About this assignment

Trustworthy, caring animal lovers, who would enjoy semi rural enviroment and typical Spanish village life.
Who want to mix caring for the animals and relaxing and enjoying their surroundings in the winter sunshine!

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

General dog care, feeding stable cats and general care of 1 retired horse and his 2 pony friends! (2 teenage girls can come and help you at weekends with the horses)
Feeding the fish in the pond and scooping leaves out if the pool!
For those who like to garden... Feel free to potter round and do bits and bobs!

What are the good features of the property and location

In the centre of Mallorca and On the outskirts of the peaceful rural village of Algaida, you will find my home 'Can Dapau'
Algaida is perfectly situated being 15 minutes from the Airport, Playtia de Palma ( one of Palmas beaches) and Palma City with its beautiful Cathedral and cosmopolitan shops and cafes.
10 minutes away you will find Son Gual Golf course rated the best on the island.

Can Dapau is a Modern villa with swimming pool and gardens and stable yard in the countryside 5 minutes from the village.
The gardens have lots of areas for enjoying the beautiful weather in Mallorca both in summer and in winter. The swimming pool with sun loungers for lazy days sunbathing is deep enough for you to dive. You will find a full dining table and chairs with BBQ under the covered gazebo next to the fish pond, where you can listen to the relaxing trickle of water from the little waterfall whilst you enjoy your meals.
The garden has orange, lemon, pear and Grapefruit trees, pink pepper corn, lavender, sage and wild spring onion and garlic can be found growing and large aloe Vera plants.
We have a small kitchen herb garden that you are welcome to use.
The oranges are ready December January time and you can wake up pick the oranges to make fruit juice and enjoy a grapefruit whilst you enjoy your breakfast outside in the winter sunshine!
There is a small multi gym outside you are welcome to use, skipping ropes, exercise mat, exercise bike, and small stepper, ladies dumbbells and a boxing bag if you have some energy to burn!
We also have 2 bicycles if you want to cycle to the village bakery to get fresh bread or the little Market on Fridays!

At the bottom of the garden, completely separate, is a small stable yard with my retired horse and 2 ponies and all the stable cats

At the far end of the stable yard you will find a gate that you can pass through the small woods and out to the fields behind the Villa onto the maze of small caminos ( unmade country roads) ideal for walkers!

The village of Algaida is a typical small Spanish village with charm and character, with an abundance of small cafes, bars restaurants and shops, There is a post office, paper shop, bakery, chemist, super market, butchers and banks. With a small Market every Friday Morning, selling fresh local fruit and veg and fish and plants, as well as the normal array of clothes bags and shoes!

There is an old 4x4 to use for local trips to the village, and for trips further a field there is a bus at the end of the road that goes into The new Palma bus station and from here you can get any where to discover what the beautiful island has to offer!

The beach at Es Trenc with its crystal clear blue water and idyllic white sand is a must and is only 30 minutes away, the small Electric train through the mountains and Almond groves to Soller is stunning. The large Sunday Market at Santa Maria is 15 minutes away and right on the doorstep in Algaida is the Glass Blowing museum Gordila.

There is a sunny double room with a sun terrace and separate private bathroom with a shower and a jacuzzi bath. There is 24hr wifi in the house and Sky TV in the kitchen and lounge.
There is a large well equipped kitchen with bar stool seating round the center
Island. Within the kitchen is a sofa area and TV with SKY channels and DVD player and music system and also a kitchen terrace with dinning area.

There is a large lounge with patio doors looking out to the fish pond, a music sound system and a large flat screen TV with SKY TV, DVD player and XBOX, ( with an array of Movies and Games)

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

It is not in the tourist areas.
Bring a spanish dictionary! But don't worry the locals love to help!
The small animal and horse vet both speak perfect English....and my English speaking friends ar just round the corner!

You will need to have had some experience of horses.

Weather
Everyone knows the sun shines in Spain most of the time!
.....but in winter although the sun shines and you can still sit by the pool in T shirts and thin Trousers or sometimes the Bikini has been known to come out in January! The pool is much too cold for swimming. You may be able to stand on the top steps with your feet in after much squealing.... And then only for 1 minute!
The sun is at its strongest as normal over lunch but it is cold out of the sun and you will find warm jumpers a must and coats at night.
So December, Jan and Feb don't expect a heat wave! And be prepared that we do actually have some rain!

DATES
2013
May, I have May available .... Sitters just had to cancel due to work.
June, July, August and on wards!
I will be away at various dates over summer.
Trips from 4 days to a week. The dates are not arranged untill nearer the time.
I am looking for sitters who are avaiilable for longer periods who are happy to be here enjoying the villa and the surrounding areas when I am ' on site ' and ready to take care of my four legged friends when I'm away!
There is lots of space in the Villa and gardens and I spend my days in a office at the back of the house or at the stables.... So sitters just get on with their own plans and make them selves at home!