Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Wild, beautiful riverside peace with cats and chickens
France, La Celle-sous-Gouzon, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pets
- Cat(s)
- Chicken(s)
The cats come and go as they please (cat flap) Chickens and ducks- free range
Dates
- 15 Nov 2024 to 7 Dec 2024 (No sitters have applied for these dates yet. Be the first!)
About this assignment
Someone who is essentially kind in their way of being with animals as a priority. Is fairly practical and happy to stay in a house that functions well but is not a showroom of futuristic technology, independent and ideally have some kind of transport- you might feel a bit stuck otherwise
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
To feed the cats- there are 5 who have all ended up here by different roots, I would have been happy with one but here they are-be kind to them. To let the chickens and ducks out in the morning and leave their food and fresh water out (they have the freedom of this large garden) Close up their house at night- they go in by themselves- leave the house as you find it.
What are the good features of the property and location
It's a very beautiful place, with the back drop of the river (runs around the garden) and then the never ending forest. On the edge of a small village- (23 people) no immediate neighbours. The whole area is wild with forests and mountains. Some interesting alternative endeavours going on around and about-locally grown and made organic food for example. if you like foraging there is plenty here
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
To come here you would have to be inclined towards a natural environment. Perhaps someone looking for peace and tranquility and not a lot of human company and to be happy living with animals and care for them
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
25 September 2024
About this home owner
MindMyHouse member since March 2023
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Testimonials
HIGHLY recommended sitting ideal to retreat from the world for a while in a green, very green environment...
Excuse my poor English. What you are going to find here is a cozy little house in the middle of 6000 m2 of fairy tale green forest, with some little paths to walk in the middle of almost wild nature, a river and a stream that almost surround the property with the murmur of its waters, 6 hilarious ducks, also some chickens, and 5 adorable cats - each in their own way. And if at some point those little interior paths are not enough for you, just a 2-minute walk away you will find a section of the GR7 long-distance trail, which passes through France, Andorra and Spain, as well as other local trails. Self-made decoration, a functional wood stove and the absence of distractions such as the TV will help provide you with a cozy atmosphere. Some cats will also contribute when they come to ask for cuddles. If you believe in it, imagine the power of FIVE cats cleaning the environment of bad vibrations. Some will come to sleep with you, and from time to time they will bring you an unexpected gift, but that is also part of their nature. If I had to mention a negative aspect, it could only be the noise of a chainsaw occasionally. And if I had to use just one sentence as a summary it would be... HIGHLY recommended sitting ideal to retreat from the world for a while in a green, very green environment. Patty also was indulgent about my mistakes. And to top it off, Patty gave me a small gift the day I left. I would like to come back here. Thank you Patty. PS. You will love many moments of relaxation in a kind of swing chair that hangs from a tree.
Jaime, Spain, 6 May 2024
Fairytale cottage with loveable animals
The cottage is in a extraordinary setting, at the feet of the Pyrenees in a gorge valley with a veranda view on a huge wild garden half encircled by a river stream so there's always the sound of water, surrounded by forest and mountains. It's like stepping into an old fairytale, truly enchanting. Artist Patty has decorated it in a lovely way with the dominating colour bright ocean blue that happens to be one of my favourite colours so I was in my element. Indeed everything functions well, with fast hot water in the bathroom, and a well burning woodstove in the living room (and a big stock of wood available). I especially liked the guestroom that is so harmonious. With 5 chickens and 2 ducks roaming around, and 5 forest cats who are surprisingly domesticated, in or around the house, and very nice company. Three boys and two girls who can't get along, and also the girls can't get along so they were on their own, while the boys were close comrades, the young ones playing enthusiastically, the elder caressing them ; adorable irresistible benjamin Sol who crawls in the neck for food and during sleep, his brother teddybear Jeffery who liked to lie in my arms beside the stove in the morning, and sweet grandpa big eyes Waggy. His tail was cut off due to infection and he had to be taken to the vet to have the bandage taken off after which the wound had to be sprayed several times a day with antiseptic, and luckily healed well. Lola girl is slightly disabled, but still a tiger and always hungry with an intense look, and lady Kev the Norwegian forest cat is the solitary one who needs to be approached in a gentle way easily being scared, and then may give a scratch, but comes for cuddles lying on the chest and tells when she likes to eat that may be at different times. Kev and Waggy also prefer to eat half of their food at a later time so it has to be taken away otherwise Sol and Jeffery jump on it, and then spy on Kev's food, and it's better they eat separately. I loved them all and got lots of love in return. The ducks had to be guided into the shed before dark and that was a bit challenging as I had to wait till they appeared that usually took some time, and it was always a relief when they were safe for the night (no fences around the property). I was there for almost 5 weeks so it was a long retreat, and April was cold and then wet, but seeing the forest turn green was a delight, as the rain is a blessing for nature and actually the forest is at its best. Every week friends came to take me for shopping but further more it was solitude with the sound of water and wind and many different birds singing loudly, like in a poem. The only thing that can disturb the peace is the small logging company opposite the road, but the good news is it's only mo-fri with quiet days, irregular and stops at 4 pm, and therefore liveable. Patty picked me up and took me to the nearest railway station that is a 1,5 hours ride. Ideal for meditation and yoga, a perfect hideaway from the world ... and an unique experience.
Sonja, Netherlands, 7 May 2023