Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Sitter available
Mature, responsible, animal loving couple enjoying life exploring new horizons!
United Kingdom
Testimonials
They have 21 testimonials (view below)
Pet experience
Dog(s), Cat(s), Chicken(s), Bird(s), Fish, Rabbit(s), Guinea pig(s) – Pets we have cared for range from elderly rescue dogs with health or other issues, large and energetic young dogs through playful middle aged or sleepy old cats to fish, chickens, pigeons and once a wild duck who took refuge on the garden pond!
Police check
They have a police check
Availability
From: 30 April 2024
Until: 1 January 2030
Occupation
Retired
References
They have referees/references (view below)
About this sitter
We have been partners for 32 years and work well as a team. We are clean and tidy people and have looked after all manner of properties, from old farmhouses to modern townhouses and for the summer of 2016 a Spanish villa with swimming pool in the country which needed resourceful management. December of 2016 saw us caring for a property powered by sun and wind in a tranquil woodland setting in South West France, with January, February and March of 2017 being shared between spells high in the mountains of Spain's Andalucia and in the genteel Cotswolds of the UK.
On then to the Caribbean to start 8 months of living in a traditional Belizean house on pillars in 5 acres next to the beautiful Mopan River, following which we wintered in the South of France on the Côte d'Azur high on a hill overlooking the whole of the Bay of Nice.
In 2018 after enjoying caretaking a sympathetically renovated set of old French farm buildings and swimming pool we moved on to an apartment overlooking a small Bavarian town where the pretty cat didn't mind us not speaking German at all! Then came a short break in Switzerland caring for a comical Cairn Terrier and a beautiful four storey house on the edge of a town near Geneva
Back then to UK spending an enjoyable few autumnal weeks in the lively town of Congleton near the canal and woodlands. For seven months over the winter we were immersed in caring for a large, traditional French chateau and coach house in 22 acres with its extremely lovable resident cat, and then settled in a beautiful designer home with no pets but wild rabbits and birds to feed in Ashdown Forest in the south east of England. Prior to the pandemic we were in the Spanish Ronda near Gibraltar caring for a truly beautiful house, horses, dogs, cats and hens. Though it must be said there was little for us to do other than enjoy the extensive grounds, pool and terraces as all the hard work was covered by visiting workers
After many months of lockdown in both UK and Spain our house sitting schedule quickly became booked up until the end of 2023. Starting with a fun few days in Xávia being entertained by two little Bichon fluff balls and their elderly Tekel companion who oozed gravitas, until it was time for walking when he completely regressed to joyful, energetic puppyhood! We experienced Marbella in Spain with three Wheaten Terriers, a large modern house in Cannock Chase, England with two cats, one a beautiful princess and the other a little demon! Denia, Spain next where we had our own house in the grounds, with a lovable big doggie and the best mouser of a cat that we've ever come across! We are to return there for our last assignment of 2023 but before then have a hectic schedule in France, Spain and UK necessitating travelling direct from one house sit to the next!
From this diversity you will see it is difficult for us to be precise about what we are looking for in a house sit - some listings appeal without the reasons being obviously apparent!
Hazel's working background is in admin. Before her most recent employment as a legal assistant she spent 10 years managing the offices of an architecture practice specialising in large sustainable building projects. We have also had our own retail and catering businesses. Hazel enjoys reading, cooking, handicrafts and walking.
Gerry is a retired engineer technician who has also worked for three government departments all with high security clearance. Most of his working life since leaving the Navy has been self-employed in various ventures, including building maintenance and retail as an owner. He is particularly interested in exploring small estate management/caretaking assignments, preferably around the developed world. He is handy with tools and familiar with mechanical equipment. He likes to keep abreast of world affairs, keeps fit playing tennis, enjoys writing and has recently embarked on learning to play the guitar.
Both of us enjoy reading and music (from classical to rock!) and are creative.
We are both in good health and do not smoke. Our three sons are now in their early 40's. Hazel has two perfect granddaughters, the elder is ten years old. She also has an elderly, very active mother, all are amazingly proficient with a tablet and we keep in regular contact by Skype. The main priority for us, therefore, is for good Internet facilities at any house sit we undertake.
