Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Comfortable house in remote and stunning valley in central Portugal
Portugal, Oleiros, Castelo Branco
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
- Chicken(s)
- Pig(s)
We have one elderly dog, 3 cats, various chickens and chicks and some small kune kune pigs
Dates
- 1 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025 (Only 1 sitter has applied for these dates)
About this assignment
We live in a valley in a comfortable farmhouse in central Portugal. Our dogs are two cheeky terriers who love company and walks. We also have a cat, chickens and two small pigs.
This placement is more suitable for people with transport owing to the remote location, but if you love peace and solitude being here without a car is fine as we can arrange the odd lift into town. If you love the countryside life, love rural Portugal or are interested in finding out more about life here then please read on...
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
We would like to find a housesitter who can look after our dogs and give them a good walk once a day, keep the cats happy, the chickens fed and looked after and the house clean. We also have a garden which will need watering once a day.
You'd also need to make sure Wriggles gets his joint medication and gets a little bit of a hip massage from time to time as he has arthritis. We require decent communication, particularly if you are housesitting alone, as this is a remote location, so if we contact you whilst you are housesitting for us we need you to commit to replying to us that day.
Owing to the fact that you will be alone in the middle of a valley you need to be self reliant and confident. Therefore we are looking for practical unflappable applicants who love nature and who are very happy with animals for company.
What are the good features of the property and location
It is set in a very beautiful valley full of olive tree terraces. It's a 15 mins drive to Oleiros, a bustling market town with lots of nice restaurants and a similar length drive to Alvaro where you can swim in the stunning river-lake of Cabril.
We now have a large verandah (not pictured) perfect for sunny days and another cool basement living room which is lovely in the summer. There will probably be eggs to eat from the chickens and some veg and fruit from our organic garden.
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Own transport would be helpful.
We have pretty fast internet available, but no TV.
This situation would suit people who love nature, and love peace and quiet.
Can I bring my own pets?
Yes
Restrictions: It has worked well before when people have brought a dog or cat as long as the sitter is happy to manage the social dynamics for the first few days.
Last updated:
6 September 2025
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Testimonials
Oh wonderful experience
I had the privilege of sitting for Hannah and Charlie with the dogs Smudge and Wriggles for two months. It was such a gift to have dog companions with me everywhere I went. I particularly like sitting and watching sunset together. I also had the opportunity to learn so many different things and to do some work. For example I learned to make black walnut stain and white wash tinted with elderberry, spreading mushroom spores , collecting pinecones for fire starters and learning about different kinds of agricultural techniques. I also had the chance to work with some of the local workers on the property and trying to communicate and laughing together. I spoke Spanish, no Portuguese but we got by. It was a wonderful time and they have a beautiful space there, peaceful with everything one could need. Communication was excellent and I felt that we had a great trusting relationship I would highly recommend this Housesit for its location, the kind and generous hosts, and the animal companions. Many thanks and I would love to do it again someday.
Kelly, United States, 16 Apr 2025
A Retreat for the Mind, Body & Soul
This was the most beautiful and therapeutic housesit... With a backdrop of green, luscious hills everything is here for a quiet, 'get away from it all' experience... The 2 elderly dogs Smudge & Wriggles were a delight to look after and were ideals companions for the duration Hannah, Charlie & the boys were away, Especially Wriggles who just loves to be close by and often lay happy at my feet .... The chickens & pigs were also very easy to look after once I got into their daily routine....everything was explained thoroughly beforehand. by Hannah. I had numerous contacts too if any advice or questions came up. Their home is large and spacious with everything I needed to make my stay as comfortable as possible The time just flew by as each day was more 'delicious' than the previous .. I would recommend this housesit if solitude, serenity and peaceful living calls to you .. Much love Sinead ❤️
Sinead, Ireland, 3 Aug 2024