Seeking kind sitters who love peace, quiet and animals!

About this assignment

The main thing we are looking for is someone to take the very best of loving care of our animals, both small and large. We would need a brief daily message just so we know all is ok (because I miss my animals when I am away and that way I can relax!), but of course this also means we're happily available at any time with information and advice if you needed . Someone with some large animal experience might be preferable because of the donkeys but not essential. Also due to our rescue dog's current issues with separation anxiety we are looking for someone who wants to relax with animals and in the peace of the countryside rather than spend a lot of time out and about.

Please note we have used house sitters many times in the past but have no testimonials from this site. We migrated from a larger site last year and have used other sites too.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

The key responsibility is to take the very best of care of our pets, both indoor and outdoor. Our bearded collies Boodie and Willow aren't currently walked off property so lots of garden playtime and running in our field every couple of days or so. I can explain more to anyone who is interested. They are used to having access to our bedroom at night and have their dog beds in there, and quite often sleep on the bed, and so it's essential someone is happy with that!

We have 2 bengal cats, Sultan and Pippin. They have indoor litter trays, and go outside but don't leave the garden and don't stay out for long. Sultan needs medication 3 times a day but we have a system where he takes it quite easily in his food. The 2 ducks will need letting out of their coops first thing in the morning and put safely away at night, as well as a weekly coop clean and regular refreshment of their little pool.

The 4 donkeys have a small stable and a field area, and we generally just allow them to come and go inside as they wish. Some daily mucking out is needed as required, and obviously some feeding and watering which varies according to the time of year and weather. In the other half of the field we have 2 alpacas and 2 sheep, who will just need a little feed, though feeding of all of the larger animals is mostly leaving them to graze in the field in the late spring, summer and early autumn. Daily donkey cuddles are optional.

What are the good features of the property and location

We live in an old single-storey stone cottage in a very attractive rural location in Northumberland. There are no next door neighbours and we are 10 minutes drive from the nearest small town/village of Rothbury, and 5 minutes drive from a garage with decent basic supplies. We are not totally isolated as we are on a small country road and have a small amount of passing country traffic (mostly farm related), and we can get supermarket deliveries. We have nice views from all parts, including of the Cheviot Hills, and if you love peace and solitude this is for you. There is a large grassy garden area and a private courtyard area to sit in. We have a 5 acre adjacent paddock for the large animals and a 2.5 acre private wood which although it is not good for walking in (it acts mainly as a windbreak for the house) does mean we have a lot of birdlife and deer wander through there. There are no street lights and very dark skies here, and so we have wonderful views of the stars on a clear night, especially as there is no ambient light - Northern Lights now and again too. There is a lot of bird life, and it’s a great place to be amongst nature. If you are not bringing your own car we can arrange for you to use our truck (license etc permitting). We have Sky TV with sports and movie packages and excellent reliable high speed wifi connection.

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

Our dogs like to sleep on the bed with us, and I know this is not to everyone’s taste. Mobile phone reception is not so good in this area, though there are a couple of sweet spots where you can get reception, and we do have wifi calling set up. Housesitters would be welcome to use the landline and we could leave a mobile phone with a working sim if needed. There is no shop within walking distance, but a small garage and Spar 5 minutes drive away. The nearest larger supermarket is at Alnwick, 25 minutes drive away. There is no public transport near to us, and the nearest train stations are Morpeth and Alnmouth (both about 30 mins away), with the nearest airport being Newcastle 50 minutes away. There is no takeaway delivery service here either!

I am going to be honest about the challenges with this sit (apart from having the two cuddly dogs on your bed!). Currently our house is in need of some decorative care both inside and in the garden area. We had some storm damage with water coming through the roof and trees being blown down a while ago, and though any structural repairs have been done and dangerous trees chopped down, this slowed us down somewhat with regard to the usual decorative maintenance. We are still in the process of freshening up some of the interior which is a bit worn in a few places, but we have decided a well-earned holiday and our mental health will take priority this year. Some of the debris in the garden from the fallen trees is still there so it looks a bit odd with piles of branches at the bottom end but it is rural and rustic! In summary, we love our little comfy 180 years old cottage but right now it is not a candidate for front cover of Homes and Garden magazine!

Also, re the dogs, Willow is a rescue who has been with us for 2 years. She has a beautiful loving nature, but had a very bad start to life, and is still quite clingy and not confident on her own or in the outside world, although she is getting better. We are building up to be able to leave them alone for longer periods in the house but we don't want to rush her, so to be honest this will suit those who are happy to mainly just hang around and enjoy the animals and the outdoors and the quiet, rather than be a tourist, and is one of the reasons this may suit a couple rather than a single person. She is also not good being walked right now due to being alarmed by any passing tractors or bikes, and for now she is happiest running round the garden and does not suffer from that. She will get there eventually, but I'd feel better if for now we didn't factor walking into this. Happy to answer any questions about this as I am aware I am making things sound pretty bleak - I just like to set honest expectations!

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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