House and dog sit in the Wasdale valley. Lakes UNESCO world heritage location.
Introduction
We are a retired couple, both teachers. Anne was a middle school leader and then finished her career as a secondary school leader in a bilingual school in China. I worked as a teacher and researcher in Education at a university. I now write and volunteer with Wasdale Mountain Rescue. Anne also helps out with fund raising. We have one small dog called Watson. We don't want to put him in kennels. The reviews mention Oscar too, but sadly, he is no longer with us. We are looking for kind and considerate people who will enjoy a rural location and respect a mountain and farming community.
Show more...Home & location
Our home is in the Lake District National Park - a very rural area about 4 miles from the nearest village. Please note that it is not in Wasdale Head but close by. It is a characterful and beautiful location at any time of the year and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage location. It isn't just a great place in the summer - it is a fabulous place all year round. Our house has three bedrooms, a nice lounge with wood stove and underfloor heating. There is reliable broadband and satellite tv. All the usual amenities are also present: washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer etc. We also have a bootroom which is great to dry things out after a muddy walk. There are neighbours close by who are very helpful. There is a lovely garden with views of the fells. You'll meet other dog walkers that will know our dog so, for a while, you will be able to join this community! There is a great pub just a 5 min walk away and a 15-minute drive brings you to the base of some of the most well-known and historic mountains in the UK - Scafell Pike, Scafell, Pillar, Great Gable and Great End. You can also access the beaches on the coast in about 20 minutes. Drigg beach for example is usually empty and at low tide has a huge expanse of sand and rock.
Show more...Responsibilities
To care for our dog, walk him up to twice a day on the valley paths and look after the house and garden.
Show more...Meet the pets
Watson
15 years
Sitter Reviews (16)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
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Andy and Anne were great hosts. Not only are they lovely people, but their home is in an amazing location! It’s a stunning house inside and out, with endless walks on the doorstep. Watson is a real character and full of love. We had a great time exploring the trails with him, and really enjoyed him curling up on the sofa with us in the evening. This was truly an amazing sit and we would recommend it to everyone! Thanks for having us to stay!!
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We had an amazing time sitting for Oscar and Watson, two affectionate dogs. The house is lovely and is bang in the middle of a stunning part of the Lake District, with plenty of walk nearby. A highly recommended sit overall!
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We had a wonderful time over New Year with the delightful Watson and Oscar in Andy and Anne’s peaceful , lovely home . The dogs took us on some really lovely walks in the area , through woods , to Wastwater lake , and to a very nice cafe for coffees , tea and cake . Views were spectacular and we felt so lucky to start 2023 in this amazing part of the country with these two friendly dogs . Our bed was so very cosy and comfortable . Communication with Andy and Anne was excellent ; clear , friendly and prompt . Poor Oscar was a bit poorly on our second to last day which was later diagnosed as an ear infection .Andy and Annie came home early to look after him and kept closely in touch with us which was very reassuring .We understand Oscar is recovering well . We would highly recommend this pet sit and would be delighted to return .
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We had a great time caring for Oscar and Watson. There was a warm welcome from Andy and Anne on arrival and their home proved to be comfortable and beautifully located in the Wasdale valley with lovely views. Watson and Oscar were a delight to look after; very easy going and affectionate characters - it was great to be taken for walks each day by them around the village and its rural environs. We'd particularly recommend the local pub/brewery in the village which was unspoilt, friendly and served great food and real ale. We wouldn't hesitate to care for Oscar and Watson again if asked. Nether Wasdale is an idyllic place to enjoy the Cumbrian fells in the company of dogs.
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It was a delight for Michael and I to house and pet sit for Andy and Ann. Oscar and Watson that we nicknamed “the boys” were an absolute joy to look after. Both with different characters. Oscar(15yrs) mellow, wise, cuddly and loving. Watson (13yrs) a typical terrier Independent and aloof, and when he felt like it loving and cuddly, but only on his terms. Both laid back dogs who slept a lot in between walks. Watson was not a morning dog so some mornings he wouldn’t even wake up and stir until about 9 or 9.30 am so he didn’t always go on the morning walk. Oscar was up for a walk anytime. We walked Oscar twice a day. The location of the home is ideal for walking. Lots of walks surrounding the house. The “boys” knew them and we would just follow them. The house is located in the Wasdale valley which is stunning. It was a privilege each day to drink in the beautiful scenery while walking the dogs. An added bonus was the great pub which is walking distance of the house. Andy and Anne were great hosts. We met and stayed with them the night before they left on their vacation. We shared a lovely bottle of wine. Anne left us a gift of hand painted cards that she herself had done that were beautiful and thoughtful gift. They were of the valley and will remind us of our visit. We had a lovely bedroom and the bed was very comfortable. The house itself is clean, comfortable and uncluttered within everything that you would need. In particular we loved the wood burning stove in the living room which we used in the evening. Communication between Andy and Anne was great. We used a group app on WhatsApp so if it had any questions it was easy to get in touch. We would highly recommend this house/pet sit and if asked again we would not hesitate to go back again if free Sue and Michael Arbuckle. .
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Andy
