Pyrenean countryside - Help with our dogs and horses 10 days Jan/Feb 2026 in a beautiful and tranquil valley. Possibility to stay longer

About this assignment

We are Anne and Crosbie, English early semi-retirees to the south of France. We would like to explore a bit more of France and the rest of the world, and would prefer to have our dog and horses looked after in their own home while we're away. We're looking for conscientious sitters, experienced with dogs, who like horses and are happy to be in a secluded rural location.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

We would like help with three horses and two Dalmatian dogs for a fortnight in February 2026 (arriving 28/29 January).

It's possible you could stay longer in our independent gite, rent free paying electricity costs. if you want to explore the area or go skiing.

General info
Responsibilities would primarily revolve around the animals - our dogs and horses. In the summer some watering of garden pots and plants would be appreciated. Otherwise, the house and location are here to enjoy! We have cycles available to loan.

We have two Dalmatian dogs: a female called Freki and a young male rescue called Scooter. They are friendly and easy house dogs, needing to be fed and exercised daily during the stay.

We also have three horses: two small ponies and one horse. They are all kind and gentle horses, although no specific handling would be required.
Friends and neighbours who know our animals would be on call.

What are the good features of the property and location

Nestled in a secluded valley in this beautiful and unspoilt part of the French Pyrenees, La Maison Blanche is just the spot if you're looking for somewhere peaceful to unwind with the animals. This warm, comfortable home is located between the market town of Boulogne-sur-Gesse and its pretty neighbour, Castelnau-Magnoac, renowned for its history as the founding base for the French resistance in the second world war and is famous for being the home of the French rugby player Antoine Dupont, and has a hotel cafe in the family name.There is a bar/restaurant at the local village (4kms cycle, scenic walk or car ride). If you want to read, paint or just relax, the house provides the perfect environment. It is bounded by fields, hills and streams and there are endless lanes and tracks to walk. There is a network of irrigation canals nearby which provide shady summer walks.

Our home is a converted 19th century farmhouse with a double aspect kitchen dining room with both wood burning and electric ovens and other modern kitchen fittings, and a large comfortable sitting room. There are four bedrooms upstairs and a sitter would have a choice of aspect (front or back countryside!).

We can be reached via TOULOUSE and TARBES (Lourdes) airports. There are trains to LANNEMEZAN from Toulouse, as well as a bus to BOULOGNE-SUR-GESSE JUSR 14kms from us. We are happy to collect you from Tarbes, Lannemezan or Boulogne.

We offer the possibility of staying longer, free of rental charges, in the little bungalow in our garden - living autonomously in return for daily help around the place and with the horses and land on a 'workaway' basis plus the cost of electricity used.

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

- Are you happy to be alone in a relatively remote rural spot?
- Do you like and are you experienced with dogs?
- Do you like and are unafraid of horses?
- Do you enjoy walking?
-Do you have your own transport (bicycles can be loaned) nearest supermarkets are 7km and 12km away.
- Please note, we're in deepest South West France and our nearest airports are Toulouse, Lourdes and Pau. Train stations are Tarbes, Lannemezan and St Gaudens.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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