Introduction
We need to cover the dates between January 1 and February 19. The sit can be split in two or more periods. Let us know what your travel plans are. Maybe we can work something out.
We are both homeowners and house sitters so we know the process from both sides. We have had fabulous sitters over the years and are looking for some more nice, friendly folks to mind our house and love our cat while we travel south. The sitter must be a non-smoker and respect that this is a fragrance-free and mostly chemical-free home. We supply natural personal and cleaning products. Check in regularly to let us know how our cat is doing, how things are going and, especially, if anything goes wonky.
This sit is best suited for those who enjoy nature and the quiet country life. Maybe you are seeking solitude while working on your magnum opus. Or perhaps you embrace winter and will want to try out our cross-country skis or snowshoes and hike to the ice caves. We will provide maps, suggestions for day trips and lots of tourism materials.
There is abundant wildlife to be seen on the six-acre property such as, deer, fox, sometimes coyotes, raccoons and occasional moose as well as feathered friends. Binoculars supplied!
There is a convenience store / gas bar within walking distance and a community hall with some recreational activities such as yoga, boot camp, line dancing and bridge. About 25 minutes away there is a small town, Minto, which has one of everything: grocery store, pharmacy, clinic, hardware store, restaurant, bank, etc.
The location is rural, but not isolated, about 45 minutes outside the capital city of Fredericton which has a full range of services and entertainment options. Moncton is 90 minutes away and has a French flavour. The historic port city of Saint John is 90 minutes away.
We can provide a car for those with a clean driving abstract. We expect that you are comfortable with winter driving.
If you are flying in, the Fredericton airport (YFC) is 45 minutes away. Routing is usually through Toronto or Montreal. Please check flight options and cost before applying. There is some flexibility as to your arrival and departure dates.
The home overlooks the harbour and is filled with light, with lake views from most windows. There are two bedrooms, two baths, two satellite TVs, BBQ, dedicated office with good wifi.
The sitters will be staying in Roxie’s room. There is a comfortable queen-size bed and an adjacent bathroom with tub and shower. There is ample closet and drawer space and bedside reading lamps.
Responsibilities
The priority is our precious cat. Yes, we are ridiculous pet parents:) Roxie is a sweet, gentle, playful and cuddly cat. She is an indoor cat but enjoys time outside on halter and leash. She needs the usual cat care: feeding, petting, chatting, brushing, playing, cleaning litter box and most importantly, lots and lots of cuddles. She may want to sleep with you so that has to be okay with you. She can be left alone for several hours so you are free to explore during the day. She sleeps a lot.
She has feline asthma and uses an inhaler twice a day and gets eye drops twice a day. She is very compliant and all of our sitters have been able to administer meds with no problem.
We provide a Little Free Library as a service to our community so it would be great if you could restock the shelves a couple of times during the week.
There is a snow removal service, but you must be able to shovel the walkway to the house, about 30 feet. There is a whole house generator in case of power outages.
A few plants will need to be watered. Put out trash and recycling on designated days. Pick up mail.
Enjoy the home, please leave it as you found it, have fun exploring the area, check in regularly with photos and updates, and be kind to our wild critters. We love pictures of our cat!
Brief Reviews from Housesitters:
The house is bright, spotlessly clean and comfortable, with a lake view from most rooms, including our bedroom. The kitchen is well outfitted for cooking anything. The neighbourhood is so nice too – we went to the local beach one day, watched the sailboats, and I practiced yoga in the community centre with the friendly locals. - Lisa and Dan from Canada
The perfect house sit..so relaxing with an abundance of purr therapy. If we could give it ten stars we would!!! - Glen and Alice from Canada
We had a wonderful housesit in Douglas Harbour, New Brunswick. It was winter time but ample opportunity to ski, snowshoe and other winter activities. A quiet community with a fantastic view of the frozen lake. Laura and Eldon were wonderful hosts, they sourced ski and snowshoe equipment for us and lent us clothings to keep us warm in the sub zero temperatures. Nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure we enjoyed our stay in their very comfortable warm home with lots of information on places to visit and things to do. Lesley & Grant - New Zealand
Amazing time spent at Laura and Eldon’s house. Friendly and welcoming couple with a beautiful home. We were welcomed by all in the community and everything we could have possibly needed was thought of ahead of time and made available to us. The property has breathtaking views and provided us with a quiet relaxing time. William and Annette - UK