Bringing home owners and house sitters together
Beautiful village in Cotswolds, Fabulous house, wonderful pets, help needed now
United Kingdom, Bampton, England
Pets
- Dog(s)
- Cat(s)
3 cats: Henry, Ravi and Hector, 2 large dogs: Peggy- Bull Mastiff 8/9 years old and Marvin Ridgeback/ Mastiff cross - 10 months old.
Dates
- 11 Jan 2026 to 8 Feb 2026 (No sitters have applied for these dates yet. Be the first!)
About this assignment
We’re looking for a friendly, responsible sitter who genuinely loves animals — someone empathetic, trustworthy, and full of common sense. You’ll need to feel confident caring for both cats and dogs in our spacious home.
What responsibilities are required of the house sitter
Your main responsibility will be to care for our five pets: three independent cats — Henry, Ravi, and Hector — and two affectionate dogs: Peggy, a gentle Bull Mastiff, and her 18-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback/Bull Mastiff cross companion.
Daily tasks include feeding all animals, making sure they can access our large secure garden, and walking both dogs twice a day. While house-sitting is part of the role, your top priority will be the wellbeing and companionship of our animals.
What are the good features of the property and location
Our home is in the peaceful village of Aston, near Bampton, Oxfordshire — just on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds and only 12 miles from Oxford. Bampton, featured in many outdoor scenes of Downton Abbey, is just down the road.
We’re 4 miles from the vibrant market town of Witney, and the surrounding area offers everything from country walks to cinemas, gyms, and the rich cultural life of historic Oxford.
The house itself is spacious and elegant, with five bedrooms (two en suite), three reception rooms, and bonus spaces including a home gym and an upstairs library/sitting room. Everything is tastefully decorated with high-end finishes.
You’ll enjoy ultrafast broadband, strong Wi-Fi throughout the home, and excellent audio-visual equipment.
The house stays warm and comfortable year-round thanks to great insulation and a powerful central heating system.
Outside, our large garden backs onto open fields, with beautiful countryside walks right from the door — no need for a car to enjoy dog walks! Chimney Meadows National Nature Reserve and the nearby river are both within easy walking distance
What does the house sitter need to consider before applying for this assignment
Ideally, you’ll have your own car as public transport in the area is limited. However, we may be able to offer use of our VW Touran (“The Dogmobile”) during your stay. Please note that insurance is currently only straightforward for UK residents — it has become more challenging for international visitors.
Can I bring my own pets?
No, sorry.
Last updated:
13 August 2025
Sitemap
MindMyHouse.com – https://www.mindmyhouse.com/sitters/assignment/8296
Testimonials
Five Weeks of Pure Magic and Heartfelt Connection :)
Staying with Joanne, Simon, and their wonderful paw family was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. From the very first day, I felt embraced by their warmth, kindness, and trust. The pets are independent, full of character, and endlessly loving — being with them felt like gaining new friends, not responsibilities. Some memories will stay with me forever: playing with the pets, peaceful walks through golden fields, breathtaking sunsets, and nights under a sky so clear and full of stars it felt almost sacred. I had never seen a sky like that before — the stars, the moon, the silence — pure magic. The house is located in a peaceful, beautiful neighborhood, and the garden, with its ambient lighting, becomes a dream at night — perfect for enjoying a glass of wine, reading a book, or sharing a quiet moment under the endless sky. These five weeks renewed my spirit, brought me peace, and filled my heart with gratitude. I will carry this experience with me always. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to house sit here, take it — it will be unforgettable. Thank you, Joanne, Simon, and your precious family.
Mery, United Kingdom, 28 Apr 2025
Wonderful home with the most loving pets!
Had a wonderful stay at Simon and Joanne's place! The dogs welcomed us with slobbering kisses and the cats just loved to be fussed. The house had everything you need and amenities only a short drive away, Simon and Joanne made us dinner and ensured we felt comfortable with the responsibilities this house sit required before leaving and kept in touch throughout. Marvin the puppy is a gentle sweet dog that just needs a lot of love and walks and peggy is a beautiful soul that while enjoying walks, will take her own sweet time! Haha! Big dogs with big personalities that kept us laughing and I would thoroughly recommend any active couple that love animals,walking and the peace of the countryside to do this house sit. Thank you Simon and Joanne for welcoming us into your home and trusting us with your furry family. İt's so nice when you leave a house sit with not just great memories but new friends also!
