Artist/writer retreat with animals and nature in TN

About this assignment

** October 11 - 20, 2026 is primarily to take care of donkeys (see below details). If need transport assistance, arrival around the 9th would work for pick-up at BNA. negotiable to arrive early and/or stay a few days later as part of the exchange **

***2027 - last three weeks of May (tentative) and one week tbd in September***

Artists, writers, and digital nomads may enjoy my rural creative retreat space in this opportunity and those who love a slice of slowing down in nature. I'm actually looking for potentially two people to manage my daily chores that occur when the sun comes up, around lunch, and into the evening. An early riser would find this ideal. Someone who likes to take breaks in the day to go outside for the few minutes to feed, water, provide snacks or open/close spaces.

(There are three houses so easy to split up and have your privacy on the 5 acres.)

This entails mostly walking and no real heavy lifting except carrying buckets of water or armfuls of hay a short distance. No experience needed as I will show you the routine and if you arrive early enough we can have a few days of training/shadowing so you feel comfortable.

Having a car is beneficial, but not a dealbreaker as I can assist with airport transport if you are looking for an adventure in this area of the country. No allergies to cats. If someone is allergic to cats, you'll be assigned a bedroom in a no cat house. Non-smokers. Limited or no use of alcohol. No random guests that are not arranged prior (please don't contact me while I'm gone to ask if a friend or family member can pop by because they saw your pictures with the donkeys - let's get all of that arranged ahead of time).

The best fit for this experience are those who are okay being away from urban and suburban lifestyles for a few weeks and embrace the different nature sounds. Regular fitness to be able to walk the property and handle very basic chores. If you are a digital nomad, there's high speed broadband. I need to know that people who are ready to make a commitment and won't have a random emergency or just personal decision to depart before my return (also why I want additional people at the same time).

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Have a chance to feel like you are on a small homestead or hobby donkey farm during this experience. 'Chores' occur in the morning, middle of the day, and at night right when the sun sets as well as just after dark (or before you go to bed.)

Donkeys. There are 15 total - 2 are standards, 3 are full minature, and the rest are in between. Each feeding session may take about 15 minutes. Hay in the morning and night, dry feed mid-day and one group of the females is allowed to graze for a few hours late morning using the feed routine to bring them back in. (need shoes that can get muddy, long sleeves as hay can be scratchy, and dexterity to open latches to walk through gates holding items as well as making sure the donkeys don't walk right by you.

Birds. Chickens/Roosters/Guinea Fowl and Peacoks/Peahens. Their routine is to open up coop in the morning, feed and water, mid-day can open them to free range and afternoon they get snacks/treats/leftover scraps to bring them back into their zone. They'll go to their sleeping spots on their own and someone just needs to close up the doors/access spots. The peas are in a garage with similar routine and a window that is open in the mornings closed at night so they can go out into their aviary. Collect eggs every night and you are welcome to enjoy them. Please make sure hens don't go broody and incubate eggs.

Cats. The majority of the cats are now outside, with most likely two inside only. Inside is litter box and food/water. Outside cats are food and water in their preferred locations.

Dog. One guard dog in a large doggie castle fortress. (this may change mid-2027 for one additional doggie friend). Food/water twice daily and poo management maybe once a week.

Garden. Not most important, but if you enjoy being around plants or have this experience. Watering once a day and just checking on the containers.

Why I'm seeking more than one person so you won't be alone in this rural area?

I get a bit nervous about being away from my property and animals due to past experiences. I have lined up people using sitter websites even before I had this property and only had cats/dogs who were not forthcoming in their allergies or in their other commitments. Imagine being in another country and learning that no one is going to let your dog out to pee then having to scramble from that distance to get help before your return flight. People have emergencies and I just like to ensure that I have multiple people (at least two) on site just in case. You can't control if there will be flooding in your basement while you are here (and then have to leave as an emergency) and you don't know if a parent/child will have a health crisis.

What are the good features of the property and location

My property is located on a well-maintained state highway that does not have a lot of traffic and is about 20 minute drive into town. These are the foothills of Appalachia so there are hills and winding roads in some parts of that drive. You'll have access to the acreage in this beautiful area of mid-south Tennesseee that also includes private untamed land along the Buffalo River (5 acres is the main area and I have 12 untamed acres on the river).

All walking or entering the lazy river is on your own liability. The closest town for groceries and a bit of regular life like a coffee shop is about 20 minutes drive. On my 5 acres are three different houses that are set up as furnished retreat lodging for artists, writers, and those who want a healthy dose of nature.

This area in particular is called the Western Highland Rim and it's the foothills of Appalachia. There are some trails in driving distance to go on walks, but you'll need bug spray for ticks.

Artists and writers will find this space conducive to your work as there is also an extensive library of design and art books as well as novels, etc. I operate on a small scale an artist/writer retreat and residency program.

Private furnished lodging and access to living spaces, kitchen, laundry and the great outdoors with wifi antennae in case you want to sit outside to do work or listen to an audio book. Technically, there are 5 bedrooms available across the lodging options and I would most definitely have that conversation with you as your comfort level. Most people don't like being alone in a setting that is a bit more spacious than suburbia or urban life.

The area nearby there is a lavender farm and about 40 minutes drive to the other side of the county is the first intentional community in the U.S. Farm market days and local festivals start up in the spring and end in October so if you have a car, there might be some sightseeing opportunities.

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

Please provide any references or other general experience as well as reasons for your availability (summer break, retired, nomad lifestyle, etc.). A commitment that you are not allergic to cats (at least one person), a non-smoker, and do not drink alcohol or commit to limit consumption while on site. No guests allowed and everything must be set up with who will be on site in my absence.

Cell phone service does not work here except for text messaging or a few random spots usually later in the evenings where you might get some bars. I have high speed fiber broadband unlimited with an antennae to be able to connect outside.

Food is not included, but I'm offering an extension up to an additional week if you would like to enjoy the land and animals as a private retreat setting.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: This is negotiable due to the length of stay. Please indicate the type of pet, age, weight, and general demeanor. Dogs would be staying in a house that does not have fenced yard and they should not be aggressive towards the donkeys, cats, or chickens. I p

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