Looking for a lovely countryside, village, or mountain property and animals to sit long term, Europe or Scandinavia? Almost anywhere really

About this sitter

Hi, I am Steve. I am a retired Electronics Engineer, currently living close to the south coast of England, but looking to move to Europe this year (2024). I have travelled extensively in Europe and in the Alps by both car and campervan. I speak a little French and German and am now trying to learn Italian.

I am English, a non-smoker, and have an Irish/EU passport and full (manual) UK driving license, so travelling and staying in Europe long-term is no problem.

My daughter and I house and cat-sat together near Verona, Italy (6 weeks, Jul/Aug. 2023) which went very well. We drove from the UK to Turin, then Verona, travelling all over the local area, including many small mountain roads.

In 2016, I drove to Naples/Napoli and back by campervan and I also spent 6 months touring Europe in a campervan in 1991, skiing, snowboarding, and touring around, plus many other trips in Europe over the years, usually driving.

Why they want to house sit

I am looking for a countryside, mountainside, or small town/village property, maybe with some lovely small-ish pets or small farm animals, so that I can enjoy feeling 'at home' while exploring and getting to know the local area - as a local. I look forward to making some new friends - human and furry alike!

I would likely travel out by car, but would also be happy to use one of yours if available, or buy one locally for a long-term sit.

In the past, I have house and pet-sat for friends in the UK, and stayed with families in Italy, and had their children stay with us in the UK.

I have lived in many houses and flats, both my own and rented, keeping them clean and tidy and well maintained myself and have always received the best references. As an ex-Electronics Engineer, I am very practical with all things electrical, electronic and mechanical: I can fix most things, from mobile phones and laptops, to cars and general home DIY and am generally very resourceful.

Their experience

I was brought up in the countryside and regularly helped out on relatives' small farms and market gardens when I was young and love the countryside. I have done a lot of skiing and snowboarding and love the mountains: I spent six months on my own in Europe (winter to summer) in a campervan many years ago. I have also over-wintered in Canada.

Until very recently, my daughter and I had two small dogs and a cat, but just have the one dog now (the others were very old) and have in the past also had rabbits, rats and gerbils. We’ve had tropical fish for many years. The dog and fish are my daughter’s. I am looking for house-sits on my own and do not have any pets of my own now.

What can they bring to the assignment

I offer total care of your property and pets - as you would - especially with my long home ownership and self maintenance experience I’m looking forward to trying and getting to know other countries and yet more languages! No preferred locations, anything considered - long(ish)-term preferred, but also interested to hear of any other opportunities going.

I will of course reply promptly to any messages and will be very happy to answer any questions you have. I’m happy to chat and get to know each other first by WhatsApp video.

Thanks for reading, I hope to hear from some of you soon. I wish you all great holidays and travelling experience and good luck with your sitters, whoever you choose.