Almeirim

Flying to the UK for some personal business in the UK for a few short days and URGENTLY need a reliable, caring sitter(s) for my two indoor cats. I’m looking for reliability, good communication, and respect for my home and pets. Peace of mind is paramount with my fur babies and I appreciate you considering looking after the most precious things in the world to me for a few days! Perfect for nomad workers or someone wanting a short getaway not too far from beaches and Lisbon but also enjoying a quiet area with a newly Michelin starred restaurant close by! Almeirim is a hidden gem of Portugal!

They are fed wet food with a bit of dry mixed in twice daily and get a snack at bedtime. While independent, they enjoy a bit of playtime and cuddles—especially on their terms!

Peanut, my 13-year-old half-Bengal/half-tabby, is Queen of the house, and Mowgli, my 9-year-old Bengal, is still energetic and curious. Both cats are strictly indoors, so it’s important to keep the litter trays clean and ensure they don’t get outside or into the communal hallway.

I have a few potted plants on the balconies that will need watering regularly during your stay. I also ask that the house be kept tidy and that you respect the shoes-off policy indoors.

My Welcome Book outlines everything you need to know and will be provided in advance of your stay. This comprehensive house sitting guide includes details on the home, the kitties, along with local activities, attractions, restaurants, and areas of natural beauty in the region.

Peanut and Mowgli look forward to meeting you!

Please apply only if you are available for my sit and not for alternative dates. I truly appreciate your consideration—my kitties deserve loving care while their human mummy can’t be with them.

Thank you, in advance, for your time.

If you’re looking for a short getaway in the very near future, this sit is for you! I’ve got to be in the UK next weekend for an event and with my recent surgery, have been playing catch up on life and forgot about this entirely until a couple of days ago! But my kitties are loveable, loving and there’s now even a Michelin starred restaurant just a five minute (20 minute) walk away from my place - enjoyed dinner there last night and oh so yummy! I prefer the sitter(s) to arrive the day before I travel because my flight is early on the 19th and this will give you time to get to know the flat and kitties and to go through all the instructions, and of course spend some time together. The end date can be on the 21st as coming back in the evening of the 21st as my flight doesn’t arrive too late but I’m happy for either and you can even stay a little longer if you want to explore the area more and use this as home base for a few days. Thanks so much! I look forward to hearing from you.
Betsy x

Modern duplex is a peaceful and welcoming retreat near the River Tejo, just a 12-minute walk from the city centre of Almeirim. The area offers plenty of options for outdoor activities, including a nearby park with tennis courts, a skate park, and a lovely picnic spot by a small pond in Alpiarca. Almeirim is also known for its vineyards, including one where Sommeliers receive their education. It's perfect for unwinding with spacious open areas, a cosy ‘zen den’ for relaxation, and a fully equipped kitchen.

The friendly neighbourhood and homely vibe make it a charming and comfortable place to stay, especially with my affectionate kitties for company.

My home is set up as a semi-smart home using Google and Nest. The lighting in the lounge and master bedroom bedside lamps is controlled through Google Home, so you can easily manage it (details are also in the Welcome Guide). While there’s no alarm system, Nest cams are located in communal areas, including the entryway, office/zen den, and kitchen (none in private areas).

For peace of mind, the doors are fitted with six-bolt systems and a top lock that secures them even further when you’re home.

For music lovers, the Sonos stereo system is available, and the bookcase in the Zen Den has a decent selection of books.

The WiFi is excellent and ideal for working from home or streaming. Additionally, a large spa bathtub is available for that occasional relaxing soak.

I’m currently focused on starting my own business and job searching, so I spend most of my time at home with my two cats, Peanut and Mowgli. They have plenty of cozy spots around the house to nap and toys to keep them entertained, and they often join me in my office while I work.

As I’ve just finished my qualifications as a skin and haircare formulator, my home lab is off-limits, along with my dressing room.

There’s a comfortable chair on the balcony if you want to relax in the sunshine. While the city centre is just a 12-minute walk away, having a car would be necessary if you’re interested in taking day trips to the beaches or exploring the surrounding scenic areas. Many sitters prefer to work from wherever they are, but a car would be a good idea if you plan on adventuring out.

The beaches and the city aren't too far away, so if you want to venture out, you can see some lovely scenery without going too far on any given day.

Almeirim is a charming city with everything you need close by. You’ll find large markets like Pingo Doce, Intermarché, and Continente Modelo, Lidl and Aldo, as well as plenty of restaurants and pastelerias. If you’re up for a short walk or a six-minute drive, the other part of the city centre near the old bullring offers even more dining options.

Just a short drive or bus ride away is Santarém, where you can explore the old city, stroll through gardens along the river, or dine at traditional and contemporary Portuguese restaurants. Santarém also has a hypermarket and shopping mall for anything you might need.

If you enjoy the outdoors, this region has beautiful walks in Almeirim or Santarém. A little further out, you can discover beaches, mountain areas with stunning scenery, vineyard tours, and even see some of the beautiful horses that call this part of the world home.