3+ weeks calm location close to nature, right between Amsterdam and Utrecht

About this assignment

Honestly, just someone like-minded who can give our cats some loving company, and our plants a splash of water every now and then while we are away to see family in France. We've done plenty of home-exchanges through other sites ourselves and we've always had great experiences as well as positive feedback from our guests =). We find your experience very important and are happy to accomodate any needs and wishes as much as we can, so that you can enjoy our home, pets and location as much as we do!

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

Meet big (Mr.) Higgins, 11 yrs and Banzai, 4 yrs(more photos on request), both in good health. Higs is a Maine Coon, and Banzai is part Maine coon and part European Shorthair. They are quite relaxed but do enjoy cuddling and playing. They are used to babies and children and require little attention apart from their basic needs: if possible, a daily pet and play daily, refresh their water (daily), check food supply (1x/wk), litter box (2/3x/week). water plants (1-2x/wk). We have food machines for pet sitters but when we are home we feed them 3x day ourselves. You have the freedom to choose, with the machines you could sometimes go our for a day or maybe even two if you want to go for a little camping/hiking/biking trip or so.

What are the good features of the property and location

Our apartment gets lots of light, yet it's cool in summer & warm in winter. We often hear this house "feels good" and we quite agree =).

- 3 balconies, with the biggest one facing southwest in our common garden.
- use of shared garden (but there is so much nature around that we only use it to eat a sandwich in the sun and play there with our daughter)
- washer and dryer. The home is small but we are practical people ;)
- Our kitchen is small but packs a lot of spices and equipment: blender, smoothie maker, kitchen machine, air-fryer, small barista coffee machine, microwave-oven combo (small but powerful). Go crazy ;).
- Smoking is allowed on our balconies.


ABOUT THE AREA:
Close to public transport, car is not necessary!
You'll find yourself in the so-called "Green Heart" of our region. Everything is close by yet there is plenty of nature. Within the hour are several big cities for shopping sprees, partying, and more. This small country hosts many internationally renowned cultural events, from festivals to sports events and fantasy fairs. There is always something to find for anyone.

SWIMMING
2 outdoor swimming pools at 10 and 15min driving distance. Several big lakes with beaches are 20-30min away. The same goes for rivers where you can hire boats and canoes. The beach is an hour from here. Spa/ saunas aplenty.

KIDS
For kids, there is a small playground and sports field just around the corner. And a few streets further is a beautiful big playground with a zipline and waterworks (surveilled by you right from the terrace in it). Next door to an animal park with sheep, deer, chickens, and wallabies. Many indoor and outdoor kids' activities for a day out are nearby, a regional family favorite being an attraction park with a beach only 20 minutes away.

NATURE
Looking for the quiet of nature? We live right behind a big protected nature area with forest and heather where you can walk and bike for hours. Try to spot the Highlander cows, wild deer, foxes, and more.

ACTIVE OUTDOORS
More in for the active living? This region has many trails, tracks, lakes, rivers, and locations to offer nearby for hiking, biking, skating, swimming, boat trips, canoeing, climbing, and more. We also carry equipment for indoor training sessions.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
We live close to the train station, taking you (among others) to Amsterdam, Utrecht, Haarlem, or Leiden in 30 minutes. Buses stop a few minutes from our doorstep so you can reach everything without a car and we have bikes.

AMENITIES
Amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, and other shops are within walking distance.
A 10-minute bike ride will take you to the town center.

RESTAURANTS
For the food lovers: our town and nearby area is rich in restaurants, serving everything ranging from french fries to places with a Michelin-star.

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

Our two inside-living cats (ages 11 and 4) are relaxed but sometimes do enjoy cuddling and playing. They are used to children and require little attention apart from their basic needs.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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