Oli in Provence
Introduction
Robert is American, I, Maryne, am French. Robert worked in business / technology, travelling internationally for his work, and has lived in different cities in the US, Japan, England and France. I'm from Lille, in the North of France, and lived for many years in Paris where I worked as an multimedia editor and Film producer, mainly in Cultural areas and Archaeology. We have only recently retired. We have been living in Ansouis (Vaucluse Department in Provence) for one year and a half (after 2 years in the Alpes de Hautes-Provence Region, 30 minutes from Ansouis). We enjoy travelling frequently. Unfortunately, we can't always bring our adorable poodle, Oli, who is 5 years old. We have had very good experiences with dog and house sitters through this website, so we would like to continue with it.
Show more...Home & location
Our house is situated in the center of the village of Ansouis, classified in the "Plus beaux village de France" listing. It is an old and charming 240 square meter attached house facing the South. It has a small garden with an arbor for barbecue and a dining table, which faces another garden. There is also a terrace on the first floor facing the fields and the mountains with an excellent view. The house has 3 levels. It includes an open and vaulted kitchen opened to the living room facing the garden and the living room with a fireplace. On the first floor, there are 2 bedrooms (one with a large terrace) and a large bathroom. On the second floor, there is a living room with a TV, one bedroom, one bathroom, and an office with an extra bed. There is also an "artist studio" accessible from the garden. Ansouis is a village with a remarquable castle on the top that can be visited in Spring and Summer. It surrounded mostly by vineyard and ills. Inside the village, there is a delicious pastry shop, a supermarket, a Post Office, a medical center, a bar, 2 restaurants (one, "La Closerie", has one star in the Michelin guide). Less than 10 minutes by car, Pertuis offers hypermarkets, DIY stores etc. Aix en Provence is 30 kms away. Aix TGV at 34 kms, Marseille Airport at 39 kms. There is a beautiful lake, named "Etang de la Bonde", 4,5 kms away, clean, good for swimming and walking with the dog. The region is known for its many beautiful hilltop villages, as Lourmarin (9 kms), Cururon, Vaugines with nice outdoor markets... and the beauty of nature which offers many opportunities for outdoor sports: hiking, cycling. Our house is comfortable in both summer and winter. The WiFi connection is excellent. There is a washing machine and a dryer, a dishwasher, a large 55 inches television.
Show more...Responsibilities
The House / Dog Sitter will have the responsibility of caring for Oli: - He loves and needs to have at least 2 walks every day (morning and late afternoon). It's very easy to walk from our house into the hills or around the vineyards. I can provide all information about walks around the village (and GPS files). - He has to be on a leash in the village. - He has to wear his training collar if he is not wearing his leash. He obeys very well but at times is tempted to run after a cat or a bird; the simple "bip bip" signal made by his collar when you want to call him back to you, by pushing a button on a remote control for the collar will make him come back. - Of course, he needs to be brushed regularly, and washed (rarely with soap, unless it's really necessary). - He eats dry dog food, kibble, twice a day. Absolutely never sugar (candy, cakes, etc.). - He sleeps in the bedroom. - He can never jump on the living room couch or on the bed unless there is a cover to protect them, which we leave on. He needs attention and loves to play... He's a very affectionate and endearing small dog! The veterinarian is Dr Mary, Saint Martin Center in Pertuis. >>>>>>>The house is NO SMOKING<<<>>>>>>
Show more...Meet the pets
Oli
5 years
Sitter Reviews (6)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
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We enjoyed looking after Oli a lot. We received warm welcome from Marine and Robert, they showed us everything and we had a lovely dinner together so it was amazing to have a chance to know them. Oli is very sweet dog and our love from the very first sight. He was very cuddly and active at the same time, he was always a good boy, behaved in restaurants, no problems in a car and he has excellent recall. He was our shadow and we took him everywhere . We enjoyed long walks and evenings by the fire with him. We miss this little boy a lot, we are very happy to be able to meet such wonderful people and would be happy to look after Oli again.
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I had a lovely time in beautiful Ansouis with Oli. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the beautiful streets & nature areas nearby. And even had the generous loan of Marine’s car, which meant i could explore further afield. Both Marine and Rob were lovely and made me feel very welcome, taking time to show me around & give me plenty of recommendations. The home is just gorgeous & very cosy. I would absolutely recommend coming to stay here with Oli, especially if you like the slower pace of life. thank you !!
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What a marvelous stay in Ansouis. One of the most beautiful village I’ve ever seen! Maryne and Robert are super hosts! Had a lot of contacts with Maryne before my arrival. She provided numerous wonderful walks in the area so, easy to find my way with the GPS. What can I say about Oli! What a sweetheart and a great companion. He is full of energy and really fun to have around. He was my shadow for 10 days! And of course the charming house in the middle of town. I would love to return one day to do more exploring and more cuddles with Oli! Highly recommend this sit to anybody that loves to take nice long walks with the sweetest four-legged buddy.
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A review was not left by the sitter.
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We had a truly great experience house sitting at Marine and Rob's place in Villemus. The highlights are many. > Local markets for fish and produce and amazing cheese (try the Banon cheese). > Many nearby small beautiful villages. > Beautiful hikes and amazing roads for biking > A wonderful house in a tranquil setting > A great super-friendly dog But perhaps the part that we most appreciated was the generosity and helpfulness of Rob and Marine - they went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and smooth. We would go back in a heartbeat, so if you get a chance to sit for them be sure to take it!
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Marine & Robert
