Seeking responsible adult(s) willing to pay only actual utility costs (heat, electric, water; and if desired, cable t.v., telephone and high-speed internet). That is: no rent, no taxes, and no homeowners insurance need be paid for the five and one half month term.
A couple of Kiwis "sat" the house in the past - loved it, loved Halifax, and got along famously with the neighbours. A Cape Breton couple came for the Halifax experience.
Responsibililties: Keep the house in good order, water a few houseplants, clear snow if necessary (almost none last year), maintain security and don't be away for too long at a time. Sitter will be required to put a deposit toward utilities costs.
Features: We are in a desirable neighbourhood. The house has four bedrooms two of which have been converted into offices (one office will be used for owners' storage to make room for house sitter).
Comfortable living and dining rooms; equipped kitchen. Cable t.v., high-speed internet, telephone if desired. Washer & dryer in finished basement. Large and lovely fenced back garden - a house-friendly dog would be o.k. (we have a small dog but she'll be traveling with us Living room has an air-tight fireplace with heat circulator for cozy evenings at home (plenty of cord wood on hand; the unit can heat the entire house if desired; sitter will pay only for wood used); also automatic forced-air heat and hot water provided by oil-fired furnace.
12 minute drive to the centre of Halifax; we are also on the bus route. It is a short walk to a convenience store as well as a beautiful oceanfront park, lakes and wooded walking trails. Helpful and friendly neighbours very close by. Two major grocery stores a three minute drive away.
Halifax is the major centre for Canada's Maritime provinces, a vibrant city featuring cultural amenities, many universities, and a beautiful natural environment.
Need to consider: Some snow clearing required in event of snow (last year, almost none at all). This is not too onerous a task: walkway to front door and, if you have a car, the parking pad. Alternatively, local kids will shovel for a small fee.