Charming Riverside Cottage in a Garden

Introduction

My husband and I live in a cottage on the Hillsborough River with our dog and cat. We travel several times a year and prefer that our pets remain in the comfort of their home during our absence. We have created a very tranquil and lovely home environment as our professions are Landscape Architect and Psychologist.

Home & location

The classic Florida cottage style, 2/2 home and garden are set in an established neighborhood with plenty of privacy. Trees provide lovely shade to keep you cool while enjoying two butterfly gardens, bubbling water fountains, artwork and of course, beautiful views on the Hillsborough River. This part of the river is an estuary and spawning ground for the fish of Tampa Bay as well as a sanctuary and nursery for manatees. There is a never ending parade of Florida’s most delightful wildlife, including manatees, dolphin and turtles. Birds fly above while you fish off the dock for snook and tarpon! You can launch a kayak on the no wake, slow speed river. The land side of the neighborhood is equally quiet and welcoming. Neighbors wave from their porches. Dog walkers and baby strollers are everywhere. It is easy to forget that you are only minutes from downtown, shopping, nightlife, and universities. Moving inside, you can see the river as soon as you walk through the front door. Red oak flooring and natural light welcome you home. The kitchen features solid wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and solid surface countertops. A cozy eat-in dining space has built in seating and storage, and overlooks the gardens and river. From the living room, large sliding doors open up to a spacious deck, expanding your entertaining area and living space. The large master bedroom is a private sanctuary to rest and rejuvenate in the beautiful oasis. This classic riverfront home is a slice of paradise and a garden refuge in the middle of a thriving city. It is absolutely one of a kind, and true Florida living at its finest!

Responsibilities

Roux - Male cat. Black, sweet and playful. Please take time to pet/play with him a lot! He loves TLC. He does NOT go outside. Gus – Male dog. Yellow and sweet. Please take time to pet/play with him a lot! He loves TLC. He does NOT go outside except on a leash. Watch him because he will eat most anything he finds. ROUX: FOOD: Roux gets wet food for breakfast/lunch/dinner (½ can per feeding or more.) We always put the wet food on the center counter in kitchen. Feed him wet food before bedtime. MEDS: Roux gets meds mixed with treats every evening for dry eyes. TREATS: Several times per day, especially after a play session. When Gus gets a treat, please give Roux a few treats. PLAY: Roux will chase a stick with feathers through a tunnel to burn out his energy. His play usually happens at 2pm and 8pm though sometimes in the morning. LITTER BOX: There is one litter box in my studio downstairs. Please scoop the poop 1X p/day. Change the pee pad 2X per week. BED: Roux has a blanket at a sunny window and a bed on floor. WATER: Big bowl is on floor in laundry room. Please keep the bowl filled. Roux & Gus drink from the same bowl. GUS: FOOD: Gus gets dry food only. He is fed as early as you get up and at 4:30-5PM. Please feed him 1level scoop per feeding. TREATS: He gets 1 treat after each walk. Break big bones in half. Put into his bowl. BED: Gus has a big gray blanket. He likes it placed next to the bed to be near his people. WALKS: He goes out for a walk when you get up, at 9am, noon, 3pm and 9pm. (Approximates) PLANTS: Water the potted plants on the front porch, back deck, dining area and dock. Spray the orchids on the back deck. MAIL: Please put the mail in a pile in R’s office. LIGHTING: Lamps at night – to be left on: Salt lamp and the front porch light.