Couple required over Christmas to care for an elderly dog and some chickens in our lovely restored farmhouse in South West France

Couples only please. Strictly non-smoking, ideally some spoken French. Own transport preferred but if not, a current, valid driving license is essential. Would suit an active couple who enjoy being outdoors. Looking after our 16 year old Golden Retriever, (in good shape but profoundly deaf), and various chickens. We keep a tidy home and would require our house-sitters to do the same. Our sitters would have to keep a close eye on our property, particularly during any wet or stormy weather. We are in the heart of the Perigord Noir, a truly beautiful, picturesque part of the Dordogne, with lots of walking trails, canoeing down the rivers and cycling. We are 25 mins by car from Sarlat, (stunning town centre and good cinema which shows films in 'Version original' ie UK/USA films in English and subtitled in French), and a 40 min drive from Perigueux, the departmental capital. Our home is spacious and very comfortable and has all mod cons as well as a good internet connection. The weather in December can be a mix of everything and our house-sitters should be prepared! It’s a fabulous time for walking in the woods and visiting the local and Christmas markets. The temperature can range from -5C during cold spells and go up to 20C in the afternoon. You will need a car or a valid (minimum 3 years) driving license, at the very least. We can offer the use of a car if necessary for which we require a returnable cash deposit in the event the car is not returned in the same condition it was provided. We are very well located in terms of access to little villages, local train station, restaurants, etc, via car, however, our home is situated on it's own, in the middle of our land, with no visible neighbours. We are only considering a couple and again, we are STRICTLY NON-SMOKING HERE. We would definitely like see references (speak to referees) before choosing our house-sitters and, if at all possible, it would be great if we could meet up beforehand (although we realise this is not always likely). We have had 6 sets of wonderful house-sitters (through MindmyHouse) over the last 13years. . We are still in regular contact with our very first house-sitters but they are, sadly, unavailable this time. Their testimonial is attached to our profile. We got on so well with them that they house-sat for us several times. They have now stopped house-sitting and are no longer on this site. As a result, they are unable to post a testimonial onto my profile. They have however written the testimonial below: "We have had the pleasure of home and pet sitting for Victoria and Harris on 3 occasions and would commend both them and their home to anyone searching for an assignment and would return, were we in the position to do so. The house is amazing, very clean and comfortable and the entire estate is beautiful, well maintained and easy to care for. The dogs cats and chickens proved to be very friendly, as did Harris and Victoria The area is outstanding, with lots to do and see." Should a prospective house-sitter wish to contact them, (by email or phone) that will be possible (obviously once we are already in contact and progressing things....) No, sorry.

Looking after our 16 year old Golden Retriever, (in good shape but profoundly deaf), and various chickens. We keep a tidy home and would require our house-sitters to do the same. Our sitters would have to keep a close eye on our property, particularly during any wet or stormy weather. We are in the heart of the Perigord Noir, a truly beautiful, picturesque part of the Dordogne, with lots of walking trails, canoeing down the rivers and cycling. We are 25 mins by car from Sarlat, (stunning town centre and good cinema which shows films in 'Version original' ie UK/USA films in English and subtitled in French), and a 40 min drive from Perigueux, the departmental capital. Our home is spacious and very comfortable and has all mod cons as well as a good internet connection. The weather in December can be a mix of everything and our house-sitters should be prepared! It’s a fabulous time for walking in the woods and visiting the local and Christmas markets. The temperature can range from -5C during cold spells and go up to 20C in the afternoon. You will need a car or a valid (minimum 3 years) driving license, at the very least. We can offer the use of a car if necessary for which we require a returnable cash deposit in the event the car is not returned in the same condition it was provided. We are very well located in terms of access to little villages, local train station, restaurants, etc, via car, however, our home is situated on it's own, in the middle of our land, with no visible neighbours. We are only considering a couple and again, we are STRICTLY NON-SMOKING HERE. We would definitely like see references (speak to referees) before choosing our house-sitters and, if at all possible, it would be great if we could meet up beforehand (although we realise this is not always likely). We have had 6 sets of wonderful house-sitters (through MindmyHouse) over the last 13years. . We are still in regular contact with our very first house-sitters but they are, sadly, unavailable this time. Their testimonial is attached to our profile. We got on so well with them that they house-sat for us several times. They have now stopped house-sitting and are no longer on this site. As a result, they are unable to post a testimonial onto my profile. They have however written the testimonial below: "We have had the pleasure of home and pet sitting for Victoria and Harris on 3 occasions and would commend both them and their home to anyone searching for an assignment and would return, were we in the position to do so. The house is amazing, very clean and comfortable and the entire estate is beautiful, well maintained and easy to care for. The dogs cats and chickens proved to be very friendly, as did Harris and Victoria The area is outstanding, with lots to do and see." Should a prospective house-sitter wish to contact them, (by email or phone) that will be possible (obviously once we are already in contact and progressing things....) No, sorry.