Peace & Quiet in the North

About this assignment

We are looking for someone adventurous and independent who wants to spend a couple months in a small northern town, in the peace and quiet on 40 wooded acres, with two sweet indoor/outdoor cats and 9 chickens. The dog pictured is coming with us on our travels.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Take care of the two indoor/outdoor cats (food, water, litter box), and take care of the chickens (replenish food and water, collect eggs, make sure they're staying warm). In the winter, the driveway is plowed by the county, but you may want to shovel or snowblow the parking pad in front of the garage and the walking path to the front door for your own convenience.

What are the good features of the property and location

Our home is a newer build house with three bedrooms, two baths, and an attached two car garage. It is a high-efficiency home, so it stays very cozy in the winter. We work from home, so there is an office space in the home and high speed internet. We live on a quiet country road, perfect for walking, and just minutes from town. All our neighbors are helpful and kind.

We are 5 mins from Washburn, 15 mins from Ashland, and 20 mins from Bayfield, WI where conveniences like Walmart and a large hospital can be found (Ashland) as well as bakeries, coffee shops, and bookstores (Honest Dog Books is a favorite spot in Bayfield).

There is a great wood fired pizza spot in Washburn (Lyla's), a lively Irish Pub (The Snug) where live music can often be heard, a community center (The Club) with various ongoing activities (indoor pickle-ball!), a local performing arts and theater group that puts on regular plays and brings in live music acts (Stagenorth), and a Meditation Center that offers yoga, dance, and pilates classes year-round. Bayfield also has a beautiful Rec center with an indoor saltwater pool/hot tub, sauna, and weight room.

In winter, there are two different nordic ski trail systems to choose from nearby–Valhalla Recreation Area, and Mount Ashwabay. There are also a couple good alpine skiing options within an hour's drive (Bessemer/Ironwood, MI).

Lake Superior is a big draw here, with pristine beaches to swim at in the summer, and the Apostle Islands to explore. There are also excellent mountain bike trails at Mount Ashwabay, as well as an outdoor summer concert series there (Big Top Chautauqua).

We love living here and we know you'll feel right at home quickly and will enjoy everything the area has to offer.

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

It is remote/rural here. We are 1.5 hrs from a major city (Duluth/Superior) and airport. There may be weather-related challenges in the winter, like snowy roads. An AWD/4WD vehicle is recommended.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Dog(s) who are good with cats

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