Fully housetrained mature Scottish artist/designer based in France

About this sitter

I am a self-employed artist/designer based in France since 2018. I separated from my partner of 30 years last year (still good friends) and am now taking time out and looking for the ideal property for myself after selling our last renovation project in the Dordogne. Im more interested in longer term house sits, preferably at least a month and with a garden/potager as I love flowers, herbs and edible gardening as well as foraging.

Why they want to house sit

My reason for house sitting is primarily to save money on renting as my budget for buying a property is quite small and income sporadic and unreliable at the moment.
I also really love having a beautiful home and garden to care for so long term sits with a garden (and preferably space I can use as an artist’s studio) are ideal for me. Good wifi is essential.

Their experience

Yes, I have looked after friends and families homes and pets in Scotland and have 3 successful housesits with pets and gardens so far in France.
I was formerly a director of my partner’s Landscape gardening company employing 20 people seasonally where I was responsible for all aspects of design, including work schedules.
I have lived with cats and dogs all my life although I am allergic to dogs (but they love me!) so prefer to petsit only for cats. I have one young rescue cat of my own who ideally would come with me, but when not possible she stays with my ex-partner.

What can they bring to the assignment

I grew up in hotels (my parent's) so I understand how to clean, present and maintain a good standard.
I have renovated and sold (for above market value) 3 homes of my own and professionally successfully redesigned a guest house for sale. I am compétent in many aspects of diy, especially painting and decorating.
Gardening is a growing passion, having first designed gardens for others, then grown all my own fruit, veg, herbs and flowers (bio) from seed, as well as foraging, cooking and preserving produce.
Animals love me (and it’s mutua)l but I am unfortunately allergic to dogs.
I am mature, easy going and very capable, so your home, garden and pets will be in safe hands, and as long as I have some time (and preferably a space) to work I'll be happy.
I am easy going and positive, with a very good sense of humour and more than capable in many areas.