We have a small farm with a few pastured beef cattle (6-8 head), 1 horse & 1 pony (not stabled, pastured), laying hens (~1 doz.), house cats (2). Looking for housesitters while we try to get away on vacation. Property is just under 17 acres.
House has complete granny-suite for housesitters (living room w/55" Smart HDTV w/netflix & satellite stations and 4x8 pool table, wireless internet, bedroom w/queen pillow-top mattress, bathroom w/whirlpool tub, spare room, hollywood kitchenette w/stove/oven/fridge/sink - see pictures). Rest of house has various bedrooms, kitchen, living room, etc. that will not be occupied. Attached garage where you can park.
We plan to be away while horses/cattle are strictly on pasture, so, only keeping water troughs full and checking fencing is required. Horse and pony require daily meds (horse gets an oral thyroid med and pony get drops in one eye). Typical care needed for cats. Chickens will require closing in the henhouse at night and release into chicken yard in the mornings along with normal topping up of waterers/feeders and collecting eggs (you will have free fresh brown eggs for your stay --- probably more than you can use :-) ). There is a riding mower to keep the "lawn" under control (we are not terribly fussed about maintaining a manicured look, just keeping the weeds under control). There are multiple wild bird feeders to be topped up daily --- complete supply of wild bird seed will be on hand for you to use --- we have documented over 40 species around the property over the years.
We are on a drilled well and septic system, so familiarity with good water/waste management for these systems is an asset.
Although we plan to leave on the 11th August, 2020, you would need to be able come and stay with us for a few days prior to this to get familiar with property and routines. We are planning for a return on 8th September, 2020.