House with big garden/swimming pond and different pets, August 2024

About this assignment

Your are clean and tidy.
You are attentive to the needs of our dog, 2 cats and one outdoor cat and poultry (there isn't a lot of poultry, see below).
You are communicative and responsible.
You are willing to help a bit around the pool and vegetable garden if the season requires).
Single person or couple.
Preferably non-smoker.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

You take care of our dog (fox terrier), Uma... daily walks & cuddles, food, water, brushing if you desire.
You take care of our cats, Nala (big furball of love), Shakti (our sweet chartreuse queen who loves giving nightly belly massages in exchange for cuddles and belly rubs and scratches behind her ears) : daily (and nightly) cuddles, food, water, cat litter cleaning. Biggle is our outdoor cat, he likes some attention and comes and goes from our garage. He just mainly needs food in his bowl.
Water the indoor plants once a week.
You take care of the poultry (chickens/ducks/geese): we have 5 geese, about 10 ducks and a handful of chickens that daily water (more than 1x/day if it's really hot), food and collecting of egg's. Please enjoy the fresh eggs while you stay. In warmer times there will probably be enough to some home with you. The duck eggs are especially luscious.
You keep us informed of how things go in and around our house with a daily message (Whatsapp) and if need be with a call.
During winter and early spring, no maintenance is needed for the pool. For summer stays you would help maintaining the pool (filling up the water when needed, starting and emptying the cleaning robot, some manual work if need be - this depends on the weather).
You open the house to the cleaning help and make sure all cleaning products are available. It is all easily explained.
At the moment there is no vegetable garden. But if so we ask if you could help a bit in the vegetable garden, harvesting the ripe vegetables (please enjoy eating it yourself) and removing the weeds if necessary (the amount of work also depends on the weather).
You empty the mailbox daily and inform us of letters/notices/...
If the automower gets stuck, you help it back on track (using an app on your phone you'll know when and where it's stuck) so that it can keep cutting the grass.
This time we will be driving ourselves but if we fly it would be a plus if you could drop us off and pick us up at the airport.

What are the good features of the property and location

You enjoy the company of 2 wonderful cats and a lovely sweet dog in and around our house where you have your own room with a double bed and a lovely view. Our home is cozy, quiet and warm. Garden views can be seen from every door and window. Our garden is big and very private, full of beautiful trees and sunny grassy spots to lay and lounge with a good book. We are located near Antwerp (bicycle distance) next to a forest and farm. Nature is out the front door!
The swimming pool is an organic pond with a fountain and flowers in and around it - enjoy it while you stay.
Shops are at walking distance (1 supermarket) or bicycle distance (5 supermarkets and weekly market plus numerous smaller shops). Antwerp city is reachable by public transport, by bike or by car/taxi.
Daily fresh eggs from chicken/duck/goose (in season).
The garden flowers almost year round!
We don't expect you to participate in the costs of the house during your stay (no electricity/gas/water/...).
We have no television but the wifi is fast and stable.
Our property is secured with a camera system, 24/7 with online back up and remote access, so you are safe at all time (and police is there in less than 5 minutes in case of urgencies).
We can provide 1 or 2 bicycles for you to do your groceries with.

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

Be serious. Have references.
Preferably have a car at your disposal, at least have a driving license so that you can drive in case of emergencies with one of our pets.
Speak fluent English, preferably also some Dutch.
Be willing to spend a few weeks close to a city but in a slightly remote area. Don't be scared by yourself in the forest or around farmland.
If it's sunny it's nice and funny, if it rains our dog still need walks (bring some rain boots) and the vegetable garden still needs attention if there is one, just as the pool does. If it doesn't rain and especially if it's hot, the poultry may need some extra attention (more than 1x/day fresh water).
You do not bring other people in the house nor in the garden: NO VISITORS! Nor do you bring other animals in the house or in the garden unless we explicitly accepted this.
It's asked that you visit with us a couple days before for an hour or two so we can show you around to get to know the animals and the way all itis organized.
An online meeting in advance is a must, a meeting IRL before the agreed period is a big plus.
A deposit will be requested, the amount will be negotiated in advance.
Our dog is a fox terrier, she is sweet and easy and listens very well and even more so with regular walks and good attention. However, she can easily take the upper hand if you are not strict and firm with her and the boundaries. She is not allowed on the couch, nor upstairs in or around the bed, nor near you while you eat. We do not allow begging for food, nor do we feed her people food. She is fed after you finish and only eats when you tell her to eat. We have had these rules from the beginning and we are sure you will find her a great dog. She is a good companion and loves to quietly sit or lay at your feet if your lounging outside or in the salon. She does not need a leash outside and on the property or at the farm. We just ask that you put her on a leash if you go for a walk off site of our property or in the forest next to our place. Doggie bags will be provided for walks on the leash. The rest of the time, no need to clean up her poo as it is all nature here. Our cats are easy as pie as long as you cuddle often enough.
If this works out well for everyone we'll probably be glad to work with you again.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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