House/animal sitter in southern Ecuadorian Andes

About this assignment

We are looking for a clean/tidy, responsible, mature, animal-loving couple to care for our comfortable, well-equipped house, garden, and three cats while we are on holiday. This would be for four weeks (Nov 2 - Dec 1).

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

The most important things to us are that the animals feel loved and secure; that our home is enjoyed and cared for responsibly; and that our plants don't die!

Our (indoor/outdoor) cats, Tessa and Miles, will need to be fed twice daily and litter box cleaned. They have an interesting dynamic - with the younger male cat showing aggression and dominance over the older female cat.

It will be helpful if the garden areas are watered every couple of days and weeded when necessary (if there hasn't been rain in awhile).

What are the good features of the property and location

- Our house is situated on a mountain top with a 360 degree mountain view and surrounded by a couple of acres with fruit, coffee, and hard wood trees. Some of the more established fruit and coffee trees are producing. We also have a small edibles garden.
- The house has a washing machine, wood burning fireplace, internet connection.
- A 15mins drive/40 min walk to the center of town (Vilcabamba) where English (as well as many other languages) is widely spoken.
- Plenty of shops, restaurants/ cafes, hiking, pools, river access, and horseback riding
- Fresh market every weekend
- Cultural melting pot of foreigners

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

We are pretty private people who do most socializing in town, not at our home, so would expect the same from anyone staying in our house.

Although not required, it would be very helpful if you know (at least) some basic Spanish.

We do have a car and can discuss this potential option. Otherwise, you'll be either taking taxis ($5 one way) OR hiking (1 hour via road or 40 minutes via trail) to/from town. The house is located in a pretty isolated location with few neighbors (though this is changing as more people are moving here and building), but overlooks the village so it doesn't 'feel' completely secluded. You must enjoy peace and tranquility.

We prefer non-smokers and references.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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