We are looking for a couple to look after our three dogs, two cats & house whilst we are away for a two week period during 17 June to 13 July 2017, we would prefer potential sitters to arrival a couple of days before we leave to become familiarised with pets' routine. We have two strong minded & physically strong lurcher crosses, both of whom are very affectionate & lazy (after walks). They are muzzled on walks to protect local wildlife. The Jack Russell is somewhat obsessed with her tennis ball & perfectly happy chasing it all day. The dogs have specific diets due to allergies & are walked twice daily on our own land. The two cats are easy just need to be fed twice per day & a bit of affection on their own terms. In addition to pet care we would like sitters to keep the house reasonably clean & tidy, mow the grass around the house if necessary & maintain the swimming pool. It is a large property with much else to be done should sitters feel inclined!
The house is large & comfortable with plenty of space, it stands in about 57 acres of fields, woodland, lakes & borders the river Vienne in part. It is stunningly beautiful here but definately not for those who do not like isolation, countryside & nature. The nearest town is about 8 mins drive away & village 6 mins in opposite direction, both are lively places with all the usual amenities. Our nearest neighbours are approximately half a mile away. A car is fairly essential, one could be made available subject to licences/insurance etc, alternatively we do have bikes including an electric one.
Lake Vassiviere, said to be France's second largest man made leisure lake, offering many water sports is about half an hour drive away. Apart from ample forest & countryside walks there are any number of interesting little towns to visit most with their weekly markets, museums & part time cinemas. Limoges, for those occasionally wanting the hustle & bustle of city life is about an hour's drive or by train from the nearest town.
The house has broadband & television, beautiful grounds ( natural rather than manicured or tamed!) a large solar heated swimming pool, table tennis, trampoline etc. Ideally suited to those who like to wake up to the sound of bird song, at night look at starry skies without light pollution & enjoy peace & quiet in between.
Potential sitters need to consider the following points before applying for this assignment:-
- this is a rural location, set in extensive grounds with no near neighbours, for that reason we are looking for a couple ( or two friends) who are happy with their own company & are also quite practical in case of minor issues.
- the dogs are easy on the whole but the two lurchers are very strong minded & don't always do as told at first. There are specific do's & don'ts with them to maintain harmony .
- we would prefer sitters who are happy to remain mostly on site although the cats & dogs are quite happy left alone for a few hours at a time.
- we regret that we are unable to accept sitter's own pets
- our absolute ideal sitters would include a stonemason who could help renovate our pretty but delapidated bread oven house ( at a cost of course) - ok, I know, I'm getting carried away! But you might be out there!!