The Old Coach House - a rural idyll
Introduction
The Old Coach House is an 19th Century house, nestled in rural Cheshire at the foot of the Peaks. We recently became human parents to a mischievous Airedale Terrier puppy called Treacle. She was born in September 2023 and is already living up to her name - sweet but can be a little sticky at times! She loves being outside. We also have some feathered friends (guinea fowl and aviary birds) who need a small amount of TLC when we're away but, most importantly, we are lucky and privileged to have a home that we feel should be enjoyed not just by ourselves but by others too!
Show more...Home & location
The Old Coach House is a five bedroomed period house, sitting in about an acre of land, with magnificent views of the Derbyshire Hills and the Cheshire countryside. It sits in parkland and is quite remote, being about 3 miles from the nearest shops. It is equidistant from Macclesfield and Congleton, each about 4 miles away and Manchester Airport and City Centre can be reached in under an hour by car or from Macclesfield train station. The house is semi-detached, with the other property being owned by the owner's mother. Other neighbours are sufficiently close so as not to feel completely isolated. The house has a large lounge, snug, well-equipped kitchen, conservatory, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and beautiful gardens for relaxing in.
Show more...Responsibilities
House With regard to the house, the main responsibility is to maintain a human presence! Although we feel very safe here and have not had any problems, it is helpful to have random activity at the house. Our home is off the beaten track and we are occasionally visited by strangers, usually delivery drivers, who are lost and looking for a neighbouring property. It is good for them to see that the house is not sat empty for long periods of time. We do have regular visitors (a cleaner and a gardener) who come by each week and my mother lives next door so you would not be the only people providing this presence! Pets After losing our beloved Wheaten Terrier, Murphy at the beginning of 2023, we finally took the plunge and became parents to Treacle, an Airedale Terrier, born September 2023. As she is still very much a puppy, albeit a rather large one, she can be very mischievous and needs a firm hand and discipline. There is a separate list of information for Treacle in our Welcome Pack at home. The aviary birds have a scoop of Finch Food (in a bin in the aviary) every few days or so. Sometimes the tray still looks full but it is only empty husks and will need refilling. We change the millet seeds when there are only a few seeds left. These are also in the bin with the Finch Food. If you like wild birds, we have a lot of visiting birds, including goldfinches, nuthatches, woodpeckers. To encourage them, we have a supply of wild bird feed and peanuts, which can be filled as you wish! Please water any house plants and garden plants as required, especially for sits in excess of 2 weeks.
Show more...Meet the pets

Treacle

Finches, Budgies, Doves

Sitter Reviews (9)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
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I cannot write highly enough about this housesit in such a picturesque part of England. Sue and Bruce were so friendly and welcoming, and we immediately felt at home in their beautifully restored Old Coach House full of African memorabilia just like ours. We had a lovely bedroom and bathroom, with a very comfy bed and Sue had even left a special tea/coffee making tray for us. They showed us their wonderful garden and how to keep the hens, aviary birds, fish, ducks, wild birds and plants well fed and watered. Sue left a comprehensive guide and regular contact was easy through WhatsApp. The only downside was having to tell them their two new call ducks had been taken by a mink. Really sad as the ducks were so pretty and chatty. Our favourite daily walk was along the nearby Macclesfield Canal towpath with its 12 Bosley Locks. We also visited the National Trust properties of Little Moreton Hall and Biddulph Grange Gardens which were beautiful. This has been the most idyllic housesit we've been lucky enough to have, or are likely to have, and we join other sitters who hope to do it again and again. We're so glad you chose us Sue and Bruce, and hope we'll catch up in NZ next year.
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I absolutely loved looking after Murphy and staying in Sue and Bruce's wonderful home. On arrival, Sue and Bruce were incredibly welcoming and made us feel very comfortable. Sue took the time cook a delicious meal for us. Murphy was very easy going and great company throughout the stay. He's a breeze on walks and no fuss whatsoever in a car. Being on the doorstep of the Peak District meant that there were plenty of great walks and interesting places to explore. I wouldn't hesitate to return to look after Murphy and the birds again in the future.
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