Saint-Martin-de-Salencey

We are looking for 2 sitters who are English speakers and will care for our dogs whilst enjoying living in rural surroundings on a old farm with basic facilities. We have 2 Egyptian rescue dogs (called Baladi or Desert Dogs) who have moved to France with us. The dogs enjoy the grounds of the farm and enjoy 2 walks a day on leash on the many paths local to the farm.
Our dogs are both 8 years old. Our female dog is called Teetee and was rescued as a puppy. The other is male called Will. He was rescued having been found starving down a construction hole in early 2015 prior to that he had lived free in the desert. There are loving and friendly dogs but very different in behaviour and temperament to domestic breeds! Both dogs are neutered.
Any sitters applying need to have a car as the farm is rural. There is no local transportation. The nearest supermarket is 10 minutes drive.
Sitters also need to be happy that the farm cottage is under going major renovations. The outside space however more than makes up for the inside. We mainly live outside as the Burgundy summers are warm and dry. There is outside seating and dining; even when it does rain!

These dates are firm allowing 1 day either side of our flights. Sitter can arrive/leave 1 or 2 in addition.

Our home is called La Vieille Ferme which means The Old Farm and it is an exactly that, being over 300 years old and consisting of multiple old farm buildings. We are nestled at the bottom of a valley and surrounded on all side by fields and countryside. The farm is accessed by a signal track road which ends at our gates. The farm cottage is in the process of being updated and is lacking some modern amenities. It is however cosy and comfortable and most importantly out dogs are contented and happy in their surroundings.

This sit is about enjoying time with our lovely dogs and spending time outside. Walking in the surrounding countryside with Teetee & Will and taking advantage of the peace & quiet as farm life goes on around.

Being at La Vieille Ferme it is possible to forget we are in the 21st Century as time seems to have stood still. There is also all the wonderful French food and wine that can be enjoyed.

We are part of the countryside at the farm. The land is agriculture and farmed. Cows are our nearest neighbours and we share our home with a myriad of wildlife. including many butterflies and birds. There are deer and wild boar in the surrounding forests and on walks we see many birds of prey and the occasional deer, hare and fox. We haven't seen the boar yet!

As the cottage is being renovated we spend most of our free time outside. The Burgundy summers are warm and mainly dry. We eat outside all the time either under the shade of a old weeping ash tree or in a small barn which is known fondly as The Old Goat House. We also do most of the cooking outside using a Weber BBQ.

Our amenities are basic. There is no TV, no oven (but we have a hob and BBQ). There is no washing machine (we use laundry facilities at local supermarket) and no dishwasher. There is wi-fi and you can get mobile reception but only in one location on the farm!

The medieval town of Cluny is 30 minutes drive away. Cluny has a medieval abbey, a selection of small shops and a weekly market. It is a big equestrian centre and there is often a equestrian event to attend. In the surrounding area there are also chateaux, vineyards and during summer flea-markets. It is necessary for sitters to have their own car as there is no local public transport.