Mature, responsible, animal loving person enjoying life exploring new horizons!

About this sitter

I am a clean and tidy person and have looked after all manner of properties, from old farmhouses to modern townhouses and for the summer of 2016 a Spanish villa with swimming pool in the country which needed resourceful management. December of 2016 saw me caring for a property powered by sun and wind in a tranquil woodland setting in South West France, with January, February and March of 2017 being shared between spells high in the mountains of Spain's Andalucia and in the genteel Cotswolds of the UK.

On then to the Caribbean to start 8 months of living in a traditional Belizean house on pillars in 5 acres next to the beautiful Mopan River, following which I wintered in the South of France on the Côte d'Azur high on a hill overlooking the whole of the Bay of Nice.

In 2018 after enjoying caretaking a sympathetically renovated set of old French farm buildings and swimming pool I moved on to an apartment overlooking a small Bavarian town where the pretty cat didn't mind me not speaking German at all! Then came a short break in Switzerland caring for a comical Cairn Terrier and a beautiful four storey house on the edge of a town near Geneva

Back then to UK spending an enjoyable few autumnal weeks in the lively town of Congleton near the canal and woodlands. For seven months over the winter I was immersed in caring for a large, traditional French chateau and coach house in 22 acres with its extremely lovable resident cat, and then settled in a beautiful designer home with no pets but wild rabbits and birds to feed in Ashdown Forest in the south east of England. Prior to the pandemic I was in the Spanish Ronda near Gibraltar caring for a truly beautiful house, horses, dogs, cats and hens. Though it must be said there was little for me to do other than enjoy the extensive grounds, pool and terraces as all the hard work was covered by visiting workers

After many months of lockdown my house sitting schedule quickly became booked up until the end of 2023. Starting with a fun few days in Xávia being entertained by two little Bichon fluff balls and their elderly Tekel companion who oozed gravitas, until it was time for walking when he completely regressed to joyful, energetic puppyhood! I experienced Marbella in Spain with three Wheaten Terriers, a large modern house in Cannock Chase, England with two cats, one a beautiful princess and the other a little demon! Denia, Spain next where I had my own house in the grounds, with a lovable big doggie and the best mouser of a cat that I've ever come across! I returned there for the last assignment of 2023 but before then had a hectic schedule in France, Spain and UK necessitating travelling direct from one house sit to the next!

From this diversity you will see it is difficult for me to be precise about what I am looking for in a house sit - some listings appeal without the reasons being obviously apparent!

My working background is in admin. Before my most recent employment as a legal assistant I spent 10 years managing the offices of an architecture practice specialising in large sustainable building projects. I enjoy reading, cooking, handicrafts, walking and popular music.

I am in good health and do not smoke. My two sons are now in their early 40’s and I have two perfect young granddaughters and an elderly, very active mother, all are amazingly proficient with a tablet and we keep in regular contact by Skype. The main priority for me, therefore, is for good Internet facilities at any house sit I undertake.

As I do not charge for house sitting services I do not expect to pay for utilities. Collection from airports and use of a car is always appreciated where possible!

To sum up in a few words, I am enthusiastic, calm, efficient, reliable and resourceful. Still learning, still keen!

Why they want to house sit

Since retiring and without the constraints work, I am able to fulfil my ambition to travel, explore other areas, meet more people and enjoy new cultures. I do not have any pets but enjoy the company of animals and am very content to "borrow" other people's to love. House sitting is therefore the ideal occupation for me!

Their experience

I retired from working full time in 2016 and am now an experienced house sitter and pet carer. I had also previously taken assignments within striking distance of my place of work.

What can they bring to the assignment

I am a quiet, calm person with a fair share of common sense, as well as being clean, tidy and organised. I like to give any pets in my care loads of attention, keeping to their established routine, but with plenty of cuddles, fun and games!

Home owners are kept updated regularly by whatever method they prefer.