15 years experience
living on the land


Learn skills for
a good life in nature
Almost 300 people
in our programs


Academy for a good life in nature

Do you want to change your lifestyle?

Do you want to make a step towards a healthier, more sustainable life in nature?


We have started the Country Life Academy for people like you! To help you find your freedom and a more natural lifestyle, to work on a positive future for us all.

More and more people feel trapped in a rat race in the city, locked up in their apartment. Their office job is not fulfilling and we hear people asking themselves: "Is this it?"
It doesn't have to be. You too can live a joyful, fulfilling life that contributes to a better world.

Speak about your options with Peter. Call him on +385955088572 or mail peter@countrylifeacademy.com

"I just cant 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

Would you like help to setup a natural life for yourself?

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

 

 

In the meantime we are Growing a Village. A community with people who care about the earth, about people and about the future. A village in the heart of Croatia, living sustainably in harmony with nature. A self sufficient community that includes and embraces, and where people ask themselves how they can contribute their best. >>

About us

Peter & Barbara ScheltusPeter Scheltus is a visionairy life designer, a personal coach and trainer. 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. Mother Nature is her guide in life.

Together (with our kids) we moved from the city center 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

 

Sustainable living and self-sufficiency

30 September - 4 October 2024

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 our Sustainable living and self-sufficiency course

 

Social permaculture - design for change

19 - 23 August 2024

Empower yourself to shape your future with our Social Permaculture - designing for change course!

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 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 2024

29 April - 3 May '24
• Introduction to permaculture & sustainale living >>
5 June '24
• How to setup your low maintenance garden >>
22 June '24
• Using herbs for your health >>
8 - 12 July '24
• Introduction to permaculture & sustainale living >>
19 - 23 August '24
• Social permaculture and designing for change >>
4 September '24
• How to setup your low maintenance garden >>
30 Sept - 4 Oct '24
• Sustainable living and self-sufficiency >>

 


"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)

 



Would you like to live a free, healthy & happy live in harmony with nature?
Would you like help on your path to get there?