Couple required to care for 2 elderly dogs and some chickens in our lovely restored farmhouse in South West France

About this assignment

Couples only please. Strictly non-smoking, ideally some spoken French. Own transport preferred but if not, a current, valid driving license is essential. Would suit an active couple who enjoy being outdoors.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Looking after our 2 dogs (one 15 year old Golden Retriever, a 14 year old Lab cross, both in good shape but both profoundly deaf), and various chickens. We keep a tidy home and would require our house-sitters to do the same. Our sitters would have to keep a close eye on our property, particularly during any cold weather. If you like gardening, there will be plenty of weeding and watering to do in the vegetable garden.

What are the good features of the property and location

We are in the heart of the Perigord Noir, a truly beautiful, picturesque part of the Dordogne, with lots of walking trails. The autumn is glorious here and great for keen walkers.
We are 25 mins by car from Sarlat, (stunning town centre and good cinema which shows films in 'Version original' ie UK/USA films in English and subtitled in French), and a 40 min drive from Perigueux, the departmental capital.
Our home is spacious and very comfortable and has all mod cons as well as a good internet connection.

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

The weather in September/October can be really amazing -warm and sunny days, usually in the mid-20's (or hotter) and cooling down in the evening. We have a wood-burner should the evenings require it. All tourist sites will still be open and you can really take advantage of this calmer period to see some amazing places. Markets are wonderful to visit at this time of the year as they are also not too crowded!
You will need a car or a valid driving license, at the very least. We can offer the use of a car if necessary for which we require a returnable cash deposit in the event the car is not returned in the same condition it was provided.
We are very well located in terms of access to little villages, local train station, restaurants, etc, via car, however, our home is situated on it's own, in the middle of our land, with no visible neighbours.
We are only considering a couple and again, we are STRICTLY NON-SMOKING HERE.
We would definitely like see references (speak to referees) before choosing our house-sitters and, if at all possible, it would be great if we could meet up beforehand.

We have had 2 sets of wonderful house-sitters (through MindmyHouse) 6 years ago and 3 years ago. We are still in regular contact with our last house-sitters but they are, sadly, unavailable this time. Their testimonial is attached to our profile. We also got on extremely well with the first couple such that they house-sat for us several times. They have now stopped house-sitting and are no longer on this site. As a result, they are unable to post a testimonial onto my profile. They have however written the testimonial below:

"We have had the pleasure of home and pet sitting for Victoria and Harris on 3 occasions and would commend both them and their home to anyone searching for an assignment and would return, were we in the position to do so.

The house is amazing, very clean and comfortable and the entire estate is beautiful, well maintained and easy to care for. The dogs cats and chickens proved to be very friendly, as did Harris and Victoria

The area is outstanding, with lots to do and see."

Should a prospective house-sitter wish to contact them, (by email or phone) that will be possible (obviously once we are already in contact and progressing things....)

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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