House Sitters twotravellers share their experiences and house sitting plans

Hi Ian

You recently asked for an update on our current house sitting status.

When we returned home from our UK house sit and touring our household situation changed dramatically. We had lived in a granny flat at my Dad's for eight years but he has decided to go into a retirement villa. Although he travels with us a lot, he has found his current house too large when we are away. As a result we are temporarily homeless.

We have bought a villa for ourselves but if we rent it out for 12 months we are eligible for an interest only, business loan. So finding house sits became a real priority, then out of the blue Len and Christine contacted us ( via housecarers ) and offered us a house sit. It was perfect timing as we have now been able to put our household effects in storage - less clothes. Every thing went into storage on the 12th and we moved down here on the 15th of March.

( 1 ) Currently we are on a small holding, about 25 minutes from Bathurst.
It is terribly dry here and I have the job of trying to keep the extensive gardens alive.

We have two rescue dogs - Poppy ( a sheltie, about 11 ) and Bella ( A kelpie cross, about 7 or 8 ) to care for. In addition we have 7 birds ( in avaries ), two turtles and numerous wild birds that come for a feed. The owners have a fairly orderly system - but that is good because we know when to do what and can adjust our touring around this. We are here for four weeks, until the 16th of April.

The home owners have a lovely neighbour called Gwenda and she has had me to dinner as well as taking me out to a native plant field day yesterday. Gwenda has a fabulous garden and has already supplied us with fresh tomatoes, fresh beans, pickles and other great food.

( 2 ) We go home to camp out at Dad's place for three weeks, have a garage sale for him and move him into his new place. We then leave for the USA on May the 5th or 6th to do two house sits - each for three weeks. One in Norfolk, Virginia ( 3 cats ), then one in Kentucky , Tennesee ( a two year old Pomeranian ),

( 3 ) We have then been invited to stay with friends in Michigan for a week - having a real American 4th of July.

( 4 ) We have about a week free once we fly on to the UK - we may go back to Ireland

( 5 ) July the 15th, start a 5 week house sit in Liverpool ( one cat called Kali ). We always arrive a few days early to meet the animals and get to know the house and its quirks. We met the home owner last December ( 2006 ) when we were doing our London house sit. Her sister now lives in Sydney and we are meeting up for dinner when we finish the housesit here in Bathurst.

( 4 ) Then we are going back to our London house sit so that the house owners can have a summer holiday in Portugal. We can't be too bad if they will have us back :).

( 5 ) Back to Australia in the middle of September, 2007

( 6 ) We are in the running for a house sit in Adelaide for all of October.

Hope this has been helpful,
Regards,
John and Kerrie

twotravellers

View profile for sitters twotravellers

Globe trotting house sitter looks up her friends across the country

I just wanted to let you know that since joining I have house/pet sat in New Mexico for a month, in Honolulu for a month, in st. paul,mn for a month, and in May I will be in Tucson AZ for 2 weeks and in June I will be in Atlanta, GA for a month.

I have been choosing places where I have old friends or family. Jane (username:janieben)

View profile for house sitter janieben

4.5 months Tampa Palms Florida housesit filled by Californian looking to relocate

I can't tell you how wonderful your service was to use. It was so easy. We received notes from many highly qualified and interesting sounding applicants.

We went over them all, wrote back to some and decided on a delightful person from California looking to relocate in Florida. Thank you for a rewarding experience--what a marvelous service!

homeonwer member: stanleyreahard

Housesit 4.5 months Tampa Palms Florida
We live in a lovely 3 bedroom, 3 bath house in an area convenient to USF, golf courses, Busch Gardens,Gulf beaches (40 minutes) and an hour drive to Orlando. The house has a pool, spa and sauna and is on a conservation lot that backs up to a pond. We are connected to high speed internet and have two offices where a sitter can set up to do business.

We have ongoing yard and pool service and can make arrangements with our cleaning crew if desired. We are walking distance to shopping and an Episcopal church. A multi-plex is 2 miles down the road as are restaurants and chain stores.

