Monségur

You will need to walk and care for our friendly, bouncy dogs: an adoring girl Bernese Mountain Dog (7) and a friendly boy Golden Retriever (7) at least once a day and brushing a couple of times a week. The two 12-year old cats (one girl, one boy) just need cuddles, feeding, and letting out at night. They are all well behaved and affectionate. Our houseplants and outdoor pot plants will need to be watered, and depending on the season we may ask you to keep an eye on the vegetable garden, in particular looking out for aphids. The property will need to remain occupied during our absence. We have a housekeeper and gardeners so you won't have to do much by way of cleaning, but the main kitchen will need to be hoovered and cleaned when the housekeeper isn't working, to keep it free of animal hair (as much as is possible!) as one of the dogs has an allergy to dust mites. We ask you to remain in regular contact with us during our time away, and we find that WhatsApp is a great way to stay in touch. We love to receive photos of our pets! Up-to-date references (personal and professional) are essential, and a police/CRB check is an advantage.

Having hosted house sitters for over 12 years, we have learned that certain qualities are essential in our house sitters. With this in mind, please check that you fulfil all of the criteria listed below before applying:
- You are two people, preferably a couple who will only need one bedroom
- You are non-smokers
- You are over 25
- You are fit and energetic
- You have experience with dogs, in particular large breeds
- You can provide written references and referees
- We prefer people who have been home-owners

The Golden Retriever needs to have his ears treated every 7-10 days to prevent a recurrent infection. Our male cat has to take medicine before both of his meals. He is very good at taking his pills, and we can show you a good technique to administer them.

These dates allow for a couple of days cross over at the beginning of the sit, to show you around the property, show you what needs to be done, and not be rushed!

We are in the beautiful rolling countryside of south-west France, surrounded by vineyards and ancient forest but with shops and restaurants only a few minutes drive away.

The house itself is a large old stone farmhouse dating back to the 1600's and set in 14 hectares of its own land. We regularly see deer, owls, foxes, and all sorts of wonderful wildlife, and our meadows fill with wild orchids in the spring.

We have extensively renovated and modernised the house so there is Wifi, UK satellite TV (Freesat), and efficient under-floor heating, as well as 2 open fireplaces. The original house is a cosy welcoming space, and the attached converted barn is spacious and contemporary in style. You will be staying in the original house which has a modern kitchen with all mod-cons, a comfy and roomy lounge with UK FreeSat and DVD player and three double bedrooms, one with an en-suite bathroom (the property as a whole has eight bedrooms).

The gardens have been professionally landscaped and look out over our own pasture and woodland. We have a successful vegetable patch that will need a little looking after during the growing season, though we'll give you full instructions so don't worry, you don't need to be a gardening pro! The large outdoor infinity pool is heated (in season), and we have a well-equipped home gym. It took 4 years to renovate our house to a very high standard, and the result is a beautiful and comfortable home.

Under floor heating
Air-conditioning in the kitchen/diner
Fans provided for the bedrooms
Designer furniture and artwork
Freestanding stone baths
Walk in rain head showers
Large and comfortable bed in guest master suite (Super King size, 180 x 200)
Open fire
Satellite TV
Wifi
Lutron lighting system
20m infinity edge swimming pool
Landscaped garden
Herb garden
Vegetable garden
Outdoor sofas & armchairs
Sun loungers
Car available for house sitters’ use (please cover your own fuel costs)

Our home and garden are a peaceful haven, with private views over our little valley and the ancient forest beyond. Our dogs and cats are relaxed, friendly and happy and always delighted to see you! We love design, music and art and this is reflected in our home, where we enjoy combining the old and the new. The pool is our favourite place to be in the summer, at 20 metres long it’s great for swimming and deep enough to dive!

Wander around the bustling French markets, and have a meal and dance the evening away at the lively night markets (night markets are summer only)
Visit the local vineyards - we are firmly in wine country, and there are many delicious local vintages to try
Visit the ancient chateaux that are dotted around the area
Take an unmissable trip to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Saint Emilion
Dive into the local swimming lakes (summer only)
Explore the historic bastide towns and villages
We’re in a great area for walking and cycling
Visit the buzzing city of Bordeaux