Beckett is a rehomed indoor cat. He's affectionate, enjoys company and has a very sweet nature.
A quiet, caring and conscientious individual who will appreciate a (temporary) home five mins from the sea in central Brighton; an animal appreciator who will take care of Beckett, my sweet 8-year-old affectionate indoor cat, and keep an eye on my plants. I would appreciate a writer or creative who cares for things (animals, humans, objects and things, the planet). This is a no smoking, no meat or fish household so I'm looking for the same, and someone who's comfortable taking care of someone else's belongings. I prefer an individual to a couple. My apartment is full of art, books and vintage/designer furniture and belongings, but it’s also super-cozy and comfortable.
You'll be looking after my home and Beckett - he's low maintenance, tender but really enjoys company. As with all cats he likes his space but he has a pretty affectionate nature. You'll also keep an eye on my plants if you’re here for more than a few days. I'm an artist, writer and academic, into Danish design and furniture and meaningful things collected from decades of travel. I tread lightly through the world and in my home. If this sounds like a good fit/swap, please get in touch!
My apartment is located in central Brighton on a small leafy square. I have light from all directions. The living room looks over the square; kitchen and bathroom are south facing with partial sea views (yay!) and the bedroom is quiet and looks west over the rooftops with a small fire escape full of plants. Spring and summer sunsets from the bedroom are a treat. I have a mezzanine with skylights and the flat is spread across 3 levels. It has a calm, gentle vibe (hopefully that translates in the photos) yet I'm in a fantastic buzzing neighborhood - 10-15 mins from the train station, just off Western Rd (Waitrose, Taj, and M&S for food heaven), in a middle-eastern district, a ton of cafes, restaurants, independently-owned stores all on my doorstep. I’m 5 mins from the Lanes (Brighton’s famous indie area for store-front browsing) and the sea front. I take sea walks most evenings. Everything is close by.
There's no TV - I watch stuff on my laptop.
I'm clean and tidy and I expect the same. I have lots of nice bits and pieces around so someone who can look after and appreciate this environment.
My neighbours below are lovely and it's a Victorian house divided into flats.
You'd need to be respectful of them (no loud music or stomping!).
Shoes off in flat - it's floorboards so this respects neighbours below as well as keeping things clean.
No meat, fish or smoking.
No other guests in the home.
If staying more than a few days I ask for a contribution towards gas/electricity (50/50 split). All else is covered. We can sign a provided agreement (a kind of informal contract, following MMH guidelines here) if that's helpful so we both feel protected.
Brighton is a super-lively vibrant city and I hope you'll enjoy it. I can offer tips but you'll know what you're looking for and there's lots of info online.
My apartment is perfect for working from home with lots of places to sit and dream.
Individuals only (no couples, sorry).
It's obvious but... you need to be a cat lover!
In addition to my testimonies here I have several on another site I can direct you to. I hope you'll have testimonies too.
No, sorry.
Testimonials
Best gig ever
This was a wonderful assignment. Beckett is the perfect host and his sidekick Sara Jane is an amazing human. Beautiful flat full of interesting things in a great part of town. Loved being with Beckett and conversing with Sara Jane. It was an honour!
Stephanie, United Kingdom, 17 Dec 2024
Wonderful time in Brighton
Even though this house sit lasted only a few days, Sara Jane took the time to show me in detail how everything worked in her flat, and helped me look up info about local attractions to make sure I had a good time in Brighton. Her flat is right in the city centre - the location is hard to beat and it's perfect for one person. Her cat Beckett is a cutie - very easygoing and adorable. I had a wonderful time there and was grateful for the opportunity.
Joyce Hoi Yung, Hong Kong, 17 Dec 2024
Superb host
Sara Jane was a superb host: a thoughtful communicator even from the far side of the planet, and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Beckett is among the sweetest cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Josh, Germany, 15 Sep 2024
A wonderful stay in Brighton
I absolutely loved my stay at Sara Jane's beautiful home in Brighton, where I had the pleasure of looking after her very precious cat, Beckett. Sara Jane was incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the entire process. Her home is just a few minutes' walk from the sea and close to everything you need. The house was the perfect place for me to work from home, as it was left spotless and had everything I needed. It's filled with books and lots of interesting things, which made my stay even more enjoyable. I couldn't have wanted more from this experience. I would love to stay again and plan to visit Sara Jane in the future to keep in touch. She is truly wonderful!
Jessica, Australia, 22 Jul 2024
Truly…No Better Way to Experience the Beautiful City of Brighton
Where to begin!? Sara Jane is not only was everything I could ask for from a house sitter, she has the most personable cat, Beckett, a house filled with treasures from all overt the world, exotic plants, is so close to the coast, the Lanes, and coffee shops galore (a personal priority while visiting a city). This was not only my first time house sitting internationally, it was my first time traveling internationally ON MY OWN. Surpassing my expectation of someone so wonderful to trust me into their lives, Sara Jane called me before my trip, helped by sending me personalized travel resources and arranging plans since I was a bit of a chaos trying to plan it myself. She left very clear instructions for everything and was very adiment on my comfort and feeling at home during my stay. It couldn’t have been a smoother beginning to such a big exciting venture, Sara Jane has become a close friend and such an inspiration of a life being lived to its fullest. Her home is worth more than money can buy to be able to reside and explore Brighton from, and her cat Beckett is so clearly loved and a kind cuddly companion, I’d have a hard time finding another experience that compares to this one I had in Brighton. Thank you again SJ and Beckett, I hope to visit you two as friends in the near future in the beautiful city you call home.
Svetlana, United States, 12 Apr 2024