Academy for a better life in harmony with nature

Are you ready to transform your lifestyle?

Do you dream of a healthier, more sustainable way of living?

Welcome to the Country Life Academy; a place designed for people like you! Our mission is to help you find back your freedom and embrace a more natural lifestyle, and work towards a brighter, more positive future for everyone.

Many of us feel trapped in a busy city life, far away from their own nature and stuck in unfulfilling office jobs. Perhaps you’ve caught yourself wondering, �Is this all there is?�

It doesn’t have to be. You can live a more joyful, fulfilling life that not only nurtures your well-being but also contributes to a better world.

 

How to setup a natural life for yourself?

Experience and learn with us. Choose one of our courses or our coaching program:

"What an experience! We had no idea of what to expect when arriving, but very quickly we knew we had made a life changing choice. We have learnt so many wonderful + useful things here and great lessons for life in general.
Thank you so much for being wonderful role models for all to see that this life in the countryside is possible and enriching."
- Stuart & Miriam

 

Curious about how to make this change in your own life? Speak with Peter. Call him for a half hour free introduction at +385955088572 or email him.

"I just can't express my gratitude enough for your wonderful words! They blew my mind. So many good ideas, advices, it's like I have everything that I need, like a manual to reach my family's dream. I'm so honoured that you are helping me on my journey. Thank you thank you thank you!"
Aljaž, Slovenia

 

About us

Peter Scheltus is a visionairy life designer and a personal coach. He was a blacksmith and therefore working with wood is a piece of cake for him. He creates beauty.

Barbara Scheltus - van den Berg is a life designer, permaculture and Cultural Emergence facilitator, witch and gardener. Nature is her guide in life.

Together (with our kids) we moved from the city centre of Leiden in The Netherlands, to the beautiful countryside of Croatia in 2009. We have lived off the grid for 2 years and now we have built up a regenerative and rich life in beautiful nature, where we welcome guests and volunteers on our 12 hectares of edible landscape. Bogata Šuma, "Rich Forest".

The time is ripe to take the next step for us: we're growing a village

More about Peter and Barbara >

"Peter, your vision and ideas are contagious - forever keeping us on our toes. Barbara, you are totally the perfect person to run courses here at Bogata Šuma. Your knowledge is far reaching. We love what you are creating here and the two of you make a formidable team!"
Brooke & David

 

Practical Permaculture Design Course (PDC)

Mon 20 - Fri 24 April 2026

In this week you will experience how it is to live a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. It's a life that embraces the principles of working with, rather than against nature. Here, every action is a conscious step towards cultivating regenerative ecosystems in independence.

>> More about the introduction to permaculture and sustainable living course

 

Social permaculture & Cultural Emergence design

14 - 18 September 2026

Empower yourself to shape your future with our social permaculture course to desig for change!

Explore ethics and principles of social permaculture and how to apply them to live a more sustainable life. Learn to cultivate resilient relationships, inclusive spaces, and ignite positive change within your communities.

Join us on a transformative journey where you'll gain the tools to co-create a world where harmony and empowerment thrive.

>> More information about our social permaculture in your life - design course

 

Coaching program

Peter has been coaching people to articulate their dreams, their vision and values.

Live your dreams!

If you are interested in a personal coachings program: Peter coached already many people on their pathway to living a fulfilling live in nature.
You can contact Peter by phone (+385 95 5088 572) or by e-mail info@countrylifeacademy.com

"I got to feel out the beautiful vibe you have going here, it's really special! Bogata Suma is an inspiration and hopefully I'll get to build something as beautiful as this."
Stanislav

 

Courses and workshops in 2026

20 - 24 April '26	• Introduction to Permaculture and sustainable living >>
20 April - 30 May '26	• Practical Permaculture Design Course (PDC) >>
1 May '26	• Open Farm Day on our venue Bogata Šuma (Croatia)
12 - 14 June '26	• Food Forests: how to grow an edible ecosystem >>
14 - 18 September '26	• Social Permaculture in your life >>
14 Sept - 23 Oct '26	• Practical Permaculture Design Course (PDC) >>

 

"Thank you Bogata Suma for being a cell of goodness, to be spread all around to create a better world, step by step, tree by tree, forest by forest. I will be back"
Andrea

 

Contact us

info@countrylifeacademy.com

Calll +385 95 5088 572 (Peter)
or +385 95 5555 677 (Barbara)