Now that the Covid pandemic is diminishing and France has relaxed most of the restrictions, we are looking for house sitters again! It seems likely that borders between European countries will once again be open although international travel might take longer to happen. We live in hope.
Basically, we are a retired couple living in Gascony, specifically the Gers department of France. We have a main house and separate house sitters cottage, surrounded by farmland and with our own lake. We have two female dogs: a 5 year old rescued labrador cross and another smaller 5yr old labrador. We live in a rural part of the country but not isolated. Lots of markets (one every day somewhere nearby).
Lourdes and the Pyrenees are about 2 hours South and, on a clear day, the mountains can be seen from the property. Toulouse is to the East, Bordeaux to the North and the Atlantic coast to the west. The capital of the Gers is the cathedral city of Auch. This is also the land of the Musketeers - the birthplace of d’Artagnan is only a few kilometres away. If we are around, the sitters are welcome to take off for a day or two to explore further afield.
What we are offering is a 2 bedroom modernised self contained cottage (quite separate and a little distance from the house). All utilities (electricity, water, wifi etc) are paid for by us. The start date is from the beginning of October 2020 for 4 months (or longer if mutually agreeable). Dates are flexible.
In exchange for the cottage, we would appreciate someone who can walk the dogs across fields twice a day (weather permitting) and maintain the garden. The main upkeep in the garden involves weeding one flower bed and mowing on a ride on tractor. In the autumn, its the leaves that need mulching and in winter most garden activities cease! Because the area is fairly large, my husband also shares in the mowing (unless we are away, of course) We also have a gardener who comes once a week and does heavier work such as strimming and hedge sutting. We travel quite a bit , occasionally at the last moment, so will sometimes be in situ, sometimes away. This is why we need permanent sitters on hand but having the two houses gives everyone their own space.
We have high speed internet and Satellite TV available in both properties. The cottage is heated in winter with a very efficient wood burning stove. All the usual mod cons.
We are in a rural area with no public transport so your own car would be essential. Also non-smokers. For security reasons, no children (we have a lake, ponds / water sources) and no pets please. Preference will be given to couples as we would be reassured to know there is always back up should one person get ill or need to leave for family reasons back home.
This is not the first time I have advertised on this site and I had a number of possible house sitters on file. I can no longer find this file so if you are one of those people I said I would keep on file, and you are available, do please get in touch!