Experienced long-term 50 year old house sitter looking for longer house sits in the UK (1-6+ months)

About this sitter

I am a 50 year old male from the UK who has been house sitting almost continuously for the first 12 years for just 3 families. Recently, I have sat on two more Greek islands during the winter, once on Aegina for 6 months and the other for 2 months on Paros. I have also completed a number of shorter sits. Since Brexit and then Covid, I have been exclusively sitting in the UK, completing month sits in Croydon, Matlock and Daventry, and a longer 5 month sit in Bridgend.

Currently, I am looking for longer term house sits in the UK and sits of less than 90 days in Greece and Cyprus, and interested in building good relationships for future potential sits. Post-Brexit, being a Brit, the dream scenario would be building a relationship with a home owner in Greece in the same predicament of only being allowed to stay in the EU for up to 90 straight days, who may have a UK property and one in Greece and looking for someone to move from one to the other to cover their 'new' schedule. After living for a few years in Athens and house sitting in remote villages for about half a year at a time in Greece, Spain and Germany, I am used to most environments and can adapt…I am always open to listening to house sitting offers if someone has a suggestion that might broaden my horizons. Post-Brexit, I am not only focused on house sits in the UK but am still open to sits or up to 85 or so days in Greece

I have no problems with most animals and like close interaction with both dogs and cats during my time abroad. I am also very happy to look after and do general garden duties.

My work occasionally requires me to work for a few hours a day, apart from during the Christmas, Easter and Summer break periods when work gets a little bit more intensive. As a rule though, I am very flexible . This is often of benefit to any pets though as I am always around the house.

My ideal house sitting environment is in a quiet, peaceful location with a garden and surrounded by a friendly pet or two. However, being a realist, as long as I have my own space to live in I am always happy. I have sat many times in built up areas and thrived as well. The only item the house must have is an Internet connection that is active when I arrive. It would also be great to have access to a pushbike if one is available but it is not a priority.

During winter 2007 and upto spring 2008 I was on a lengthy house sitting assignment in Kythira in Greece, where I looked after 5 cats and a dog, which needed much attention. The assignment was originally for 4 months and was extended, a situation I am usually flexible enough to accommodate. Since summer 2008 to 2010, I was annually sitting 2 cats in Andalucia in Spain, which was always a real pleasure and has given me a great first taste of Spain. In October until April for the past 8 years I have also been sitting on the Island of Naxos in Greece, within the Cyclades, again with 2 cats and taking care of the beautiful house. During recent summer months I have sat in a beautiful village in Germany called Oedelsheim, the first time for 5 months, for a great couple, looking after their two cats and keeping the house lived in and tended. This is now ongoing and I have completed many more sits since then over the past 5 years, often 3 times a summer for a week or two weeks at a time. I have also just sat in Helmsley in the UK looking after 2 crazy dogs for another great couple. My most recent sit has been on Aegina in Greece for just over 5 months from December to May, which required me to be both flexible with dates and practical as it was in an empty tourist village. After successful sits and forming great relationships with those I sit for, I have really taken to the life and am fast becoming an old hat of sorts.

Why they want to house sit

I am at a stage in life where I need my own space to not only focus on my paid work but just as importantly my writing. Responsibility keeps me tuned into the daily rhythms of life and the idea of moving into a property and looking after both it and any pets is an option that really appeals to me. It will allow me the space I need and an opportunity to broaden my horizons and meet people I would never have had the chance to before.

Their experience

Based on my initial house sitting experience and my better qualities, I am responsible, loyal, independent and have no problem working on my own initiative when problems arise…a situation I applied on Kythira for 8 months, in Andalucia (3 times), Germany (many times, ranging from 1 week to 5 months), Naxos for eight consecutive years of 6 month + sits, Aegina for 5 months, Paros for 6 weeks recently and Helmsely for a month. As I have always lived in a house, I am used to the daily duties necessary to keeping things orderly and mess free, etc. Although I will be single when I arrive to house sit, I have been domesticated by the fairer sex in the past. I am also aware that good communication and honesty are part of the key to successful house sitting.

Based on over 30 successful shorter and long term house sits to date mainly for the same people, I am also much more relaxed, experienced and realistic about what is expected from me and by the owners on a house sit. I always complete my term after committing and am flexible enough to stay on a little longer if your needs be.

What can they bring to the assignment

I am a responsible, flexible, friendly and organised individual, and I like to build up long lasting relationships based on these principles. My general routine is a pretty boring one and I like nothing more than staying indoors, especially at night, which I believe would be perfect for a house sitter, even if it doesn’t make me good marriage material…as I have been told in the past way too often. That said, I love the fresh air and when I get a chance I love going for walks with or without accompanying animals and especially going on bike rides to get to know the area I am staying.
If you would like me to sit for you, I am sure it would be a happy and mutually beneficial experience.