Peaceful Normandy retreat (with your own apartment) looking after some lovely animal friends who have joined us

About this assignment

First, regarding dates, we do not aim to leave until 29/30 December so flexible on the start date, but you are welcome to come a day or so before to really get to know the animals and the set-up before we leave. We are only properly away for 4/5 days and then for the following week, we just need a couple of days out, so you would have lots of time to enjoy the area as a holiday. You have independent accommodation so your own space when we are at home. We also are happy if you want to stay on a day or two (or more!) if this helps you with moving on to another sit. So flexible! We are new to this site and I can provide you with many 5* sitter testimonials from a different site if helpful. We have lived in this very calm and beautiful part of Normandy for over 20 years and have some lovely companions here, two of whom are elderly. All the animals that have arrived here were either abandoned or came from an intensive farm. Please only apply if you genuinely enjoy looking after cats and have had experience with older animals and/or enjoy caring for those who need extra gentle care and are not nervous of having to keep a close eye on those needing extra attention. If it helps, we can be a little flexible on your arrival and leave date, giving you some extra time in Normandy as a holiday or enabling you to fit in with sits either side of our dates. If you don't have a car, I would be happy to look into hiring one for you for while we are away - we can discuss! We would of course pick you up from the train or bus station.

This is not a simple pet-sit. Having said that, there are times each day free of most animal duties and the lovely beaches of the Cotentin are just a 15 min drive away as well as fabulous walks in the forest nearby. There is a self-contained apartment to stay in here and of course the use of our cottage too when we are away. You are welcome to bring your pet with you - the apartment has an enclosed garden attached - we would just need to talk this through together. My goal is to have people here for a minimum a few hours before we leave - ideally a day or more, to really get to know the situation and individual needs, so that we all feel hugely confident for when we are away. I love a little update once/twice a day and am very much on hand by phone for any queries you have. We have a house and attached gite and apartment in a rural location in a beautiful part of the Cotentin peninsula, Normandie. There are 2 ducks, 3 chickens, 2 sheep and three cats living with us. One of the sheep has very compromised sight and Nellie, aged 15 (cat) suffers from intermittent IBS/gastro-enteritis and lives in a room separately as she is so fearful of the other cats. Nat and Nina are aged 7 and very easy to look after - they have an electronic cat flap and come and go as they please. The ducks and hens are easy to care for and of course need locking away at night. Please don't apply unless you are okay with having to clear up intermittent sickness/diarrhoea from Nellie - though at the moment she is stable, so all crossed. The apartment is comfortable with good wifi and a mini-kitchen with hobs, microwave/oven, sink, table/chairs etc but you of course have access to our cottage kitchen/dining room etc too when we are away. There are wonderful walks from here and the beaches are only a 15 minute drive away. We have a larger accommodation here as well which may be occupied when you are here with friends who come from time to time, but it is completely separate to the apartment. We would love to find people who have had experience of looking after elderly cats in particular. Caring duties : feeding - with special attention to one very elderly cat/cleaning of bowls/water containers/hand-feeding sheep (one needing a little medication on food - easy to give) and indeed much companionship and observation, requiring around 1.5/2 hours morning and evening plus monitoring during the day and extra feeding and company for Nellie. Late evening checks too on Nellie and making absolutely sure the ducks and chickens are safely shut in their house. Having said that, the mornings/middle part of the day tends to be calmer re 'duties' and plenty of scope for going out. There is an excellent small epicierie in the village with a depot de pain (takes around 40 mins to walk/15 mins cycle or 5 mins drive). Best to speak a little french too if possible (though not vital).

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Please only apply if you genuinely enjoy looking after cats and have had experience with older animals and/or enjoy caring for those who need extra gentle care (including having to clear-up any mess if Nellie has an IBS episode) and are not nervous of having to keep a close eye on those needing extra attention. Caring duties : feeding - with special attention to one very elderly cat/cleaning of bowls/water containers/hand-feeding sheep (one needing a little medication on food - easy to give) and indeed much companionship and observation, requiring around 1.5/2 hours morning and evening plus monitoring during the day and extra feeding and company for Nellie. Late evening checks too on Nellie and making absolutely sure the ducks and chickens are safely shut in their house. Having said that, the mornings/middle part of the day tends to be calmer re 'duties' and plenty of scope for going out.

What are the good features of the property and location

We have a house and attached gite and apartment in a rural location in a beautiful part of the Cotentin peninsula, Normandie. The apartment is comfortable with good wifi and a mini-kitchen with hobs, microwave/oven, sink, table/chairs etc but you of course have access to our cottage kitchen/dining room etc too when we are away. There are wonderful walks from here and the beaches are only a 15 minute drive away. We have a larger accommodation here as well which may be occupied when you are here with friends who come from time to time, but it is completely separate to the apartment. There is a small epicierie in the village with a depot de pain (takes around 40 mins to walk/15 mins cycle or 5 mins drive). Best to speak a little french too if possible (though not vital).

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

You must be practical and (in autumn/winter) cope with muddy short walk to our sheep, plus not be put off if you need to clear up any mess from dear old Nellie. We would need someone or a two people who are patient with our old, blind sheep as she needs encouragement to get to know you and feed from her bowl. Patient too with dear Nellie, who likes being groomed and affection while she eats - company too a little in the evening watching television - this is her routine. Do think about the fact that we are at the end of a long lane in a very rural environment - there is a farm with very friendly neighbours about 100 metres away so you are not entirely isolated and we have english-speaking friends too not far away if that is reassuring. You do not have to have a car (though easier for you) and there are two bikes here (with a little grocery store in the village - 15 mins on a bike) but the nearest towns are 7/8 kilometres. There is no bus service to near this house. I would be prepared to hire a car for you if necessary - we could discuss this.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: I am happy for you to bring your pet, but we just need to discuss first.

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