Seeking house, horse and garden sitters south-west France for 3-4 weeks June 2025

About this assignment

Reliable, capable, fit and active person(s) or couple, preferably French speaking, for 3 well-mannered horses at pasture, 1 cat, and to generally look after our lovely rural property and vegetable garden in the beautiful Lot department while we take a 3-4 week trip in June (dates flexible/negotiable). You would stay in our well-equipped comfortable 3* gîte and may extend your stay by a few days either end. Car needed, 5km to commerce.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Daily checks on horses (1 horse, 2 ponies) and top up their water, keep an eye on fencing and be able to handle and lead the horses if necessary. You don't need to be an expert, just willing to learn our ways of how to be around them, which I will explain at handover. They are 3 mares, they live out 24/7 with a shelter and extensive grazing. I practice natural horsemanship methods and Trust Technique animal communication.

The vegetable garden will have young plants (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, courgettes) which will need some attention, unfortunately nothing is likely to be ready for eating except salad and herbs.

Some outdoor pot plants to water if needed.

Small swimming pool, above ground with deck, which can be ready and available for use if you are prepared to do the cleaning and empty the filter etc. If not, we can leave it closed and covered.

There is a studio gîte for 2 people which we let to walkers for overnight stops on the GR652; if you are willing to do changeovers (wash and change bed linen, no ironing needed) occasionally then I can accept bookings, generally only 2 or 3 per month if that.

What are the good features of the property and location

It's a rural property, at at the end of a country lane, 5 km from nearest shops, the picturesque riverside town of Puy l'Evêque with several restaurants and weekly market. This is an old farmhouse in 6 ha which we renovated, creating gîtes in the outbuildings. Neighbours (French) are out of sight but nearby and friendly, and will help if needed. Walking paths and marked circuits from the doorstep. Peace and quiet!

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

To be on site and care for our animals while we are away. We will be travelling in Europe and you can contact us easily with any questions or problems. I worry about leaving the horses and it is not often we are able to go away together. We have made this trip each summer and have had some lovely sitters for the animals, but we do need persons who can maintain the vegetable garden e.g. pinch out tomato side shoots and tie up the developing plants. Grass mowing if necessary (sit-on mower and hand mower).
Dates to be decided, basically 4 weeks of June, but some flexibility is needed +2/3 days to arrive and settle in before our departure and be here on return.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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