Come Spend 4 Months in Beautiful Rural SE Arizona Sky Islands Solitude

About this assignment

Can you help us out, Adventurers, Nomads, Writers, Artists, Seekers? Those looking for a quiet, peaceful, stress-reducing experience off the beaten path! We are offering a stay of 4 months (mid-June to mid-October 2024) at our Sky Islands retreat, Circle H Ranch located in the SE corner of Arizona. We are located at 4760 ft elevation in an ancient volcanic ashflow valley formed around 2-4 million years ago. If Covid is still a concern, this is the place to be as isolated as you might choose, and have little contact with people, if that is your desire.
We are looking for that special someone who enjoys solitude and peace and quiet to stay in our rural SE Arizona home for 4 months this summer, to provide a presence and do some chores. A neat and tidy single person or couple with no pets or children is preferred. Some "fix it" skills helpful. You must be able to walk some distance over rugged ground. This is a great opportunity for the writer, artist, meditator! We provide a place, a natural wilderness location, to explore your inner being and spend quiet time away from the outside world. This is NOT the place for conventional sightseers and tourists, although there could be opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. If you want to visit the local coffee shop every day, this is NOT your spot. You need to enjoy your own company and the outdoor wildlife.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Our 80 acres is located in some of SE Arizona's beautiful Sky Islands, and is managed as a wildlife preserve. Duties include watering plants and trees indoors and out, providing water for the birds and wildlife--over 140 species of birds (a birdwatcher's paradise!), mule deer, Coues whitetail deer, bobcats, gray fox, javelinas, reptiles and more--plus any chores or minor repairs that might be necessary. You will be here during monsoon season with its possible thunderstorms and floods, and could be "stranded" for a day until the water subsides. You would need to hike over rugged ground to check the fences for possible damage and repair. This could involve hiking up to 2 miles over mostly level but rocky terrain plus up and down one hill. There are neighbors who could help out with repairs if necessary. Also picking up the mail once every two weeks.
PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY, AND MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THEM! We have had housesitters in the past who did not grasp the remoteness of the location or the responsibilities, no matter how clearly we try to explain. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS!! There are no dumb questions, only unasked ones!

What are the good features of the property and location

Ideal for the one who treasures solitude! Our small custom log home is not luxurious but is comfortable. The house (and apartment for guests separate from the house) both have air conditioning as well as strategically placed ceiling fans in the house. We are 17 miles from Douglas, a Mexican border town with shopping and medical services. The old mining town of Bisbee is 40 miles away for interesting culture and arts. There is a small dirt airstrip on the property used occasionally by a local group. There is also a small rustic apartment separate from the house, as well as a shop and hangar. We are about 140 miles from Tucson, the nearest airport. Our property is perfect for the artist, writer, meditator. If you like walking/hiking or mountain biking you can do so right out the door!
The mail is delivered to mailboxes 3 miles from the house. FedEx and UPS deliver right to the door.

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

Electricity and a good well are on the property, there is no telephone, TV, or internet/wifi EXCEPT what is available from your own Verizon-compatible device--a Verizon tower is on the mountain 5 miles behind the house, so there is excellent service. A television is available for watching DVDs. There is a washer/dryer/clothesline. A vehicle is provided for local use--our road requires high clearance but not 4 x 4. You would be staying during the monsoon season with its possible thunderstorms and flooding rains. Checking the fenceline for possible damage would be necessary. It's possible you might see rattlesnakes or scorpions, who are not a problem if you treat them with respect. A non-smoker is preferred.
Previous housesitters have commented that having sturdy shoes and a sunhat are important. If you are interested, please reply with a description of why you'd like to stay here. If you are the right person, this could be a life-changing experience! We'd like to find someone able to return in 2026 as we plan to travel within a similar timeframe then.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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