Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Enjoy sightseeing in the Washington DC area and the Shenandoah Mountains!
United States, Oakton, Virginia
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
Philly is a rescued mini-Corgi from our local animal shelter. She is good at being inside the house for 6 hours or so during the day before needing to go outside, and Leo is a very mild mannered beautiful cat who roams as he pleases!. :).
Dates
- 7 Jul 2025 to 15 Aug 2025 (3 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
The dates we are traveling are posted, however, if a house/pet sitter would like to arrive early and/or leave later than those dates, we can work that out. I suppose that might be especially helpful for international travelers.
We are looking for a dependable, responsible, non-smoking adult, couple or family of four who might like to take day trips into Washington DC, explore the history of the area, or hike in the scenic Shenandoah Mountains while staying in our home and giving loving attention to sweet Philly, our Corgi mix and Leo the Ginger Tabby Cat. Our home is also an AirBnB property, so it is set up for you but no worries, there will be no AirBnb guests here while you're house/pet sitting!
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
We would like the house sitter to water plants, bring mail into the house, roll the rubbish to the curb when trash is being picked up, and take care of Philly and Leo like they are your own pets. That would include feeding and providing fresh water in the morning and evening, walking Philly twice daily, plus any time you're in the fenced back garden relaxing, Philly would love to keep you company.
What are the good features of the property and location
We are centrally located between Washington DC and the Shenandoah mountains. The nearest metro stop for training into DC is about 12 minutes drive from the house and the train into DC is about 40 minutes ride. Hiking in the mountains would be an hour+ drive, depending on where you want to hike. Having a car is helpful, but Uber, Lyft and Taxi options will get you to the Metro Subway for transport into DC.
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
You will probably desire a car to get around while you're here, unless you are only interested in day trips to DC, where you could Uber or Taxi to our closest metro subway station and ride for approximately 40 minutes to the heart of DC. Metro tickets for roundtrip cost about $7.30. That would also mean taking an Uber or Taxi from the airport to the house, or if possible, we could provide transportation by picking you up upon arrival and delivering you back to the airport for your departure. Distance to our home from Dulles International Airport is approximately 30 minutes drive. Distance to our home from DCA in DC is approximately 40 minutes drive.
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
15 February 2025
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Testimonials
A wonderful stay near D.C.
Barbara and Brian were fantastic hosts (even greeting us with a wonderful meal) and Leo the cat and Philly the 3 legged 'wonder dog' were great fun and great company. You will soon learn that Philly is quite the celebrity. As we walked around the lovely neighbourhood, she attracted 'star' like attention and accolades. Well deserved in our opinion, as she is fabulous company. Leo retains a regal air and observes all lesser mortals with something of an amused benevolence (but loves hugs and attention). We are not from the U.S.but we couldn't imagine a nicer, more comfortable sit to ease us into the local culture. Close to all amenities but a real country, homely feel. Highly recommended !
Chris, 09 July, 2023
Great hosts, sweetest pets and lovely property
I just recently returned from a. three week pet/house sit at Barbara and Brian's beautiful property. From the minute I arrived I felt very welcome in their home. Barbara was excellent at communication prior to the trip and we shared updates during my stay. This is a great location that's convenient to so much to do. Philly, the mini Corgi, and Leo the cat are absolute jewels. Philly is a little package of pure love and happiness. On our walks in this quiet peaceful neighborhood everyone knew Philly. As Barbara told me, Philly is a bit of a rock star in the area. Leo is a beautiful kitty that loves to give head bumps and enjoys being loved on. You won't find a sweeter cat. I adore Philly and Leo. This was such a wonderful experience. You will not be disappointed and will come home feeling loved.
Linda, United States, 3 Sep 2022
Dog, Cat and House Sitting in Oakton, Virginia
I just spent a week with Philly (the dog) and Leo (the cat) in a beautiful home in lovely park-like setting on the outskirts of Washington DC. I was so grateful to get away from the city to enjoy a peaceful few days getting my dog and cat fix. The only thing to interrupt the peace and quiet was the chirping cicadas which were out in full force but, nonetheless, it was fascinating to experience this once in 17 years' phenomenon. Philly is a darling little 3-legged pooch who was absolutely no trouble at all to take care of. The neighbors we met on our walks were very friendly and Philly greeted them all with a full body wiggle. We watched tv together and she slept on her bed all night without disturbing me once. And Leo (who looks like a miniature lion) was the most gorgeous, sweetest cat I have ever known -- no biting, no scratching and a champion bumpy head kitty. Brian and Barbara could not have been more accommodating and I wanted for nothing. I arrived the night before they left for their vacation so that they could show me the ropes, and joined them for a delicious meal prepared by Brian. For everyone's peace of mind, we kept in touch daily by e-mail. Best house/pet sit ever! Thank you Brian and Barbara.
Ann, United States, 4 Jun 2021
Peace in Oakton
Barbara and Brian are the best! I've been able to stay at their place a couple of times now and it's fantastic. Leo and Philly are lovely and friendly pets. The house is in a secluded neighborhood that is perfect for daily walks with Philly. You'll quickly meet all the neighbors if you care as everyone is walking, running, or riding bikes. A community pond has chairs for pondering the day that just passed. Barbara alway is prompt in communication and the house is wonderful. Barbara is an interior designer and the first floor is spacious, light and comfortable. They have a large deck with grill. The basement is self-contained and perfectly cool in the hot summers. While I hope they call me every time they go out of town, I can't recommend them more highly to other house sitters. The house is convenient to Fairfax and it's a short ride to DC. Thanks Barbara and Brian!
Randall, 28 December, 2020
A dream Thanksgiving in Washington DC
Thank you wonderful Barbara for making our Thanksgiving so special. If you are chosen to house sit here, you are in for a treat. Barbara is an interior designer, so the whole space is beautifully arranged. It's also spotlessly clean. The neighbourhood is lovely and quiet but it's only a Metro ride away from Washington DC and all the sights. Philly is the most adorable dog, friendly and so well behaved. Leo is a truly independent cat, he takes a while to decide whether you are worth cosying up to. When he has chosen you as a friend, you are in for a treat. Barbara and Brian could not have been better hosts. They were friendly but not intrusive, 100% reliable, super clean and tidy. The whole house and our stay was flawlessly organised. Barbara was so helpful that she even offered to drive out to the Metro with us and show us how everything worked. We sent regular picture updates about the animals, including a rare Leo sofa visit. The housekeeping duties were straightforward, simple and very clear. Snap this sitting offer up right away, it's a dream job as well as a dream house.
Henrietta, 03 December, 2019
Philly
I was treated to an unexpected stunning home and area at Barbara and Philly’s (the dog). Philly has star quality and held his own while looking for and waiting for Barbara to return. I was a poor substitute but we managed to transition into a comfortable routine w walks in the morning and evening and a lot of yard time in between. Everything was picture perfect. I stayed in a beautiful separate air bnb apartment in the house. I took an Uber to The metro to go into DC to spend time at the Smithsonian. It was a Very lovely arrangement that came w lots of support. The fenced yard had porch lighting for philly to take short breaks and to play frisbee.
Claire, United States, 12 Nov 2019