About this assignment

The house sitter (or sitters) needs to be a non-smoker, a car driver, self-reliant, reasonably able-bodied, caring and compassionate. Although on a farm most of the land is let out so caring for the few animals is not time consuming but does need some basic knowledge of needs of ponies and chickens. There is a large garden but no gardening will be expected other than picking fruit or collecting vegetables for house-sitters use.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Primarily to look after the security of the farmhouse and buildings as you would your own home, to feed ponies, feed two dozen chickens and collect eggs. Most importantly to keep an eye on a disabled adult who lives independently in a cottage next to the farmhouse. He cooks, washes, cleans for himself but because he has a head-injury he needs taking to horse-riding and shopping once a week.

What are the good features of the property and location

The farmhouse is secluded but only four miles from a market town. It is within easy driving distance of the coast and of both Exmoor and Dartmoor. It is set amongst woodland and surrounded by wonderful walking country. There is a tennis court and other games facilities used by a holiday barn on the property but this will be unoccupied during any house sit and so available to use.

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

There are no near neighbours. There is wireless broadband but it would not be suitable for anyone trying to run an internet based business as the speed is too slow.
The disabled adult is a very happy person, sociable and with no aggression or other issues but he does need motivating and keeping an eye on. However, this does not mean staying on the farm all the time, it is quite all right to leave him for an entire day