We live mainly in UK and Spain. We have our own transport for European and UK assignments but would appreciate use of a vehicle if flying further afield. As we do not charge for our house sitting services we do not expect to pay for utilities but, in some circumstances, are open to discussing a contribution.
To sum up in a few words, we are enthusiastic, calm, efficient, reliable and resourceful. Still learning, still keen!
Why they want to house sit
Now, without the constraints of Hazel's work, we are able to fulfil our ambition to travel, explore other areas, meet more people and enjoy new cultures. We do not have any pets but enjoy the company of animals and are very content to "borrow" other people's to love. House sitting is therefore the ideal occupation for us!
Their experience
Although Hazel only retired from working full time in 2016, we are experienced house sitters and pet carers as we have previously taken assignments within striking distance of her place of work.
What can they bring to the assignment
We are quiet, calm people with a fair share of common sense, as well as being clean, tidy and organised. We like to give any pets in our care loads of attention, keeping to their established routine, but with plenty of fun and games!
Our home owners are kept updated regularly by whatever method they prefer.
References are available if required.
Last updated:
17 March 2024
Available to house sit
Australia, Caribbean, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom
Availability dates
From: 30 April 2024
Until: 1 January 2030
Do they charge?
They don't charge for house sitting services
Membership
MindMyHouse member since 2016
Personal details
Age: 66-75 years old
Family status:
Couple
Total sits
Total completed house sits: 20
References
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About this house sitter
MindMyHouse member since September 2023
Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/owners/sitter_listing/28088
Testimonials
In the mountains of southern Spain
Hazel and Gerry did a nine-week house-sit for us during the summer of 2023, looking after our house and garden in the semi-desert of south-east Spain. By design, we overlapped both at the beginning and at the end of the sit and found them to be friendly and good company. This was quite a demanding house-sit in the heat of summer in southern Spain but they rose to the challenge. They proved reliable and resourceful and did an excellent job, often going above and beyond what was expected. They were particularly good at keeping in contact with us via WhatsApp, both with queries and also to let us know when things were running smoothly, with photos to illustrate a variety of situations. We were sufficiently impressed to ask them whether they would consider house-sitting for us again in the future and we have no hesitation in recommending them if you are looking for an experienced and competent couple to look after your property. Kevin Borman & Troy Roberts
Kevin, Spain, 19 October, 2023
House/cat sit September 2022
Hazel y Gerry A lovely couple arrived at our house the day before we left so they could meet our 7 cats and see their requirements and needs. They are a very reliable couple kept in touch most days with pictures and stories of the cats exploits. They picked up some medication at the vets for me for a feral cat I feed who seemed to have a mouth problem. The house was kept lovely and clean and when we arrived home the bedding and towels were blowing on the line in the sunshine. The cats were happy and content and were very chilled and relaxed in Hazel and Gerry's company. If you are looking for a reliable friendly couple look no further they are ideal.
Ann, Spain, 21 September, 2023
The perfect house sitters
Absolutely lovely, genuine, honest and fun loving house sitters! We are fussy who we leave our dog with; we like The house to be occupied so it’s essential to trust the sitter. You couldn’t ask for better with Hazel and Gerry. Nothing was too much trouble and they sent us messages and photos on request with updates about our baby girl, made our time away (4 weeks) more enjoyable knowing our house and dog were in completely safe hands. So popular, you have to be quick to book them! Truly wonderful people, thank you x
Amanda, Spain, 03 July, 2023
Hazel and Jerry looked after our property whilst we were in the U.K. visiting family and friends. From our first meeting with them we knew we had made a good choice in asking them to house sit for us. They bonded very quickly with our cat and dog and kept us updated with photos and other information whilst we were on the road. We now think of them as "friends" and hope they will be available the next time we need house sitters and do not hesitate to recommend them to others looking for house sitters
Roger, Spain, 12 December, 2022
Totally perfect sitters!
Hazel and Gerry are such nice people, fun and interesting. Apart from that they looked after our demanding little dogs with great care and affection, and sent frequent photos and updates. We would recommend them as sitters at 100%!
