Your Kind and Experienced Dutch Male House Sitter

About this sitter

I grew up on a farm, so I'm no stranger to animals. My family were "Fuhrmänner” from the Aachen area, meaning they were teamsters before mechanical trucks, using large Belgian pulling horses. Over the years, our farm had various animals: cows, sheep, goats, and horses. I've personally had birds, parrots, cats, and dogs. My own two dogs which photos are included are already diseased and so I like to have not that animal myself anymore but later in my own place. For now just travelling on my own with my tent and gear or preferably in the autumn in a caravan.

While I'm not a "super housekeeper," I keep things tidy and neat.
I enjoy cooking for myself, which helps save money for my other passions: exploring beaches and mountains. I prefer dry, sunny climates with temperatures around 25°C. This means I'd avoid the Mediterranean in summer, but I'd happily visit in winter. Northern Africa (Morocco, Tunisia) and other Arabic countries like Saudi Arabia are also on my wishlist, as is the Far East (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines). Europe is, of course, always an option.

Why they want to house sit

I’m the oldest of 4 sisters (4,8 and 9 years younger) and babysitting, taking care of our home and cooking when my parents needed to go somewhere. From a early on I was trusted to do. From the age of 8 up to 19y. I was severals years a teacher, when I was transforming from economist to psychologist. So i have my credentials there too. Dependable. Trustworthy.
I’ve moved 22 times in sixty years and 14 before my 18th. So came around in Canada, the United States, Germany, France, and for the last 30 years in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. I value kind, empathetic people and have a good sense for avoiding bad areas or negative individuals.
I understand that applications aren't my strongest suit, so if this seems a bit messy, I apologize. I genuinely gave it my best shot. I assure you, I'm very structured when it comes to properties and responsibilities.

Their experience

I'm now looking for a new place, for retirement. Either within or outside the European Union. There where taxes are low and life is still free. Thats why I prefer a 2 weeks stay. This is optimal to look around in the area for a new place for me to purchase build my new Bio Ecological home and stay.
I'm looking for a "match made in heaven" – a place where I can explore the surroundings. I enjoy visiting local food markets and interacting with local entrepreneurs and locals when we can speak a language and now there is translation apps. So. If it's possible and needed, I'm happy to walk dogs on a leash when outside. If you have different preferences, please just let me know, and we can make other arrangements.

What can they bring to the assignment

I have my passport (EU citizen and Dutch nationality), medical insurance, car, and travel insurance all in order. I'm not a night owl or a party person; I prefer fresh mornings to spend time with the animals. Afternoons are for relaxing and taking care of the property.
When it comes to animals, I prefer a gentle approach. I let them come to me when they're ready, building a relationship slowly until we bond. If your dog needs long, strenuous walks, I might not be the best fit, but short walks or playtime in a field are fine. I prefer smaller dogs or cats, and if you have a farm, I can handle a small one, but not larger operations. My physical limitations mean I can't do heavy farm work.
Ideally,