We're currently seeking a house sitter to stay in our house with our two dogs in Normandy (just outside the village of Notre Dame de Courson) from June (very soon!). We are also interested in future house sittings as well. We're looking for an individual or a couple who loves dogs and is happy to stay in a tranquil (we think very beautiful) natural environment of fields, hedges and trees. We're in a relatively isolated rural setting (no night-life, except for badgers and deer!).
You will require your own transport. We live in a 15 acre setting of fields with an old farmhouse, isolated but within a short minutes drive to supermarkets/ restaurants (only a few minutes to get bread in the local village).
The main responsibility is to look after our two dogs, who really don't need a lot of looking after, but who might well get into mischief if unattended. The dogs are mid-sized, Husky/lab 12yrs & Lab mix 9yrs, very friendly and well behaved; older but not yet aged, and quite easy to care for. They are used to us being around most of the time with loads of cuddles. Any gardening would be helpful but is not compulsory. The property itself is old with lots of renovation done by us. It's totally livable with the odd quirk, and should require no special maintenance or work.
Calm, rural, green -- this is a great place to get your thoughts together and relax. Our house is in the centre of our land so no-one can see you and there's only the noise of nature to disturb you. The house is old but all electricity/plumbing etc. are either new or in very good working order. The house is fitted with modern appliances including refrigerator, oven, electric oven, microwave, as well as a nice BBQ outside.
We're not particularly close to any large cities, so anyone looking for exciting city life would be very disappointed. The house is immersed in the countryside, with frequent deer, fox, badgers passing by. No neighbours for a half mile or so, so you must be comfortable sleeping in a house in the middle of nowhere. Funny noises in the night sometimes (owls, the odd mouse, etc.) but in 15 years nothing worse than that.
Also, potential house sitters must of course love dogs. Ours will want to make friends and want loads of cuddles.
Thanks for all the replys, we have had to change our plans due to the train strikes, so now we are staying home.