Mary-Louise, Spain, 03 April, 2022
A delight from start to finish
From the first video call I had with Hazel and Gerry, I felt confident I had made a good choice. And my dogs just adored them, could not have asked for my home and hounds to be better looked after. They left the place so clean and even did all the laundry, all I had to do was hang it out! I was sent regular whatsapp updates and pictures and was superbly confident my dogs were being thoroughly well looked after, if not spoiled! If you get an opportunity to engage Hazel and Gerry, just grab it, definitely recommended.
Sue, Spain, 27 January, 2022
A handful of dogs
Hazel and Gerry looked after our elderly Billy and our two young Maltesers Chico and Sancho impeccably, and the house was sparkling when we got back. They were lovely guests and clearly the dogs loved them too. We just hope they can sit for us next time, and the time after, then once again……????????????????????
Mary-Louise, Spain, 26 October, 2021
Fab Couple
The second time they have dropped everthing and fitted us in. Our cats love them to bits. The house is so clean on our return. Gerry finds jobs to do that we have forgotten. No hesitation in recommending them.
Rickie, United Kingdom, 06 December, 2019
Hazel's return visit
We were so pleased that Hazel and Gerry were willing to house and pet sit for the second time in August 2019. The world can offer an enticing opportunity for house sitters, so possibly they may not visit us again, but we hope they do! We were kept informed of the welfare of our cat and similarly of any mail and events at home. The house was kept spotless and we had no concerns at all during our time away. We wish them well wherever they find themselves.
Andrew, United Kingdom, 04 September, 2019
Above and Beyond
Hazel & Gerry are a wonderful couple who took exceptional care of our cottage, gardens, wild rabbits and birds for seven weeks this summer. Hazel kept us up to speed and asked questions in her very amusing weed-ending email, with photos. They signed for parcels and dealt with a little emergency.We were delighted to arrive back to a super clean house, all laundry done plus lots of unasked for but much appreciated extras, such as a rag rug edged, two bed valances tailored to to better fit the bed frames, plus plus! Their warmth, can do attitude and attention to detail was superb. It has been a pleasure to meet them and we wish them every success with their next adventure. Truly to be trusted housesitters.
Kay, United Kingdom, 19 August, 2019
7 months house sit for Chateau Dumas
Just the most wonderful house-sitters in every way. They looked after the flat where they stayed as if it was their own and it was always sparkling clean and tidy. My cat adored them and was all dewy eyed when he was around them. They made sure there was food in the fridge for me whenever I came over to the property and invited me to delicious meals. They couldn’t do enough to keep the property tidy and completed a whole series of repairs and tidying jobs without being asked. Hazel’s weekly reports were the stuff of legends – detailed and reassuring. Fantastic sitters that I was lucky enough to meet and have look after my property. I’m so grateful that I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen.
Lizzie , United Kingdom, 05 June, 2019
Hazel & Gerry - 3 weeks in Congleton, UK
Hazel & Gerry house sat for us and our cat while we were away for 3 weeks. We felt immediately at ease with them and had no qualms about leaving them ‘in charge’. The house was found to be spotless on our return, the fallen leaves in the garden all swept up and our cat had obviously taken to its temporary parents seamlessly. Hazel and Gerry are very conscientious, personable, easy to get on with, and know the ropes as far as house and pet sitting is concerned. While we were away Hazel kept in regular contact. We would be only too pleased to have them come back, either as sitters or as guests should they plan to be in our area again.
Andrew, United Kingdom, 04 November, 2018
Wonderful sitters
Hazel and Gerry responded immediately to my posting and turned up right on time at my house for the hand-over. My dog took to them at once and he was really well cared for. Hazel and Gerry left my house beautifully clean and tidy and even took the initiative to tidy up the garden. I couldn't have asked for me and I recommend them highly.
