Property Types and Rates

Our specialty is taking care of properties with land or large gardens on behalf of owners who don't reside in them permanently.

We are hired for a range of reasons, including:

To occupy second homes when they are unattended (providing peace of mind)
To ensure a property looks lived-in when owners are on holiday (helps deter vandals and burglars)
To have someone trustworthy on site to handle matters if something goes wrong
To meet home insurance obligations (standard policies tend to only cover a house for up to 60 days if it is unoccupied, anything that happens after this period isn’t covered)
To care for pets (and to save on kennel fees) while owners are on holiday
To carry out gardening and DIY tasks
To be the eyes and ears on site when service providers carry out works (such as roofers, plumbers, builders, tree surgeons, landscape architects etc)
To check on a second home when owners are unable to visit for an extended period
To help prepare a property for sale
Pre-season preparation and ‘opening’ of a property prior to visitors/guests

Preferred properties and assignments

We like estates in warm climates with civilised living arrangements - we don’t shy away from older properties with character but like to ensure we have access to electricity, heating and usable internet. Hot and cold running water is also a bonus!

The majority of our assignments involves maintaining gardens and doing DIY however we are happy to look after pets and livestock (horses, sheep, lamas, donkeys, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and lizards etc) if required.

We bring a strong eco-friendly ethos and can implement a range of wildlife-friendly garden features during our stay if this is something owners are interested in pursuing.

Our most successful assignments have been when property owners provide all of the necessary tools and equipment (in working order!), although we can carry out small engine maintenance or engage the services of external repair shops on behalf of owners when necessary.

It’s vital we’re the right fit for a property, and vice-versa, so we spend time getting to know owners and clarifying expectations before taking on a project. We love looking after properties for owners who are responsive and appreciative, and view the arrangement as a partnership.

In turn we pride ourselves on our professionalism, trustworthiness and discretion. Once we commit to a property we move heaven and earth to fulfil our obligations so owners can sleep peacefully knowing their treasured asset is being well looked after.

Rates and arrangements

For certain assignments we charge a daily rate and/or travel expenses. This depends on a number of things such as:

Property location
Assignment duration
Size of property
Level of responsibility
Number of pets and if there are any specific needs
If we are required to carry out additional projects over and above regular house-sitting tasks
If we need to use our own vehicles, tools and machinery

All requirements are discussed with property owners in detail and the rate is agreed upfront so there are no unexpected surprises.

Our standard house-sitting arrangement involves the property owner covering the cost of utilities (electricity, water, internet etc) for the duration of our stay.

There are times when we need to purchase items or services on behalf of owners - these expenses are then either reimbursed when we provide a receipt, or paid directly to the service provider once we’ve passed on the invoice.