Looking forward to a week in the summer to explore the area further. Very pleased with No. 7 and looking forward to spending more time in Bansko. 

Jane and Charles

We were also out in Feb half term and had the problems with the electric which meant our first night was very cold. After this Tatiana moved us out whilst the problems were sorted which obviously wasnt ideal but didn't ruin the holiday. We managed to be back for the last night and had a great night with our new neighbours!

On a positive note this is the third time I have been out to Bansko and each occasion met other owners from the apartment. All these people have been great and had some nice evenings with new friends!!

It would be a shame for people to panic and sell their apartments due to some initial problems. The response I have had from Tatiana and George has always been good and minor problems have been sorted! I am sure in time and with continued pressure from us to get things right the apartments will be great!!

Afer spending time in the center of town I am glad that ours is out on the edge as the noise from the stray dogs in town would make me want to sell more than the electric! 

Already booked to come back in August for the jazz festival and to go sight seeing, so hopefully will meet other owners then.

Ian

Also bought through Burchells!

Got back on Monday 18th after 10 days at Mountain Suites.

Like most others was moved to Hotel for 3 nights due to total lack of power. Hotel paid for by developer but am going to ask for contribution towards food as had to eat out for 4 nights & throw food away that we had bought .

tatiana came to see us before we left on the 18th to say that the power cable into the building has now been upgraded so there shouldn't be any more problms with low power or no power. Still waiting for transformer to be connected outside for pool & sauna and couldn't say when this would be happening. Also no news on laundry & ski lockers.

When we had power we found our apartment to be warm, heaters on stairs have definately helped. Walls between apartments are paper thin and can hear conversations! Coffee area still not finished.

small grocery shop in road behind apartment block is good.

For those who don't want to walk you can get mini bus up to Gondola for 4 lev per person return from the Banderista Hotel.  We can recommend the fresh donut stall (4 lev for box of small donuts) & pancake stall on way home if you come back down through the shops & then cross over the wooden bridge just after the Hotel Lazur (they do great mexican food!)

Nicole & Mark

ps. Did anyone else buy through Burchell Edwards in Solihull?

Hi Jo,

When you stayed in the hotel last week, did Bg Reality reimburse for the costs.  Also I have had an E mail of Joro from Bg Reality today Tues 19th Feb stating the electricity has been fixed and won' be a problem??.  We are due to go out on Sunday so we shall see.

Kris & Mel 

Have just got back from Mountain Suites.

Electricity or lack of, still a major problem. Had two nights in a hotel as the power blew completely.  Electricity is a problem to this part of Bansko not just Mountain Suites.

Pool complete but obviously not enough power to heat it so it is still empty, did not see a sauna. Gym finished.

There was no snow around the outside of the building and it was evident that the grounds had been landscaped but the road is still a dirt track.

Spoke to our Lawyer who has told us all facilities as shown on preliminary contract must be installed by the developer.

JO

Dear all this is the reply I got from Joro at Duplica Ltd regarding updates on the facilities.

I forwarded your snag issues to the manager of the complex and Tatiana
will take care of everything.

About the communal facilities,

Unfortunately we have been beset with problems with the electricity
supply of the complex. The infrastructure and mainly the low voltage of
the power that the electro company supplies in that exact area of
Bansko. They are constructing new electricity transformer in order to
handle all new buildings, and we hope that the issue will be resolved in
very short time frames.

We have installed the circulating and heating humps for the pool and the
sauna, the heating radiators are highest quality, just the power is
insufficient to get all this properly operational. The gym is ready.



Please accept our apologies for not being able to get all facilities
operational as estimated. We very much appreciate your understanding and
patience.

From our experience Tatiana isn't the most productive, has anyonelse had there snag list done and had it been completed.

Kris & Mel

I went a couple of weeks ago and not much had changed since November, however there was a room with gym equipment. There was no sign of any sauna, although a lot of the rooms were closed.

I am going out again next week so will be interesting to see if there is any further change!!

I had a great time whilst out there and although its a pain everything not being finished the place is great!!

Hi,  We are due to be going to Mountain Suites 24th Feb, could I ask does anyone have the E mail address for George are Bg Realty, as reading from previous comments he appears to be the only person from them to give you an update.  Also does any know if the pool has some water in?, and are any other areas being progressed.

Kris & Mel

I am booking 10 days in March for easter holidays. Are there any other families going out that week ( 21.3.08). I wanted to know about ski schools and lift passes etc.

I understand they have been having power cuts but nothing happened during our recent stay. It needs clarifying whether the cuts are local or a fault in the building.

JO