Fancy a finca stay near Elche, Alicante? Approx 6 - 18 April 2026 (maybe other additional dates during the year??)

About this assignment

Hi there. Firstly, a little bit about us...... We are Sharon and Jason; a couple in our mid fifties who are on our third renovation project in Spain.

The house is homely and comfortable but not perfect.. It´s compact and bijou! The bathroom is has been refurbished, and the installation of the pool is complete. The garden is a work in progress and there are other projects we are hoping to start on when time allows.

During April, we are visiting family in the UK. We would like someone to arrive at some point during 6th April / early on the 7th to have a handover (we leave early on the 8th April). We return late Fri 17th so you´d be free to leave on the 18th April.

We haven´t had a proper holiday in many years (our priority was always taking care of our elderly animals) so if anyone wanted to offer alternative dates later on in the year so we can go away, we´d be up for that discussion too (as soon as sometime in Feb 2026, but not in March). Bear in mind that by that stage we may have rescued another dog as we want to provide a loving home to unwanted animals if we are able to (and to give Zeus some company).

We need animal sitters (either a couple or an independent self sufficient person) to look after our animals - 1 dog and 4 chickens. We have a cat but she will be going to a cattery.

What responsibilities are required of the house sitter

We would ask that you are comfortable with big dogs and enjoy spending time with animals in general. We unfortunately recently lost two of our oldest rescue dogs (Charlie who reached the grand old age of 16 and 14 year old Lola). Our remaining dog fur baby is Zeus, a 5 year old German Shepherd, typically naughty and with a lot of energy. The 3 chickens and 1 cockerel reside in a large complex so there is very little that needs to be done for them (aside from feeding and keeping water topped up).

Daily duties would be feeding the animals, poo pick up (sorry, but with dogs it is a necessity!); and walking Zeus mornings and evenings. We´d love it if the sitter enjoyed staying at home to keep Zeus company (it´s been hard on him losing 2 siblings). So if your intention was to go out for a few hours each day but mostly stay at the house enjoying the garden and the pool and home comforts, then this might suit you.

We have a few plants, flowers and trees in the garden that will require watering (some a bit of a walk away with a full watering can). Additionally, if you came in the colder months, we have a log burner in the lounge which is lovely, but you would have to be comfortable getting wood and making open fires.

We would also be very grateful if you were happy to keep the house clean for our return (or as clean as possible anyway!).

What are the good features of the property and location

It would be best if you have your own transport as we are fairly isolated and there is no public transport to speak of. The little village of La Hoya is a 10 minute walk away and a locally renowned restaurant is only a 5 minute walk away but it is only open in the day time. The outskirts of Elche are a 5 minute drive away, La Marina beach 15 minutes away, and other little surrounding towns just a little further than that. Unfortunately we cannot accept anyone who has their own animals .

We do have a left hand drive manual car that someone over the age of 25 can possibly use (clean licence required) - to be discussed further if you feel you may want to take us up on this offer. We would ask that you´d be prepared to take us to and from Alicante airport though.

You would have your own bedroom and there's a good wifi connection. If you want excitement this may not be the place for you, but if you want to explore in the day time and then relax in the evening on the terrace and look at the stars then this may be just what you´re looking for.

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

We don't have mod cons (only 1 air con unit in the main bedroom; otherwise ceiling fans, that kind of thing....); the house has a more 'homey' feel to it. But it would be as clean and tidy as possible before you arrived.

Can I bring my own pets?

No, sorry.

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