House/animal sitters required in beautiful rural South West France

About this assignment

This beautiful rural smallholding consists of a 4 bedroom 19th century farmhouse, a 2 bedroomed gite, 2 donkeys, 4 goats, 2 cats, a 10m x 5m salt water pool (in season), all on a 3.5 hectares estate on a ridge overlooking the Pyrenees. Situated on the borders of Haute Garonne, Haute Pyrenees and the Gers in SW France, the property is intended to be a tranquil place to inspire, energise and relax.
I am a musician and Artistic Director of a London based performing arts charity, which takes me to the UK on a regular basis to deliver my work. I am looking for a responsible sitter or couple to look after the property and animals from 31st January to 8th February.. Not suitable for young children or own pets.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

You will be responsible for: keeping animals' water tubs full and fresh; a daily supply of hay, keeping their living and eating areas clean and dry; brushing donkeys and horse down 2-3 times a week and giving all animals a general check on a regular basis; watering plants in tubs and garden if necessary. Pool is seasonal.
Note: the animals are really easy to look after and outside they are very independent, just like a bit of social time with you from time to time, especially if you offer them a bite of carrot or apple! The cats have independent access to outside and come in for food and cuddles! They tend to sleep by day and go out at night.

What are the good features of the property and location

The estate is in the Comminge countryside, a few kilometres from the Gers, Ariège or Hautes-Pyrénées. Set on a ridge facing stunning views of the fields, valley and Pyrenees chain, we are on the outskirts of a small, sleepy hamlet. All amenities are within easy driving distance. The nearest town is Boulogne-sur-Gesse, 10 mins drive away, a pretty market town which has 2 supermarkets, 2 bakers, a butcher, pharmacy, newsagent, 2 bars, petrol station, bank/cash machine and a variety of options for eating out.
15 minutes drive to Castelnau Magnoac another lovely market town, you will find a lake that you can walk around with a pontoon and beach/swimming area and not far from there, a wildlife lake for enthusiasts of ornithology. There is also an airport for flying and parachuting! 15 minutes in the other direction, is Lac de la Gimone, gorgeous for swimming, kayaking, relaxing and a good cafe (in season).
There are many options for walking locally, though if you feel like doing something more strenuous, there are plenty of bracing walks and cycling opportunities in the Pyrenees, and the skiing season is almost upon us! There are beautiful natural spas in the mountains too, all only an hour away. The Tour de France has passed close by in previous years during the Pyrenean mountain stages, through the medieval hill-top town of Aurignac and more recently, directly through Castelnau Magnoac. Many nearby towns hold weekly markets, and you can find one every day of the week, if you love markets!
Lourdes/Tarbes airport is 50 minutes drive away and Blagnac Toulouse airport 1 hour 15 minutes. The Atlantic ocean is a 2 hour drive to Biaritz and the Mediterranean can be reached in just over 3 hours.
If you love living in nature, red kites are a common sight here as are many other beautiful birds and wildlife and the view of the mountains is forever changing. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Thank you, Alison :-)

What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment

Please be aware that it is essential to rent/bring your own car/motorbike as the nearest town is about a 10 minute drive for supplies etc. and everything is generally 20 mins/half an hour away! The mountains and Spain are about an hour's drive. Please ensure you have an international drivers license if not EU resident and intend to rent.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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