Housesit at a watermill in SW France

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 8 sheep, 2 goats, a pony and chickens. We also have a dog 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 pony have water and hay, feeding the chickens and letting them out of their house, collecting eggs and closing them in at night. The jobs take no longer than 60 minutes in the morning and 60 minutes in the evening. The dog needs a walk 3 times a day.

Depending on the season our vegetable patch needs watering (there is a semi-automated irrigation system) and some picking (and eating!) and mowing the lawn will be required - all is explained on our initial tour and in our house sitters manual. We are contactable throughout the sit.

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 a 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). Non-smoking house. Our nearest neighbours are 400m away. We are in the heart of Gascony, the land of Armagnac, Cotes de Gascogne wine, foie gras and the 3 Musketeers. The area is known for local markets and historic villages and towns. There are the Pyrenees (1.5hrs), Toulouse (1hr), Tarbes and Lourdes (1.5hrs) and the Med or Atlantic (2.5hrs).

Our house is equipped with a wood fired boiler and solar thermal panels to provide heating and hot water. We recently added solar PV and batteries so we are almost autonomous for heat and power. We also have a wood burning stove in the kitchen. Our vegetable garden and pastures for the animals are organic.

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. No car available our bikes are available.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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