Peaceful Rural Virginia Home & Four Sweet Cats — 11-Week Winter Sit

About this assignment

Quiet Country Home in Virginia — Four Cats & Wood Stove — Winter Sit

December 29-March 15
I would ideally like to find a mature, responsible individual or couple who enjoys nature, animals, privacy and a slower pace of life—and who will take genuine pride in caring for my home while I am away.

Please apply only if you can commit to the full period, have your own reliable vehicle, are comfortable with a rural setting, and are genuinely happy living with four cats.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

I’m looking for a responsible, trustworthy, mature individual or couple who would enjoy spending the winter in a peaceful, very rural part of Virginia. This is a longer-term sit, from December 29, 2026 through approximately March 15, 2027, so I’m hoping to find someone who genuinely enjoys a quiet country setting and would be happy to make themselves at home here.

My four cats are an important part of this sit. They are loving and independent, but they need someone who will enjoy their company, give them affection and attention, and keep their feeding and litter routines consistent.

Because the house is very rural, a reliable personal vehicle is essential. The sitter would need to have their own vehicle and be comfortable driving on country roads, going into town for groceries and errands, and taking household garbage to the landfill. My vehicle will not be available for use.

The home is heated in part by a wood-burning stove, so I would prefer someone who has previous experience with a wood stove or is very comfortable learning how to use one safely.

Most importantly, I’m looking for someone who is conscientious about the home itself—someone who keeps things clean and tidy, notices when something needs attention, and treats another person’s home with the same care and respect they would give their own.

I would love to find someone who enjoys nature, solitude, animals and a slower pace of life. If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend the winter and would take genuine pleasure in caring for a home and four cats, this could be a wonderful fit.

What are the good features of the property and location

On 25 acres, with hiking trails and the Shenandoah National Park next door.
My home is in the beautiful countryside of Rappahannock County, Virginia, on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s peaceful, private and surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.

This is an area of rolling hills, forests, farms, country roads, vineyards and charming little communities. There are wonderful places to hike and explore, local farms and markets, beautiful scenic drives, excellent restaurants and wineries, and a vibrant community of artists and craftspeople. Rappahannock County is sometimes called the “Sonoma of the South” because of its vineyards, food and beautiful countryside.

It’s a wonderful place for someone who enjoys nature, solitude and a slower pace of life. You can spend a quiet morning with a cup of coffee and the cats, take a drive through the mountains in the afternoon, and have a lovely dinner somewhere local in the evening.

It’s rural enough to feel like a true retreat, yet close enough to Washington, D.C. and the surrounding towns that you’re never completely disconnected.

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

Please consider carefully whether a very rural, long-term winter house sit is the right fit for you before applying.

This is a December 29, 2026 through approximately March 15, 2027 commitment—about 11 weeks. The home is in a beautiful but very rural part of Rappahannock County, Virginia, so a reliable personal vehicle is essential. You will need to have your own car and be comfortable driving country roads, going into town for groceries and other necessities, and taking household garbage to the landfill. My vehicle will not be available for your use.

There are four cats at the home. They are friendly and affectionate and will need daily care, attention, feeding and litter-box maintenance. I am looking for someone who genuinely enjoys cats and will treat them as part of the family while I am away.

The house has a wood-burning stove, which provides supplemental heat. Previous experience with a wood stove is strongly preferred, although someone who is comfortable learning to use one safely may be considered.

Because this is my home, I am looking for someone who is exceptionally respectful of other people’s property. Keeping the house clean and tidy, promptly cleaning up after the cats, properly disposing of food and litter waste, and taking care of small household matters are all important.

The property is peaceful and private, with beautiful countryside, mountains, forests and farmland nearby. However, this is not a convenient suburban location, and anyone who needs frequent access to public transportation, nightlife or shopping within walking distance would probably not be happy here.

I would ideally like to find a mature, responsible individual or couple who enjoys nature, animals, privacy and a slower pace of life—and who will take genuine pride in caring for my home while I am away.

Please apply only if you can commit to the full period, have your own reliable vehicle, are comfortable with a rural setting, and are genuinely happy living with four cats.

Can I bring my own pets?

Yes
Restrictions: Dog only

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