Seeking house, horse and garden sitters south-west France for 3-4 weeks June 2024

About this assignment

Reliable, capable, fit and active person or couple, preferably French speaking, for 3 well-mannered horses at pasture, 1 cat, 3 chickens and to generally look after our lovely rural property and vegetable garden in the beautiful Lot department while we take a 3-4 week road trip in end May/June/beginning July (dates flexible/negotiable). You would stay in our well-equipped comfortable 3* gîte and may extend your stay by a few days either end. Car needed, 5km to commerce.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Daily checks on horses (1 horse, 2 ponies) and top up their water, keep an eye on fencing and be able to handle and lead the horses if necessary. You don't need to be an expert, just willing to learn our ways of how to be around them, which I will explain at handover. They are 3 mares, they live out 24/7 with a shelter and extensive grazing. I practice natural horsemanship methods and Trust Technique animal communication.

Chickens (2 to 4) to be let out and fed in the morning, and closed up in the evening. They have a cabin that they go in themselves. Collect and enjoy the eggs!

The vegetable garden will have young plants (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, courgettes) which will need some attention, unfortunately nothing is likely to be ready for eating except salad and herbs, but you can help yourselves and there are also cherry trees in the orchard.

A few vines might need trimming and maintenance.

Some pot plants to water if needed.

There is a studio gîte for 2 people which we let to walkers for overnight stops on the GR652; if you are willing to do changeovers (wash and change bed linen, no ironing needed) occasionally then I can accept bookings, generally only 2 or 3 per month.

What are the good features of the property and location

It's a rural property, at at the end of a country lane, 5 km from nearest shops, the picturesque riverside town of Puy l'Evêque with several restaurants and weekly market. This is an old farmhouse in 6 ha which we renovated, creating gîtes in the outbuildings. Neighbours (French) are out of sight but nearby and friendly, and will help if needed. Walking paths and marked circuits from the doorstep. Peace and quiet!

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

To look after our property and care for our animals while we are away. We will be travelling in Europe and you can contact us easily with any questions or problems. I worry about leaving the horses and it is not often we are able to go away together. In September 2021, a friend stayed and there were no problems, and last summer 2023 we found a lovely sitter through this site but we feel the sit is better suited to a couple, as described above. Dates to be decided, basically 4 weeks of June, but some flexibility is needed +2/3 days to arrive and settle in before our departure and be here on return.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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