Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Six week house sit in The New Forest
United Kingdom, Fordingbridge, England
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
We think they are lovely - but we are biased. However, most of our previous house sitters have loved them too.
Dates
- 20 Jul 2025 to 1 Sep 2025 (3 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
We are looking for someone for six weeks while we go to our second home in France from 20th July until 1st September.
Most importantly, we need someone to care for our animals. Our dog, Max, is 14 and has a great temperament. He loves people and is a bit of a character. He loves company.
Bob, our cat, is 3 years old. He is very friendly.
Max and Bob get on very well.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
Obviously, caring for and feeding the animals is most important.
Max has 1 or 2 walks a day at his pace; as he has aged he has much shorter walks and enjoys sniffing interesting smells even more than walking. He is a Lab/Basset cross - looks like a black Lab with very short legs.
There will be some plants that will need watering in the garden. Depending on the weather, the lawn may need mowing and there may be some weeding or hoeing.
What are the good features of the property and location
We live in a thatched cottage in The New Forest with direct forest access and stunning views. We are right on The Common at Woodgreen, looking out at the cricket pitch and across the valley to Breamore House. It really is a beautiful situation. Ponies and cows come right up to our gates. Our village has an excellent community run shop and a pub. There are many places of interest nearby.
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Old thatched cottages do have low ceilings and beams in some of the rooms. This is a rural location. It is not isolated but a car is required to reach us easily and to explore the nearby towns/cities of Salisbury, Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth as well as beautiful countryside and coastline. We do not have a car available for the use of housesitters. In the village we have an excellent shop and post office, selling local produce and all the basics as well. There is also a very popular pub in the village, as well as plenty of others within easy reach.
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
29 June 2025
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Testimonials
Charming Cottage in a New Forrest
We had the pleasure of house sitting for Sue and John and their charming house. They took the time to show us around and how to take care of Max and Bob. It truly felt like home away from home. Sue and John are charming people and welcomed us with open arms and served a very nice meal after we arrived. Their house if full of stories from all over the world with unique features and cozy atmosphere that have made our stay even more enjoyable. Max is an adorable old fellow who loves chasing the ball, walks and lying in the garden enjoying the sun. He loves cuddles and being around us all the time. Bob is very easy to take care of, we had a lot of fun and good laugh with them both. Sue and John were very helpful with everything. I cannot speak highly enough of their warm welcome and hospitality. We had an enjoyable time in the cottage and would recommend that to anyone. Thank you, Sue and Jonh, for that opportunity and hope to see you soon.
Aneta, United Kingdom, 30 Sep 2024
Summer in the UK
House sitting for Sue and John in New Forest has offered us a perfect chance to experience the English lifestyle! Their home is a traditional thatched cottage which has been modernly equipped. The garden offers gorgeous summer flowers, fresh fruits and veggies. It was such a comfortable stay that Woodgreen soon became the heart of New Forest for us. There are many trails for cycling, walking and running. We’ve got to explore some fantastic places/events in Southern England such as the Stonehenge, Isle of Purbeck, and the New Forest Show. The nearby community shop has a selection of good local food. We also like the weekly farmers market in Salisbury. The Avon River runs through the area. There are nice spots to sit by the river and enjoy a picnic and sun-bathing. The animals are very easy to attend to. Charlie is shy but very sweet and affectionate. The guinea pigs are good mowers and fun to look at. Max is cute and playful, and we love to see him playing with his ball. Sue and John are super easy-going and considerate. They responded promptly and made sure we enjoyed our stay. It was thoroughly, a delightful and unforgettable experience!
Zoe, 08 September, 2019
Peaceful Countryside Retreat
Sue and John are exactly the homeowners that you hope to sit for. They are warm, open, and kind. They are helpful and have everything well planned out for your arrival and stay. The home is located in a nature preserve and the wild horses, ponies, and donkeys that roam the town make this house sit a truly unique adventure. I am grateful for having sit here and would recommend this to anyone looking for a bit of peace in the countryside without forgoing any modern conveniences.
Jake, 07 September, 2018
A thatched cottage in the New Forest
We were lucky enough to be invited by Sue and John to take care of their dog, Max, and cats Beauty and Charlie in their cottage on the edge of the common in the village of Woodgreen, in the New Forest. We were at the cottage for sixteen days and enjoyed every minute of it. Sue and John are charming people and welcomed us with open arms and served a very nice meal after we arrived. We loved taking care of Max who loved to go for walks in the forest (“ wellies” provided) but his favourite activity was chasing his ball. Max also likes to have a cuddle in the evening and to be near us whenever possible. The cats were very easy to care for: Beauty who is 21 years old sleeps most of the time, likes to be stroked and have cuddles any time, especially in the evening. Charlie is a beautiful black cat and rather elusive and only comes in to eat but also likes attention when he is in the house. We really enjoyed our time at Apple Tree Cottage and would highly recommend this sit to anyone. Thank you Sue and John for giving us this opportunity.
Moira, Canada, 19 Nov 2017
Woodgreen, New Forest
Great couple to sit for. Every detail was laid out in a very informative instruction manual. Beautiful chocolate box thatched cottage in a tranquil location overlooking the common. Very large peaceful garden. Close to the village pub, shop, and Salisbury. Ideal house-sit.
Graham, 04 September, 2017
New Forest pet sitting
Sue and John are very caring pet owners, which was evident as soon as we met them. They were well organised with food , treats and other necessities. Even birdseed for the native birds. The pets were very friendly and a joy to look after. We would have no hesitation looking after again them if needed.
Tony, New Zealand, 27 Mar 2017