We also have a cat who loves to sit on the desk while you work and on your lap when you watch tv so if you're allergic, this house is not for you! Please contact us if you're interested. We'd love to have a couple or a single to enjoy our house and take good care of our cat.

House sitting amoung the wines, hazel nuts and the white truffles of Alba Italy

"Just finishing having a 5 month house sit for our home in Italy. It worked out great. We have just organized another for a three week period.
Thanks for your wonderful service..." Homeowner member Krath10

Housesit: Cessole Piemonte Italy. From April 1 2007
We have a three bedroom home in the hills of the Langhe. The area is famous for its wines, hazel nuts and the white truffles of Alba. We are looking for someone to stay at our home from April 1st to the 27th. We would like people that are pleased to take care of the gardening and who could also do some general repairs etc. A car is necessary

House sitting Press

Here are some press releases on house sitting experiences through housecarers.com


Subscribe to House sitting press feed

Farmstay Holiday filled and hobby farmers released to enjoy time away

"Thank you for this great service. We have found a housesitter. It will be a great load off our minds while we are away,as we have a few animals on our farm. And I'm sure the housesitters will enjoy their farmstay. Thanks again for this wonderful web site." Regards Kylie (kakadu)

House sit UserName = kakadu Wagga Wagga NSW Australia 2 weeks
We have a small farm, So housesitter would need to look after house and yard, also feed the various animals, Horse, Cows, Goats, Sheep, Ducks and Chickens. This is not hard to do or very time consuming, but very enjoyable. Have a farm stay holiday at our place!

Pet Safety: How to Pet Proof your Home

Our homes present many dangers to our feline and canine companions that we need to consider and take steps to prevent accidental poisoning or injury, possibly even death.

Here are two articles/checklists for keeping your home safe for your pets.


How to Pet-Proof Your Home

Pets are like children in some ways. They have a curious nature and a natural tendency to get into things that could be harmful. If you have a pet or are thinking of getting one, it’s best to pet-proof your house. Here are a few ways to protect your pet from household dangers.


Keep Pets Safe From Household Dangers

Sitter phillyqualified goes the extra mile for Wellington NZ homeowner

Hello there - I'd like to place 'feedback' on a housesitter I used at my home in Wellington New Zealand. His ID on your site is phillyqualified

Could you please place this feedback on his profile.

"Phil looked after my home and cats for three weeks. When I came back both cats and house were in great condition. The cats seemed to have been living in the lap of luxury, and Phil had also completed some home maintenance tasks (fixing a lock and getting rid of moss on the path) which were much appreciated. "

Highly recommended. .. Jane

Housesit: Roseneath Wellington New Zealand

"Require honest, reliable, tidy housesitter while the family is on holiday. Comfortable family home with magnificent harbour views, in easy walking distance to downtown Wellington city (Te Papa, Courtney Place)."

12 month housesit in Montreal filled

This is the second time I am recruiting a house/petsitter through your website. First time, I selected one based on listed profiles, and found a really reliable sitter within a few days.

This time around, it is a particularly long sit, so I decided to post an ad describing the deal - within 3 days, I received a dozen responses, with many promising candidates, and I have come to an agreement with someone who appears really ideal.

What a relief for me to know that my pets will be in good hands during my time away. I could not ask for a more efficient system - thank you.

.... homeownner member oksendal

House sit Plateau Suburb Montreal Quebec CountyDistrict 12 months

"Academic to be on sabbatical looking for a mature, responsible, experienced, non-smoking, pet-loving sitter (single or couple). Fun, friendly, large apt. in great Plateau neighborhood of Montreal. Fully furnished, lots of light and character. Pets include one very affectionate and friendly dog and three indoor cats (some friendlier than others !). The apt. has one bedroom and one double bedroom/office, a livingroom, dining room, large sunny kitchen, back and front balconies, one bathroom, on the top floor of a triplex. I will likely try to make 2 or 3 one-week or shorter visits during that year"

House Sitter Neva meet some of the nicest people through house sitting

Thanks for providing such a valuable service. Here's my feedback that
you can feel free to post on the site:

Since I joined housecarers.com, I've met some of the nicest people and I've gotten four housesits through this service and made contact with two other people for possible housesits in the future.

