Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Christmas at a windmill in central Portugal
Portugal, Mação, Santarém
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
- Chicken(s)
- Goat(s)
We have a very sweet border collie that loves attention, two cats, as well as chickens and 10 goats.
Dates
- 19 Dec 2024 to 29 Dec 2024 (3 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
We are ideally looking for a responsible couple with experience looking after animals and good references. If the exact dates don't work for you, we can be flexible - though we're looking really for 10 days over the Christmas period. There may be more opportunities for future house sits also, as we go away a few times each year.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
Mainly feeding the animals and walking the dog twice a day, as well as taking care of the property. It would be good to have someone who is confident handling goats. There will be no need to look after the garden, at this time of year.
What are the good features of the property and location
The location is rural and feels remote, though we are just 10 minutes away from the main road to Lisbon (1.5 hours drive, or similar on the train) and also 10 minutes to the nearest town, with supermarket, pharmacies, restaurants, etc. The windmill is a fun, quirky place to stay, the views are awesome, and the animals very friendly!
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Because it's remote, you'll need to be able to drive, but not necessarily have your own transport - we can pick up from the train station and leave you our car to use. You can of course do what you'd like whilst here, but we ask that you are at the property for the animals each morning and late afternoon. Also - it can be cold. The mill was not exactly built for living in(!) and if there's a cold snap it can be pretty chilly. There is a fireplace you'll be able to use.
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
5 September 2024
About this home owner
MindMyHouse member since September 2024
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Testimonials
Highly recommended, unique stay with undemanding animals
What a unique property and location! My patner and I thouroughly enjoyed our pet and property sit here. All necessary items were available in the “moinho” and both Fiona and Simon were in communication throughout. Macao has all facilities and the city of Abrantes is large and fairly close as well. This is a real, non-touristy area of Portugal which we loved.The animals were well behaved and simple to care for. If you prefer countryside and peace and quiet, we readily recommend this sitting oppurtunity whenever it is available again.
Herb, United States, 23 Nov 2022
Magical experience!
I still can´t believe at this amazing opportunity I had to house-sit in a restored windmill in central Portugal! Fiona and Simon are a wonderful couple and I am very grateful to them for their trust right from the beginning. I received very clear instructions about the intricacies of the place, and they made sure I was connected with other locals, in case I should need assistance. There were no pets to look after when I was there. I loved the solitude and quietness of the location and if I had the chance, I would for sure repeat the experience! Very highly recommended to people who like quiet spaces and enjoy being by themselves!
Rocio, Spain, 29 Feb 2020
Lovely people and interesting place.
Fiona´s windmill is definitely a special place, surrounded by a beautiful landscape in a remote but accessible area, our daughter loved the place and the owners. Fiona and Simon are great people, friendly and so cheerful, they deserve every help they can get, I just wish we could do more there, but the time was very short and we got an electrical problem that prevented us to help more. All the happiness for you guys. If you are looking for a special and rare place to sit, the windmill is a great choice.
Ricardo, Portugal, 7 Jul 2019