We are a British couple in our mid 50s who moved to France in with our much loved 14 year old cat - Zoey) following successful management careers in retail, marketing and HR. We are honest, reliable, professional and flexible. We are property owners and are financially secure. We speak English and French. As you can see from the details below we have significant experience in property upkeep, pet care and gardening. We have loved looking after a wide selection of properties and resident animals including cats, dogs, poultry, fish, hamster and rabbits.
Above all we are reliable. If we accept a house-sit we will be there and fully understand that house sitters have a duty of care and respect for property and pets. We are non-smokers.
Why we want to house-sit
Now that we are retired, with no children and or commitments we are looking to explore other regions of France , UK and worldwide. Over the years we have holidayed extensively – Australia, Far East, India, Nepal, North and South America, Africa etc. and now wish to experience different cultures in a slower, more relaxed manner. Any size of house, flat, apartment, gardens will benefit from our stay and we are more than happy if there are pets.
Our experience.
In addition to our business experience in the UK we have gained more practical experience since We established a successful summer gardening business in the Charente region of France. Our extensive portfolio included British, French, American, South African and Dutch clients for whom we performed all gardening tasks, pool and general maintenance.
Following Zoey’s death at the age of 20 we commenced our house-sittng and animal adoration adventures.
For 4 winters we were house-sitters at a large property with an extensive (and steep!) Mediterranean garden in Provence. The owners were so pleased with our abilities and reliability that they asked us to come back each winter. The responsibilities included general housekeeping, gardening, maintenance, dog care, project and financial management and liaising with/reporting to the owners.
From 2014 to April 2016 we were caretakers at an outstanding 750m2 house, plus 20,000m2 of gardens/land and pool in south west France.
Our pet sitting experience includes the adorable friends: Murphy (Irish Wolfhound),Charlie the cockapoo, Rigby the Logatto, Dubai, Boo Radley, Brinkley and Rufus (golden retrievers), Major,Barney, Bruno,Gilbert, Paxton, Jarvis, Amira, Flora, Ella (labradors), Mikey (Chow), Bertie (Norfolk terrier), Toby (english setter), Lulu (lhasapoo), Jessie (cocker spaniel), Marjie (West Highland) and Oscar, Mac, Falkie, Rufus and Meg (mixed breed). Lots of adorable cats including Daisy and Pili (ragdoll), Arti (birmin), Jojo, Chipi ,Patchouli, Stella, Sam, Barney, Jaffa, Kala, Maisie, Kiki, Fudge, Sassie, Berlioz, Valentine, Shadow, Krystal, Purdie , Gracie, Rico, Chester, Sparky,Tango, Cash,River, Song and Five. Also hens,ducks, rabbits, terrapin, Speedy the tortoise, goldfish and Maurice the hamster.
In the last year alone we have completed 5 house/pet sits in Canada , France (2) and UK (4).
References and full CVs available.