Elizabeth, France, 18 September, 2018
Perfect house sitters for our cat & ourhome
Hazel and Gerry being our carers for our beloved Mira has been the best decision we could have made. I received a weekly very detailed report with photosof our cat via email which kept me best informed. Whether it was about phone calls on the answering machines or some mail or parcels Hazel very promptly got in touch with me. When we returned from our holiday it nearly blew me away when I found my entire flat including all windows was been cleaned and very tidy. To add onto that we got spoilt with presents for each family member. Gerry even dismantled my daughters bank bed after I asked if it would be OK for him to do and they turned her room into a young lady's room which made her very happy. With a little video tour Hazel sent us the video to Australia and we could not believe what a fantastic job both did in no time. Also Gerry fixed my couch as there was one of the spring feather broken which was absolutely helpful. Overall, Hazel and Gerry are the absolute perfect sitters to have and I do highly recommend the two lovely people from the UK. Also, when we returned
Janine, Germany, 05 September, 2018
Hazel and Gerry
Wonderful house sitters!!!! Hazel and Gerry spent the winter looking after Bikkuh, our Burmese cat, our apartment and our garden. When we got home everything was in perfect order, Bikkuh looked wonderful! We would be glad to recommend them for any future sits and wish them all the best. Thank you Hazel and Gerry
David, France, 27 April, 2018
Great sitters
We've had some great sitters who we will always remember and Hazel and Gerry come into this category. They took very good care of our house and our 2 somewhat eccentric cats. We would welcome them back at any time. We have no hesitation in recommending them to anybody wanting dedicated house and pet sitters, They emailed us regularly with updates on the house and our pets, most reassuring.
Gaynor, United Kingdom, 26 November, 2017
Housesit in Belize, Central America
Hazel and Gerry.........what can we say about Hazel and Gerry? Well, Hazel and Gerry are fantastic caretakers/housesitters! If you have the opportunity to have them available to housesit for you then do not hesitate, please accept them, you will not regret the decision. We had Hazel and Gerry housesit for our dog Monty and cat Mango at our place in Belize. They were there for 8 months. We received wonderful weekly updates of what our pets were up to and what was happening around the property. They took very good care of the pets, pool, house and property. Both Hazel and Gerry are very easy to get to know and we feel as we have made some very good friends. We would love to have them come back if ever our schedules can coordinate. To sum it up.......Hazel and Gerry are absolutely AWESOME!!!!! Thanks for doing a bang up job! Carmel Senecal, Gerri Richardson, Monty and Mango
Carmel, Canada, 26 November, 2017
Due to sudden bereavement, we URGENTLY need House/Pet sitting in Andalucia
Hazel and Gerry responded to our listing almost immediately, even offering to pack and set off that day!! After a brief 'familiarisation' period, we set off in the knowledge that our house and animals were going to be in safe and caring hands. During our absence, we received detailed updates and photos, showing how relaxed our 2 cats and dog all were, cuddling with Hazel and Gerry on the sofa! We returned to an extremely clean and tidy house, especially the ensuite bathroom, which was sparkling! A lovely couple, who are in great demand - highly recommended - enjoy your travels :-)
Des, Spain, 15 February, 2017
Detached modern house in Peacehaven
Hazel and Gerry looked after our home and elderly cat while we went abroad. They are a delightful couple who looked after everything extremely well and we came home to an immaculate home and a very happy cat. Would thoroughly recommend. There was plenty of regular reassuring contact and it was a very pleasant overall experience.
PAMELA, United Kingdom, 09 January, 2017
Excellent House-sitters
Gerry and Hazel looked after our home for 6 weeks in the autumn of 2016. We live in Wales, and have two dogs (a lurcher and a greyhound) plus 14 chickens in 3 different pens. Hazel kept me informed with weekly bulletins which were enormous fun to read, and on our return the house was immaculate. Any foodstuffs they had consumed had been replaced, the garden was tidy, the dogs and chickens well and happy. I have no hesitation in recommending Hazel and Gerry for a house-sitting position. Please do not hesitiate to ask Hazel for my contact details if you wish to follow-up. Nicola.
Nicola, United Kingdom, 06 January, 2017
Mr and Mrs Gauld
Hazel and Gerry house sat for us for a whole month in Jan/Feb last year, with 2 cats to look after. They kept us informed by email every few days with pics of the cats and other items. Its a large house with 4 acres to look after. Fuel is oil and wood. We meet up and went through everything we could all think of. Gerry is able to look after technical stuff and Hazel everything else! wonderful couple we will certainly use them again.
Rickie & Jennie, United Kingdom, 04 January, 2017