Bringing home owners and house sitters together
24th October to 1st November house sit at a water mill in SW France
France, Faget-Abbatial, Occitanie
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
- Horse/Donkey(s)
- Chicken(s)
- Fish
- Goat(s)
- Farm animal(s)
2 dogs, 3 cats, 13 sheep, 2 ponies, 2 goats, chickens, geese, goldfish
Dates
- 24 Oct 2024 to 1 Nov 2024 (2 sitters have applied for these dates)
About this assignment
We run a small holding with various animals so we need house sitters who like and have experience with animals and like gardening. We have a small flock of sheep, 2 goats, 2 ponies, chickens and geese. We also have 2 dogs and 3 cats who are all very friendly. In short, we are looking for caring, practical, autonomous housesitters.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
Making sure the sheep, goats and ponies have water and hay, feeding the chickens and letting them out of their house, collecting eggs and putting them back at night (they go in by themselves). The jobs take no longer than 60 minutes in the morning and 60 minutes in the evening. The dogs need walking several times per day.
Depending on the season our vegetable patch needs watering regularly and some picking (and eating!) may be required (all is explained in our house sitters manual).
What are the good features of the property and location
The property is down a private drive and is therefore quiet and secluded but it is a short drive from a large historic town (Auch) and close to several small and interesting villages with all necessary amenities including swimming lakes and pools. The house is spacious and recently renovated in traditional style maintaining many of the historic features of a water mill but with all modern conveniences (fibre WIFI/UK TV/dishwasher/washing machine etc). The neighbours (400m away) are helpful if needed but discreet. We are in the heart of Gascony, the land of Armagnac, Cotes de Gascogne wine, foie gras and the 3 Musketeers. The area is famous for local markets and historic small villages and towns. There are the Pyrenees (1.5hrs), Toulouse (1hr), Tarbes and Lourdes (1.5hrs) and the Med or Atlantic (2.5hrs).
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
This is a water mill so there are mill leats that bring the water to and from the house and a small lake. Water mills by nature are built in river valleys therefore in case of prolonged heavy rain, the sluice gates need opening and closing (this requires climbing a short ladder and turning a large heavy handle)
Nearest amenities are around 8Kms away.
Can I bring my own pets?
Yes
Restrictions: We have a male dog who doesn't get on with other male dogs of medium size or larger
Last updated:
30 September 2024
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Testimonials
Professional hosts, lovely time in France
I spent 9 days at Alistair's wonderfull historic place in french village with my parents. We've had lovely peacefull time near nature, taking care of all the animals. Street family is very well prepared to have sitters at their house, there is a manual and the training. It was well organised and made as feel sure that we can handle it. Alistair picked us up from the airport, took us to do some shopping and at the end drove us back too. Taking care of so many farm animals was much easier than you can think. Mostly we just needed to check on them twice a day, count them, give them water, cover horses eyes. The biggest "chore" was to walk the dogs. We ve spend a lot of time chilling out outside with dogs and cats, riding bikes, eating organic fruits and vegetables straight from the garden watching sky(stars are amazing there because of no light pollution). I enjoyed also watching tv(Netflix and amazon prime). Contact with so many different animals was lovely too. Street family showed as that there are different ways of living and it was enriching experience. I highly recommend this assignment if you want to experience rural life and stay away from a hustle and cities!
Natalia, Poland, 28 Feb 2024
Professional hosts, lovely time in France ????
I spent 9 days at Alistair's wonderfull historic place in french village with my parents. We've had lovely peacefull time near nature, taking care of all the animals. Street family is very well prepared to have sitters at their house, there is a manual and the training. It was well organised and made as feel sure that we can handle it. Alistair picked us up from the airport, took us to do some shopping and at the end drove us back too. Taking care of so many farm animals was much easier than you can think. Mostly we just needed to check on them twice a day, count them, give them water, cover horses eyes. The biggest "chore" was to walk the dogs. We ve spend a lot of time chilling out outside with dogs and cats, riding bikes, eating organic fruits and vegetables straight from the garden watching sky(stars are amazing there because of no light pollution). I enjoyed also watching tv(Netflix and amazon prime). Contact with so many different animals was lovely too. Street family showed as that there are different ways of living and it was enriching experience. I highly recommend this assignment if you want to experience rural life and stay away from a hustle and cities!
Natalia, Poland, 14 Sep 2023
We had the privilege
We had the privilege of being in an extraordinary historical and beautiful, perfectly maintained place, alive with farm animals cared for with love and great concern for their well-being. The whole family was extremely hospitable and caring in every detail. Always ready to respond promptly in case of even the slightest problem. We are grateful that we could enjoy our stay on their farm. God bless you all. Bogusia & Jozef
Jozef, United Kingdom, 14 Sep 2023
Smallholding in Gers, France
Nice people, nice place, interesting and entertaining animals. A rewarding house-sit.
James, United Kingdom, 22 Jul 2021
French country paradise
I had a fantastic 10 days staying at Bee and Al’s glorious farm. The menagerie of animals, the fresh garden produce and beautiful house made an incredible house sitting experience. Bee, Al and their two kids were so warm and welcoming with great tips and instructions for every animal on the farm. The stay was a breeze and I’m so glad we had this experience together. Thanks again Al and Bee, I hope to see you again soon!
Melissa , 12 August, 2020
Moulin Faget Abbatial
A tricky place to find for us, but once there a cordial welcome from Alastair, Bee, Ben and Scarlett and an immediate tour of their interesting little farmlet put us in touch with our forthcoming duties with all the menagerie of animals. We had a most enjoyable fortnight getting to know them all and would recommend this experience for anyone wishing for a peaceful, quiet, southern France countryside farmhouse and animal sit. Alistair and Bee are great people, friendly and easy to get along with, and we look forward to keeping in touch with them.
Kingsley&Linda, New Zealand, 28 Jul 2018
Easy going family with friendly animals in amazing rural surroundings
Very easy to get on with family with lovely small holding in rural France. Al and Bee and their children couldn't have done more to make us welcome. Armed with their comprehensive Moulin Manual and a quick group Whatsapp set up, we were confident to take on the roles of French farmers. After a couple of bizarre moments (a lady wanting to give us a black pig and a couple turning up wanting us to give them 10 bales of hay) we were up and running and relishing the experience. They are a credit to Mind my House website and made the trip a fantastic experience for us. Thanks again. Barry & Anne
Barry & Anne, United Kingdom, 29 Jul 2017
Rustic charm!
Lovely French farmhouse, lovely animals, lovely family! What a beautiful place to spend time in the summer - fresh veg and fruit from the organic garden, nice walks with the dogs and a great place to relax. All that's needed was explained well. If you enjoy looking after a variety of animals and the French countryside you will love Housesitting here!
Joy & Tony, United Kingdom, 16 Jan 2017