I belong to other housesitting sites on the internet too, but this one is by far the best. I appreciate that Ian takes prompt action to delete ads that are inappropriate or that fall outside the scope of housesitting. This is a very valuable service and I'm happy to have found it.
Sitter username nevhowell

Neva , Online Wellness Counselor,
www.askahealer.com

Northern Rivers Homeowners - couldn't be happier after returning from 6 week holiday

Your service is just fantastic. We found very professional and efficient
housesitters (doumatjas) and couldn't be happier after returning from our 6 week holiday. Ours were great and I would like to leave a good reference for them.
.... Homeowners Northcoasters

House sit : Lismore NSW Northern Rivers Australia
We need someone to look after our house and two dogs (and perhaps one fish, if it's lucky). We have a nice low-maintenance house in a quiet area. It has a medium lawn that will need to be mown. We want someone to care for our house and love our dogs the way we would. Thanks.

Victoria Point Precious Golden Retriver Labrador Monet left in such capable hands.

My husband and I would like to comment on the wonderful experience we have had with house carers KISIMUL through HouseCarers.com. We were able to experience a wonderful holiday and Christmas with family in Tasmania after leaving our precious golden retriver Labrador Monet in such capable hands.


We will definately use the service again. Our HouseCarers.com sitters were honest, patient and kind and kept us informed when we needed to touch base.


I have recommended the web site to various pet owners who reside in the Redlands Shire district of Queensland as we meet regularly at the Puppy Park.


Once again thankyou for providing such a wonderful avenue for finding suitable carers. As a result we will use the service again.

Ellen (homeowner member e192628k)


We live in Victoria Point in South East Queensland. We are seeking a reliable person or couple (will consider family with children) with references to house sit and mind our spoilt female Golden Retriever company, from 21/12/06 to 2nd or 3rd/1/07. You need to be kind and love animals. Our home has an inground salt water pool and is airconditioned. The sitter would have our guest room with own bathroom facilities. Our home is approx 1 kilometre from the beautiful waters edge of Morton Bay. Nearby one can access ferries to Stradbroke and other Islands by water taxi or vehicular ferry. This location is ideal for the boatie with deep access to the beautiful bay. The area is a tourist mecca with much to see and do from Brisbane which in 30 kilometres north, to a 45 minute drive south to theme parks then onto the Gold Coast. We are willing to consider a family who would like a holiday over this period as long as you have references and you are able to keep our pet company.

Sitters lexilou having a ball seeing different parts of Australia

Hi, we joined your site in October this year and it has been a great success for us, we have already done two house-sits and have a third one all arranged for 2 months in Feb 2007.

The people we have met through these house sits have all been really lovely people, we are having a ball seeing different parts of the country (so far Maryborough Qld and Sydney and the next one on the Sunshine Coast), we are more than happy with this site and think it is well worth the money to join, Patricia (lexilou)

View profile for housesitter lexilou

Sitter found for Scenic Mt. Tamborine Queensland Australia

"Thanks for your help in finding a sitter for us for 2007. Your system is excellent in allowing the homeowner to examine all applicants within an envelope of privacy, before making a decision."

Regards cal5288

Do you fancy a break in Queensland's beautiful autumn-winter weather sitting a modern easy care home-with no pets,no pool.

On top of a 550m elev mountain we look 60 kms to Mt. Warning with extensive views of the Border Ranges.

We are on 5 acres. Although that sounds daunting,around the home is cottage garden (with built in watering system from our own water supply)and an acre of lawns,which during autumn-winter will only need cutting every 2-3 weeks-taking 2 hours.We have a 2y.o.15HP Husquvarna ride-on mower.Gardener will also come in to help,at our expense.Lower 3 acres is planted in native forest.

