Pretty, peaceful finca in the Andalucian countryside, with lots of pets!

About this assignment

We need someone who is calm and tolerant but firm.
We have 5 dogs. One of them can be a bully and one is a thief! There are also often foster puppies here that need taking care of. Andrea comes on a Wednesday to clean the house she also comes at varous times during the week to clean up outside and on those days she will clean the puppies.
There is also one cat. And goldfish!
A driver is essential and needs to be over 26 for the insurance.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

We ask only that the pets are taken care of and the garden and terrace pots watered. The dogs are fed morning and evening. The cats whenever they ask! We also ask that they are taken to the vet if they need to be.
And keep the pool clean in the summer if you want to use it!.

What are the good features of the property and location

We are situated on a hill overlooking a peaceful valley. We have several acres much of it fenced so the dogs run free and don´t need to be exercised but some of them like to go for a walk and walks abound! The house is rustic but comfortable. It is not a show house. The pets have free access to all except the guest room. Sitters are welcome to shut them out of the sitting room if they are using it and if we have puppies they are not allowed in the sitting room. We have all mod cons including a separate dishwasher for dogs bowls! Air conditioning in the sitting room and kitchen. Wifi and TV. It is possible for house sitters to sleep in the guest cottage but the dogs are not allowed there.
We are 4kms from the small town of Pizarra where there are supermarkets, shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, doctors and dentists. There is a railway station. Trains go from there into Malaga city. The dogs are used to being left alone so sitters can go off and explore. Our car is available for sitters to use. It is possible to get to Seville or Granada in a day but quite a flog. Also the beaches of the Costa del Sol are about 3/4 of an hour away. At a similar distance the beautiful lakes at Ardales and El Chorro and the famous Camino del Rey!
We have a lovely swimming pool on a separate quiet and secluded terrace which sitters will be grateful for in the summer.
Andrea is Argentinian so speaks Spanish which is helpful.
We also have neighbours and friends who will help if needs be.

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

It is extremely hot here in the summer and can be quite wet at times during the winter. It can also be quite cold. There are log burners in the living rooms that will need feeding. There is central heating in the bedrooms and bathrooms which comes on only in the mornings. We find we wear more clothes here in winter than we did in England!
Five dogs is a lot, but mostly they are laid about sleeping. If we have puppies they are not housetrained and will pee and poo in the house. This needs cleaning up. There is no problem with leaving them in the kennel and run though and not letting them in the house.
We understand that sitters treat their visits as holiday and appreciate they may like a glass of wine or two. We are off the beaten track and in an emergency it is likely to be necessary to drive and so we cannot accept heavy drinkers.
We understand that some house sitters like to potter in the garden.
It´s important to know that gardening here is not like it it in the north. We encourage plants and trees to grow over to create shade for the summer months when temperatures reach 40 degs C. So what looks to some like a bush that needs cutting back, actually is not!
Also, weeding is back to front! Weeds here come up after the first rain of the year around November so we are at our most weedy in January when it is not that warm outside to get out there weeding. Also tree pruning is done in November because come February, trees have flower blossoms on them.
Anyone here in July or August will find the place, dry and shrivelled up with little green in sight and the ground as hard as rock.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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