Care for Millie & Pusscat in the heart of The Luberon National Park in Provence

Introduction

8 years ago we finally realised our dream of owning a little house in Provence and are now residents here, with our Golden Retriever Millie, and Pusscat. We love living here, in the heart of the Luberon National Park, with beautiful villages on our doorstep (including Gordes, Roussillon & Saignon) and stunning walks directly from the house onto woodland tracks that take us for miles. We are passionate cyclists and love riding around the local area, but have recently started doing longer cycle tours as well. This year, we cycled from Devon, back to our home here and are planning another long trip for next summer too. We blog about the area, and everything it has to offer, so you can find out more before you come. We still have a small business in the UK, creating jewellery from antique silverware, so enjoy visiting the extensive local brocante markets and vide grenier events, in search of unusual pieces that I can use. With planning cycle trips and having to return to the UK, we are looking for sitters, who would be able to care for Millie and Pusscat, whilst we are away, as unfortunately they are getting elderly and don't enjoy travelling very far, preferring their home-comforts to anything else.

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Home & location

Nestling in a small hamlet, in the heart of the Luberon National Park, set in the hills between the stunning hilltop village of Caseneuve and the market town of Apt with its incredible Saturday morning Provençal Market. The characterful old house has been ours for the last 8 years and we have been slowly renovating it. It has 3 recently renovated bedrooms (you will be able to choose out of the 2 spare rooms which view you would prefer) and you will have your own bathroom with large shower. It's a cosy house on many levels, with electric radiators throughout and steps between the rooms, which makes it unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues). There is a comfortable, beamed living room with a recently fitted wood burner, which is our primary source of heat in the winter (augmented by electric radiators). It is simple to use, and we have a plentiful supply of wood, but this does have to be carried up a flight of stairs from the outside store. This room has a door onto the front and side terraces, which have beautiful views across woodland towards Caseneuve. The fitted kitchen has doors that lead directly onto the terrace and a small garden, where there are different places to sit and relax, overlooking the view. There are great walks straight from the house and further afield and the area is renowned for its beautiful landscape and hilltop villages made famous in Peter Mayle's book 'A Year in Provence'. If you are into walking, cycling or simply exploring then it is a great place to visit and spend time. If you want to know more about the area then I do write a blog about our life here via vauclusedreamer.com

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Responsibilities

The main responsibility is generally keeping our elderly, gentle and affectionate animals Millie and Pusscat content and happy. Millie is approaching 13 and Pusscat is slightly older (but as she arrived one day as a stray, we have no idea of her exact age). Millie is a very agreeable, soppy and happy, rather deaf Golden Retriever, but has arthritis now in her rear legs and may need to take anti-inflammatories from time to time. Pusscat is an equally agreeable, affectionate cat, who now manages with just one eye, not many teeth and a touch of arthritis too, she adores cuddles and generally dozing in the sun or in front of the fire. They both need feeding morning and evening, but their youthful get-up-and-go has pretty much got up and gone. Millie has 2 walks a day, and the length depends on how she is feeling. Sometimes, she is happy to walk for up to an hour, but at other times she will simply sit down after a few hundred metres, and wait until you notice, before running back home. There are plenty of great walks around us as she doesn't like travelling in cars and has very early and very late walks in the summer as it's so hot during the day. Pusscat is also very self-contained, but will decide for herself if she wants to curl up on your knee in the evenings... Millie can be left for up to 4 hours at a time without any problems or concerns. In addition to the animals, there are a few garden tubs that may need to be watered, depending on the time of year.

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Meet the pets

Photo of Millie

Millie

13 years

Photo of Pusscat

Pusscat

14 years

Sitter Reviews (6)

Homeowner Reviews (0)

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We indulged in the delights of caring for adorable sweethearts Millie and Pusscat (both grand old ladies) while we were immersing ourselves in the allure of a beautifully restored Provençal home, keeping the furry friends and place safe and sound. We have been following Julie and Andrew on Instagram for a few months, and they are possibly even more eloquent, warm-hearted, generous and welcoming in reality than in their videos. On the first evening, we were treated to a homemade meal and Andrew had baked a delectable focaccia bread. Communication before, during and after the sit was excellent. With Millie and Pusscat, we were connected in no time, and all the while they followed us like a shadow — except when we wanted to go for a stroll with Millie 😉. From the garden you can walk straight into the woods and along lavenderfields, but she wouldn't go further than five hundred metres at most. Julie and Andrew's place is a bijou of charm, personality and tranquillity, and the surrounding area is stunning. Meticulously renovated by Andrew three years ago, it seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with its historic, Provençal charm. With three terraces to choose from and a million dollar view, we spent most of our time outside with Millie and Pusscat at our feet and on our laps. We also enjoyed the contemporary kitchen, marvelling at the original stone walls and exposed posts and beams. And last but not least, the original allure of the timeless living room, reminiscent of its remarkable Franco-British heritage. This was an amazing and memorable occasion and a wonderful sit, and we hope to have the opportunity to do it all again in the future. Thanks again Julie and Andrew.

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Stayed: 05 Jun 2024 - 21 Jun 2024
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If you happen to be the one chosen for this sit, consider yourself wholly BLESSED. As if the stunning area wasn’t enough, Millie and Pusscat are exceptional pets. Truly the most special angels I’ve ever met. They will love you and you will fall in love with them instantly. They are so easy to care for and just fill you right up with the utmost joy and warmth. Saying goodbye to them was so hard! And last but certainly not least, what makes this sit so special (on top of the above) is Julie and Andy. They are also EXCEPTIONAL hosts! Communication was incredible. They are relaxed and appreciative and just wonderful people. I will miss them and the pets dearly! This sit is 100/10. ❤️ Thank you for everything!!! Xoxo

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Stayed: 19 Feb 2024 - 26 Feb 2024
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I cannot recommend Julie and Andrew enough - They are so welcoming, easy-going and such a lovely couple. I had the pleasure of catching up with both of them and we spent two lovely evenings together. Millie and Pusscat are such gems, they made me feel right at home and I just loved spending time with them :) Besides all this, the Luberon area is stunningly beautiful - if it's the short Millie walks, the little charming towns, weekend markets and the beautiful surrounding area, there is so much to explore and learn! (Thanks for all the tips, Julie :)) I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to sit for them and would come back in a heartbeat!

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Stayed: 24 Jan 2024 - 02 Feb 2024
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A review was not left by the sitter.

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Stayed: 26 May 2020 - 18 Jun 2020
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Stayed: 27 Apr 2020 - 05 May 2020

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Andrew
Last time sitter needed: 5 months 20 days ago