35 mins. from Southport,1hour from Brisbane.

If you would like to sit in one of Australia's most beautiful places,please contact us. We prefer experienced non-smokers with references

Kiwi sitter phillyqualified sees parts of Australia She would not of ever seen with out Housecarers

I must honestly say how pleased I am with your organization.

Every thing is house proud, and one can not but follow the path way that you have laid out before your members. Because of this have my year nearly booked out except for oct. Sept. and Dec.you have just listed a new member from Wellington Janblakie. So I have taken the load off her mind as well.

A bit earlier than i intended starting but her property is only 10 mins drive away so I can manage it as well. Also i had three weeks spare in March and goodvibes sent a message saying they were pleased with my profile and will be in touch after Christmas, so that takes care of march.

I am looking foward to a long membership and looking foward to seeing parts of Australia I would not of ever seen with out Housecarers... Phill (Phiilyqualifid)

View profile for sitter phillyqualified

Sitters Margaret and Allen tour Australia and make friends House Sitting

What a wonderful experience housesitting has been for us - the places we have travelled to & the very special people we have met & stayed friends with. Along with all of this is the responsibility of caring for pets & property which is a privilege given to us once chosen to sit a property.

We have sat houses in Tasmania, Yungaburra (on the very beautiful Atherton Tablelands NQ), Innisfail (not when the cyclone hit)! Cairns (a couple there), Narangba & a B&B in the north west of Victoria (which was a wonderful experience for us). We have a sit in SA early next year which we are looking forward to after we spend Christmas with our family on the Gold Coast. An overseas sit we are hoping for in 2007 - if it is meant it will happen.

Merry Christmas to you & your staff
Regards
Margaret & Alan (AlnMaggie)

View profile for sitters AlnMaggie"

New Zealand house sitter Jan enjoys her Sardina Sit

I have just returned from my 1st housesit (in Sardinia), and found it very rewarding.So thanks to your website for the opportunity, may many more come my way. And Xmas cheer to your team , for all their work to enable members to enjoy this great 'fellowship'. Jan (Jayjay )

View profile for housesitter Jayjay

Sitter found for Coes Creek Queenland housesit

We are home owners who have used this site twice now to locate suitable house sitters. We have been VERY impressed with the service that you offer and each time have had very suitable house sitters to choose from.

This site means that we can go away and know that our house and dogs are being well cared for. We have recommended this site to our friends who are in a similar position to us. People don't always have extended family available to keep an eye on pets, pools and general house maintenance when they go on holidays. Many thanks, homeowners username judyandsteve Coes Creek Queenland

Homeowner twiligh get great response for Bright Vic Aust Tourist Haven

"We have organised for a successful house sit. Thank you - the service and response has been great. Will now use it all the time. We listed with a couple of other agencies with absolutely no response."

Homeowner member twiligh

Fully renovated cottage in the tourist haven of Bright, a small town of 2000 people set in the North-East High Country only 3 & 1/4 hour drive from Melbourne. The 3 bedroom cottage with one bathroom (new large spa bath)and dishwasher is set on a beautiful block only 400 metres to town. Bright has 13 cafes and 15 restaurants to cater for tourists in the busy times. The house is very cool in summer with most summer nights about 10 degrees. The house is set on a large block with a running creek and only one neighbour. Bright is surrounded by mountains and is close to Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo. It is set in a wine and gourmet food region. Bright has been voted one of the 10 most beautiful tourist destinations in Australia. With nothing to do but look after two quiet cats - does anyone want a free holiday. Maximum of two people only as the cats are shy.

False Alarms: Know How to Prevent Them

Don't let your holiday season be ruined by false alarms.

Here is an article on preventing false alarms. Dont forget to
make your house sitter familiate with your alarm system.


False Alarms: Know How to Prevent Them - Kansas City infoZine