Guardian needed for a minimum of 1 year from 1st August 2014 for 16th Century Manoir in rural location in Correze, France. Please only contact me if you can satisfy the following criteria.
1. You must have a valid driving license and your own car suitable for France. 2. You are available for a minimum period of 12 months - possibly up to 5 years. 3. You have at least a basic knowledge of the French language. 4. You have a basic understanding of the culture. 5. You are physically fit. ( age is unimportant, I prefer someone mature, but the house is isolated and the emergency services take a minimum of 25 minutes to reach it You have previous experience of living in an isolated community. 7. You must be a non smoker. 8. You must have no Pets. 9. You must have a valid VISA for living in France You must be tolerant of our schedule and use of the principle building, which may be for up to 4 months a year and occasionally, one week in four. ( We are a family of three. )
The house is a 16th Century Manoir in an idyllic, rural location. Located in a large tourist area with many sites to visit, but sufficiently isolated to be quiet and calm all year round. Nearest supermarket is 15 minutes by car. Nearest airport is 1 hour. As the house sitter, you will not be living in the main house but in the attached staff quarters. ( Essentially an annex above the garage. ) This is a one Bed, one bath apartment with a large lounge and integrated kitchen. the apartment is approximately 70 square meters and was completely renovated in 2001, featuring a cathedral ceiling to the living area. The staff apartment has an independent entrance and car parking area. I can forward photo’s if you feel you are suitable for the position. We are leaving France for a minimum of two years, potentially five years. So we need someone who will be interested long term. You will probably not be able to obtain work locally, so you must have a means of sustaining yourself. For this reason the position would be ideally suited to a mature, retired person(s). Because of the length of the assignment, we expect the successful candidate to pay their own water, electricity and telephony bills. We will underwrite all other outgoings, including local property taxes. The main purpose of this assignment is to show a presence at the property, which extends over approximately 24 Acres. You must be ready to contact us if there are any issues, and contact the emergency services if there is an emergency. There is an expectation that the successful candidate will keep the grass under control. This will require approximately 4 hours per week, between April and September. Instruction will be given and all necessary machinery will be provided. During the winter months we expect you to tidy the leaves in the courtyard, this will take approximately an hour per week. If you do not have a 4x4 expect to be blocked in for about 2 weeks in January / February due to snow. This happens most years, though not every year. I understand this position may not be for everyone, the time commitment required, and the expectations on the sitters, are, perhaps, beyond what most people expect. If, however, you are interested please contact me.