We are looking again for a sitter for the coming winter to feed our two indoor cats (and two outdoor cats) from late December to early March (dates are flexible, though we need to buy our plane tickets very soon).
Our place is a charming former farmhouse with big gardens and open fields on two sides, on the edge of the village, so just a 5-minute walk to the bakery, pharmacy, mini-supermarket, a GP (who speaks English) and one or two cafe-bars.
This would be an ideal house-sit for someone who wants some peace and tranquility. It's very quiet, there is plenty of space to walk in, and the house is comfortably furnished, with traditional open-plan living area with long dining table and Norwegian wood-stove. There is internet, Wi-Fi, a large-screen TV, Netflix, CD player, an all-regions DVD player and a small range of French, Italian, US and Australian films. There are many books, in various languages (though mostly English); for those who play, there are two folk guitars and an electric piano in the living room; and the sporty, there are push-bikes in the barn and an exercise bike indoors.
Duties would be to feed and water the cats (and give them a cuddle from time to time), and take care of the litter trays when necessary. They are allowed to be out all day but the indoor cats should come in at night. There are also a copule of indoor plants to water from time to time.
The Morvan is a beautiful region of green rolling hills and lots of woods, very rural, but not too far from large/r towns where you can do supermarket shopping and visit some sites (e.g. Lormes, 17 minutes by car, Chateau Chinon 25 mins, Autun 45 minutes), and around 90 minutes from major towns such as Dijon and Nevers. You will definitely need a car while here, but for the right person, we can lend one of ours. Burgundy is rich in culture and history and the Morvan is a lovely, relaxing place from which to visit its many sistes of interest, including museums, vineyards, and churches, including the basilica in Vezelay from where the Third Crusade started. However, as visitors to France in winter will know, many country places (including restaurants) are closed for some winter months, so this really should be seen more as a time to retreat into peace and quiet, with the occasional visit to a tourist town such as Autun, Vezelay or Dijon.
While we will be reachable by and , after 18 years here, we have plenty of local friends who will be ready to help or give advice should you really need it.