Holly, United Kingdom, 17 Jul 2024
Wonderful couple and pets in Aston Bampton
My experience house sitting for Simon and Joanne was fabulous! They are a delightful couple, who went above and beyond to make my stay easy and enjoyable, including picking me up from Heathrow. They provided detailed instructions on taking care of the three cats and Peggy, a sweet Bull Mastiff. (Hector, the Himalayan, quickly bonded with me and followed me around the house!) They have a beautiful new home just a 10 minute walk from the village, and introduced me to their next-door neighbors over drinks one evening. After they returned from holiday, they took me to 3 villages in the Cotswolds that I hadn't visited before. Rather than a house sitting assignment, I felt like I had been invited to stay with dear friends! I certainly hope I have the opportunity to return. Jane (from America)
Jane, United States, 30 Mar 2023
Great pets, nice home, wonderful people
Wonderful people with a wonderful houseful of pets. And beautiful home and gorgeous garden to gaze upon. The dogs and cats are pretty easy. The few special needs were easy to accomplish and the pets were cooperative with meds and treatments they happened to need at that time. One dog had recent surgery and needed monitoring. We met the vet before the Blowers left, so we were situated for a return visit if needed (it wasn’t). Simon and Joann had thought of everything beforehand: supplies were stocked, instructions were clear and we had a couple days with them to get the routine down and learn the walks. The house is big and the area is idyllic with lots of nice walks right from the property for the big dogs. Joann and Simon had a small party to introduce us to a few neighbors; this was so nice. It made reaching out to neighbors in case of problems so much easier. The Neighbors are so friendly and nice. When we contacted Simon and Joann, they responded very quickly. We have become attached to the dogs and cats and will miss them. Peggy is the sweetest giant you ever met and loves attention. Tommy is a very well behaved choc lab; he knows how to open the door, be aware. The cats all have their own unique personalities ranging from cuddly to independent. All have a routine that they know and it is easy to accommodate them: everyone has their own dish and waits patiently by their station to be fed. We had a wonderful time taking care of the Blowers household; wish it was longer and would gladly return for another sit.
Kim, 19 September, 2019
A lovely housesit for Simon and Joanne's house and pets
I got a very warm welcome by Simon and Joanne. They had made a detailed instruction for feeding the animals, usefull adresses and links for things to see and do in the area. I also got to borrow they car as was very handy. The house and garden were beautiful, I really enjoyed staying in and just relax. The animals were very loving and Ravi the cat moved into my room :-) Tommy, the labrador and I had many lovely walks around Sunningwell and in Abingdon. Very sad to leave after two weeks. Hope to come back and house sit another time. Christina (from Norway)
Christina, 19 June, 2018
A relaxing stay with the best pet company
Simon and Joanne are lovely people, positive, welcoming and interesting to talk to. They were great to communicate with before the sit, meaning that we had everything sorted out, a way to contact each other and good clarity between us. My son and I had a really lovely time taking care of Tommy the lab and the three cats. Tommy was a wonderful companion for walks and play. He really is a lovely hound. The cats are completely different in character to each other, as cats are, and therefore good to observe. Caring for them all was a real pleasure. The house was easy to look after and beautiful to boot. Such peaceful surroundings in a quintessential English village.
Mel, 26 March, 2018
An amazing experience in an English village
I can say that on this assignment I fell in love with all the animals. Oscar and Tommy I will love forever. The cats had their own personality and were so sweet and lovable. Their home was lovely and a treat to stay at. I had time to enjoy my trips to Oxford. Simon and Joanne had all the instructions in order. Which left me well informed. Which made things easy to care for. They are wonderful people and I hope I have the opportunity to sit for them again. Paula, United States, 28 October, 2017
Paula, 11 December, 2017
Amazing home, wonderful village, perfect pets
It was my privilege to house/pet sit for the Blowers for 5 weeks in spring 2016. They are welcoming, thoughtful and fun themselves, and very organized for the housesitter. They left me with complete support to manage their beautiful home and fabulous furry critters. We had good communication throughout my stay and local friends to help if needed. There is great walking, both near and far, Oxford University just moments away and the countryside is delightful. I am happy to discuss my experience further with anyone who considers this assignment, but I will be jealous!
Kathryn, 07 November, 2016