Dates are variable on this, as I do not know exactly when my next travel assignment begins.
I need a responsible professional person or couple to stay in my lovely home while I take a nursing assignment out of state. I have two very spoiled senior bulldogs (one English, one American) who are part of the package and will need lots of TLC while Mom is away.
My house is a rancher with 3 bedrooms and baths, however one bedroom has been turned into an office.
The house is furnished and tastefully decorated with beautiful antiques, lovely art, hundreds of books; the yard is landscaped and fenced. There is a screened area on a beautiful flagstone front porch. The house is in a very quiet neighborhood so if peace and quiet are what you are looking for, this is ideal.
Internet, wireless, DirectTV with all channels, phone and all amenities furnished. Flat screen TVs in bedrooms and large plasma in Family Room.
What responsibilities will my house sitter have?
Caring for two senior bullies, Boss and Lucy, and providing them with daily food/water and lots of love. Upkeep on an apx 1/2 acre fenced lot and landscaped grounds. John Deere Tractor makes the mowing a snap. I need someone respectful and knowledgeable about antiques and fine books and able to properly care for them. Mail will need to be collected daily. I will need to call in for the utility bill amount every month so I can pay it and you can stay cool and watered ! My main priority is finding someone who can maintain the property and keep the animals safe and loved.
What are the good features of my property and location?
Knoxville is at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.. a 40 minute drive from Gatlinburg and Cherokee, NC. Surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains, there is a lake within a 20 minute drive in all directions from my house. Shopping and nightlife all closeby. Two hours from Nashville away from Asheville, NC hrs from Chattanooga.. there is no lack of things to do in East Tennessee.
What do potential house sitters need to consider before applying for this assignment?
I will need a background check and personal references. Sitter needs to be a nonsmoker and must love dogs! As this is a quiet neighborhood and we have lived in peace for many decades, sitter needs to be respectful of neighbors; i.e., no loud music, no parties, no late night cars in and out.. I am very uncomfortable with the thought of strangers in my home other than the ones I hire to do the job.
Also, while I do not expect my floors to be cleaned with a toothbrush, I do expect a modicum of dusting and cleaning. The dogs need to be clean and brushed, furniture/books/ and bookshelves need to be dusted now and then. I consider this part of the job. I hope you can appreciate this, as I appreciate the time you are taking to consider the position.
There is the possibility of an extension if you are interested in staying longer. In today's economy, this would be an ideal situation for someone in between jobs or going back to school.. a "home" away from home and no mortgage or rent to pay while you transition.