Reliable experienced couple from the Isle of Skye, Scotland

About this sitter

Hello, We are Andrew and Maggie, a mature non-smoking couple who have traveled and lived in several countries, but who have called Scotland's Isle of Skye home for over 20 years. We are both self-employed, Andrew works in rural community development, while Maggie has a successful ceramics studio and gallery shop. We're at a stage in our lives where we can take time out to explore a bit more of the world.

Why they want to house sit

We love to experience different countries, cultures and really 'get under the skin' of a place in a way that you can't just do passing through as a tourist. We are both fortunate to be at a stage in our careers where we self-directed, and can take time out, or work remotely. House sitting is a good way to experience a short taste of life in a different country, language and culture.

Their experience

We house-sat a large farmhouse in France for 11 months in 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of 'La vie Francaise'. We always said we'd do it again sometime, so in 2022 we looked after a house and veg garden in the Lot for a month. In 2023 and 2024 we did cat-sitting assignments in Haute-Savoie and near Carcassone, France again. Please see our 3 MMH testimonials. We speak enough French, Italian, Greek and Japanese to get by, and we have a lot of practical skills (gardening, DIY, etc.) through managing our own house, workshop and gallery on Skye. We have had cats of our own before, but are currently pet-free.

What can they bring to the assignment

Reliable, trustworthy and level-headed, we have a lot of practical skills relating to looking after property and dealing with unexpected events. We also love animals, gardening, walking, cycling and being outside. We're foodies, interested in authentic culinary traditions, wild harvests and foraging in the countryside. We're used to getting by in other countries and other languages, dealing with builders, plumbers etc.