We are looking for a practical couple to care for our small acreage and bungalow surrounded by bush, our few hens and four boisterous dogs for a month in winter, approximately second week of June to second week of July. Our location (Central Queensland) in the dry tropics means the days are sunny and warm and the nights cool at that time of year but the house is well insulated, so there is no need for heating, although we do have reverse cycle aircon in most rooms.
We are 11 km from the beach and 20-25 km from two villages (Yeppoon and Emu Park) and one large town (Rockhampton). It would suit self-sufficient people, as we have solar power, tank water for the house and salty bore water for the garden/lawns, meaning pumps/motors may need to be primed, the septic tank (rarely) pumped out, and a ride-on lawnmower used every month on the acre around the house. We can show you how to do these things, if you come just before we leave and stay in our old caravan or your own.
Rest assured, the snakes, frogs and lizards that can make our lives 'interesting' are dormant at this time of year. Vehicle available if required. Situated on a dirt road but trafficable by sedan. House sitter may use our house or stationary caravan or their own van, which will be hooked up to power and rainwater.
Warning, the dogs expect to spend time with you in the house, be indulged and cuddled, and have balls thrown at regular intervals. They are a handful, so beach walks are optional. On cold or stormy nights, or when mosquitoes are bad (wet season only, especially after Christmas) we let them sleep in the house.
Your own dog/s are welcome. The inner 1-acre yard is fully fenced with ring lock and electric fences for escapologist dogs with beds on the verandah, plus there is a separate shed with beds in a half-acre run immediately adjacent to the house, if your pooch and ours need time to adjust to each other.