Beautiful Rural Florida Property with Pool
Introduction
My wife and I live on 10 acres 20 mins outside of Gainesville, Florida, near the small town of Micanopy. My wife is a professor of wildlife at the University of Florida and I am a self-employed artist. I paint with oils and have a studio outbuilding on the property. We have three dogs, one cat, and twelve chickens. We like to travel and so decided to try TrustedHousesitters.
Show more...Home & location
The house is on 10 acres overlooking a lake/wet prairie and next to a county run nature preserve for hiking, biking and horse riding. The historic town of Micanopy is 10 minutes away with gift and antique stores, cafes and coffee shops. Gainesville is 20 mins away with a large selection of restaurants and things to do, including art and natural history museums. We have an outdoor swimming pool, tiki bar and a small platform overlooking the prairie. The house has a large screened back porch, gas range, washer & dryer, wifi, and a new flat screen tv. Paynes Prairie State Park is 15 minutes away and there are numerous natural springs, botanic gardens and wildlife viewing areas within easy reach.
Show more...Responsibilities
Walk dogs and/or supervise exercise in their enclosed pasture twice daily. Dogs have an outdoor kennel where they can spend part of the day. Feed dogs and cat twice daily. Cat is strictly indoor. Clean catbox every 3-4 days. Dogs sleep in the house in their own room. Keep water buckets that dogs and cat share full. Check that chickens have feed and water, and collect eggs. Water indoor plants once weekly. Water some outdoor plants if we don't get rain. Refill bird feeders. Check pool filter basket daily and check basic pool chemistry weekly. Collect mail. Take out trash and recycling weekly.
Show more...Meet the pets
Cali (female, 50 lbs)
13 years
Roo (male, 16 lbs)
8 years
Alf (male, 40 lbs)
3 years
Sly (male, 12 lbs)
5 years
Sitter Reviews (5)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
None
Peter and Sam's place is a true country home in the woods with much artistic appeal. The dogs enjoyed walking and spending time with us. Sligh enjoyed waking us up to get his meal. And the wake up was either his face against your face or walking on your back, LOL! The chickens were easy to take care of. We really enjoyed caring for their pets and would do so again!
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One of the best pet sits I have done on my travels. Pete & Sam were cool folk. Very welcoming. The dogs were an especially fun pack. I would sit here again anytime.
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Greg and I enjoyed this sit in the spectacular nature preserve near Barr Hammock Micanopy. Sam and Pete are very kind and gracious hosts, inviting us to stay the night before their departure and taking us out for a pizza meal. The dogs are very sweet and affectionate. Roo is really a cuddly pup who loves to be held and join you on the sofa in the evenings, as does Alf who is much bigger and has an adorable face and expression. Cali is a gentle soul and also loves affection. The dogs have their own exercise fenced field where they are free to romp and play. Cali has her special ball which is generally in her mouth and occasionally shared with Alf. Sly the cat is a character and stays inside the house but would really love to go play with the dogs in their field given half the chance. The chickens are no trouble and have a large coup, they are free ranging during the daytime. The property sits on 5 acres close to an enormous lake which is paradise for all types of water birds. This is a perfect sit for folks who love nature and solitude. For bird watchers it’s a dream come true. Every day we saw deer, sand cranes and armadillos on the lawn. Greg and I would recommend this sit to nature lovers and folks seeking peace and tranquility. The stunning Paynes Prairie is close by and fabulous for walking and biking. Thank you Sam, Pete and the pups for inviting us to sit for you. We had a truly memorable experience.
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A review was not left by the sitter.
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Peter was very welcoming to his home and pet family. He even bought us a pizza upon our arrival. We quickly learned the personalities of each dog and, of course, Sly the beautiful, sweet cat. The animals are great company and we enjoyed them and their antics when playing. Each dog has a separate and sweet nature. Cali loves to walk fast and would walk as far as you want to take her but also listens very well. Roo is a smaller guy and is a dainty walker and responds to the lightest touch of the leash. Alf is a different story. He is very nose driven and will stop every few yards to sniff and can be a little stubborn to get moving again but he is a lovable guy too and I actually liked him the best. He takes his watchdog role very seriously. He is so earnest. The chickens were very easy to take care of as the instructions were so clear along with pictures. They came into their hen house on their own every evening which made it simple. The house is very well organized and on a beautiful property. The pool was wonderful and all told, the experience was very nice. We would look forward to doing this sit again.
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Peter
