Mature but youthful couple enthusiastic about housesitting, preferably in Spain/Portugal

About this sitter

Patrick, aged 61, Irish, married to Mauricio, aged 60, a Brazilian and now a Spanish citizen. We’re looking for house and pet sitting assignments preferably in rural areas especially in Spain and Portugal but open to possibilities further away in Europe.

Why they want to house sit

We would like to house sit because it would offer us the possibility to spend time in the countryside and gain new experiences of rural living; we were both born and raised in farming communities in very different countries and as we grow older, cities have become less appealing to us.

Their experience

We live in Madrid inner city in a 50 m2 apartment, which is unsuitable for pets, so we eagerly do pet sitting for friends whenever the opportunity arises. Even dogs belonging to complete strangers cannot resist Mauricio’s tickles and cuddles when we go out for a stroll! Last October for ten days we took good care of a malnourished pregnant stray cat on the Greek island of Ikaria but with a heavy heart we had to leave behind poor Katia (we named her after my knitting patterns).

What can they bring to the assignment

We have lived in Spain for half our lives, so we know quite well how things work here and, of course, the language. Mauricio has been employed in hotels in Mallorca but currently works as a caretaker/janitor in apartment blocks in Madrid while I do freelance translation work from home. Having owned a rural dwelling in Ireland we’re used to dealing with the problems that inevitably arise and are aware of the importance of security. Police check available.
As we have more free time now, we like to travel to quiet rural areas, simply to enjoy the peace and quiet. We do not have special needs or expectations; as long as we can take care of and play with the animals, potter in the garden or just go for a good walk, we’ll be quite happy. We need a reliable internet connection and phone coverage. I have a Spanish driving licence, so shopping or getting around will not be a problem. We are both non-smokers and non-drinkers and like to keep a clean and tidy house, so you can rest assured that your home and your furry friends will be in good hands.