Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Secluded idyllic farm in Monmouthshire, South Wales
United Kingdom, Llantilio Crossenny, Abergavenny, Wales
Pets
- Horse/Donkey(s)
- Bird(s)
- Farm animal(s)
The 2 ponies are old rescues and shy of people; the 2 peacock brothers roost on top of the chimney at night in all weather.
Dates
- 3 Mar 2025 to 12 Mar 2025 (9 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
Practical down to earth non-smoking person or couple who would like to look after an organic farm and the 17th century farmhouse, as well as a few animals in and near the house.
Car essential - nearest town, Monmouth, is 6 miles away. In winter/spring months experience with farm animals is also essential. Vegetarians preferred and a general green approach to life.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
Look after house, inside and out. Communicate regularly with owner please.
In the winter/spring months ONLY, check c. 200 sheep daily in all weather - a nice walk every day - and help if any in trouble eg head stuck in fence or caught in brambles. (Owner is on call for health problems).
Feed 2 ponies, 2 peacocks and wild birds.
Check biomass boiler, solar panels and spring water system - problems are rare and all instructions are provided.
Ability to drive our ancient little tractor might be helpful but not essential. No gardening needed except watering plants.
What are the good features of the property and location
The old house is a listed historic building (Grade II*) surrounded by lovely farmland and views, 6 miles/12 minutes from the nearest town, Monmouth.
Neighbours (3) are in 2 tenanted houses nearby.
Total peace and quiet at the end of a lane, with no passing traffic. The land is mainly organic pasture dotted with small woods, ponds and wildlife habitat.
The house combines the ambience of a historic house - flagstones, beams, big log fire - with most modern comforts - central heating, wifi (no TV), washing machine, dishwasher etc. Lots of local attractions and things to do and fairly close to Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham as well as shops/cinema/theatre/music in local towns.
Lots of good walking in the area: Offa's Dyke path, Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley OANB, Black Mountains etc. Cathedrals and ruined castles in all directions.
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Do you enjoy looking after farm animals in all weather?
Do you enjoy working outside and doing some practical maintenance work if necessary.
Can you learn about and manage perhaps unfamiliar systems?
Do you mind being quite isolated at the end of a road in a beautiful place?
Would you be OK with a vegetarian diet while house sitting here? (Preferable but not essential).
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
9 January 2025
Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/sitters/assignment/6010
Testimonials
Upper Red House, UK - Loved every moment!
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Upper Red House! The home is in the beautiful countryside--in a very friendly community. Teona was absolutely wonderful. She was available, thoughtful, and so very kind. The animals were easy to care for and the home itself beautiful. I would absolutely do this 100% again. I loved every minute and felt blessed for this opportunity.
KAREN, United States, 31 May 2022
Wonderful Experience
We had a wonderful stay at Teona's beautiful home. Teona gave us a warm welcome on our arrival and we had a lovely chat over lunch that she had prepared before we left. She was kind, and also clear in her communcations thoughout, and always quick to answer messages. The house, is unique and beautiful, and in a wonderful location surrounded by fields and rolling hills, and very peaceful with no passing traffic. We absolutely loved the looking after animals. The two cats, Black and Shed have very sweet natures, and the 2 ponies and peacocks were very easy going and lovely to have around too. We would definitely recommend this house-sit to other house-sitters.
Annette, 31 July, 2021
Upper Red House
Teona gave us a warm welcome and provided clear instructions on both the animals and the building as well as leaving a comprehensive guide to everything. The house is full of original features and is in a lovely setting with walks from the door. The area is very hilly, so you need good walking boots but Offa's dyke is close by and was a great walk. The animals are delightful, especially the 2 cats who love a cuddle and we had no problems with anything during the sit. Monmouth is nearby and very nice to wander, as well as Symonds Yat which is a good walk or a delightful kayak. We'd recommend and would be happy to return.
Linda, United Kingdom, 29 Jun 2021
Upper Red House Farm Jan 22-27 2020
Home sitting for Teona was fantastic. If you like peace and quiet, an unparaleled connection with nature and a chance to escape, this is a house sit for you! Teona was welcoming and very well organised with what is required from and for you, as an individual. Feeding the cats, ponies and birds was straight forward and simple. Being prepared for a good walk each morning with stout foot wear is a must. Checking that the sheep are healthy and mobile is straight forward, as well as planned (you don't need to be vet, you just need common sense). Teona's home is charming, comfortable and warm with an endless supply of spring water (i brought 2 bottles home :) Happy to recommend, even happier to return.
James , 28 January, 2020
Lots of animals on a little farm
Teona's farm is a lovely little place in the Welsh countryside, hidden from civilization and mostly self-sufficient. Solar panels, water collection, automated boiler, stable internet... there's little else anyone would need there. While we visited, the kitchen heating wasn't working, but the fireplace and a small portable heater made the rest of the house comfy. Taking care of the animals takes about 1.5h each day. Feed everyone twice a day, long walk (4km) around the premises to make sure no sheep are in trouble, then cuddle the cats for the rest of the day. Unlike the ponies, who don't trust people much, and the shy peacocks, all the cats are a joy to be around. Though there was some miscommunication with the owner, we really enjoyed the stay and recommend it to anyone who likes peace and quiet.
Katerina, Czech Republic, 24 Mar 2019
Beautiful rural Wales
Teonas' home was an absolute joy to look after. I arrived the afternoon before so there was plenty of time for Teona to show me the property and explain the routine for the various animals. The property is remote so a car is definitely needed. The cats were very independent but did love a warm fireplace and a lap in the evenings! The ponies, cats and peafowl were always around bang on time for breakfast and dinner, and all were very straightforward. Sheep were across a few fields on the 120 acre property. A walk of the perimeter and internal hedges was a lovely and bracing way to start the day, and the sheep were very easy to keep an eye on. The house itself is beautiful, lovingly restored and full of character. Teona is very communicative, and had thought of every eventuality. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to sit at Teonas house again Inn the future.
Anastasia, 16 February, 2019
Photographer Mark
It was a pleasure housesitting for Teona. She is welcoming, generous, straightforward, organised, kind and considerate. The 17th century farm house is old worldly, charming and comfortable with a great open fire and wifi! Phone reception is poor which I found was a welcome relief. The farm jobs were fun- great to engage with all the animals, only taking half an hour or so a day, longer leisurely walks checking the lambs if desired. The beauty of the natural environment was the best bit. This is a perfect house sit if you like the sound of all the above.
Mark, 14 January, 2019