I'm new to this, my idea is not really house sitting/caring but to offer the use of a self catering studio apartment in return for some part time help with gardening and diy projects. It is not a way of getting free/cheap labour, I can hire local labourers for US$10 to $12 per 9 hour day. Focusing on Northern climate folks, winter in sunnier/warmer climate with no rental or services to pay, just give a hand with odd jobs and gardening (keep yourself active and out of mischief).
We are 1900 metres above sea level with a fabulous all year round climate, set on the edge of a large man made lake. Fishing, swimming, boating etc on your doorstep. If you need nightlife and culture this is not for you lol. For country and garden lovers it's paradise. I will be living in the main house most of the time, I'm retired but have done a lot of renovations to the house and like to have things to do and often an extra pair of hands can be very useful.
No animals apart from a stray cat that asks for food sometimes and also my girlfriend brings her cocker spaniel at times as well.
If you look at the average annual temperatures you'll see very little variation, we do get plenty of rain for the garden BUT it mostly falls at night. Our winter time is also the driest time.
Situated 5 mins from bars,cafes,restaurants at "Replica de viejo Peñol" and 20 mins walk to the town of El Peñol. There are numerous jeep taxis passing the end of the drive for which you pay 1,000 pesos (about $0.35) to go to El Peñol. The beautiful town of Guatape is a 15 min bus/jeep ride away and the city of Medellin is about two hours to the centre.