Woodland home in the smoky mountains
Introduction
My home is a peaceful, secluded one-bedroom house on 80 acres adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest. I earned a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, worked in several trades and professions, and have been retired for a while pursuing various Interests, e.g. writing, gardening and landscaping, canoeing, hiking, photography, woodworking, good health, and the natural world. My partner Lisa and I have 2 dogs, Jolie, a friendly 9-year old Catahoula, and Bocce, a playful 5-pound Yorky; and one cat, Audrey, who will tolerate some petting if she’s in the mood. Please note that my dates are approximate.
Show more...Home & location
Unique, owner built, one-bedroom home at the end of the county road, on 80 acres of forested property with roads, trails, pond and streams; adjoining the Cherokee National Forest, 10 air miles to the Great Smoky Mtns National Park. Fiber optic internet service. wood and electric heat, AC, washer/dryer, TV with Amazon and Netflix. Futon and cot availability, One hour+ to Asheville, Knoxville and Gatlinburg. Sit dates are flexible.
Show more...Responsibilities
Feed and walk the dogs, feed the cat. water gardens and house plants, Collect mail, keep in touch with me. I expect the Sitter to be on the premises most of the time.
Show more...Meet the pets
Jolie
10 years
Bocce
2 years
Audrey
9 years
Sitter Reviews (5)
Homeowner Reviews (0)
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Micheal's house is rustic in a great location and the main source of heat is wood. Tennessee is a great place to visit for the outdoor adventurer, there is so much country to see. Groceries were 20 minutes away in Newport. There is no cell service at the house but the WI fi is good and there is a land line for emergencies. Each pet is unique with their own personalities. Jolie had trouble with hiking due to a torn acl. Bocce was a trooper and was great to hike with and at night he was a real cuddler. Audrey the cat was elusive at first but eventually came for pets. The deck was a real treat when the weather warmed up.
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If you’re a nature lover, this sit with Jolie, Bocce and Audrey will be a joy! I highly recommend it. Audrey the Cat’s eyes will knock you dead (so beautiful) and she uses that to her advantage to keep the pups in check. She warms up a bit once she knows you understand she’s in charge. 😉Jolie is stoic and keeps watch over the place. She feels like an old soul and I enjoyed her companionship so much! The little guy, Bocce, is a lover through and through. She’s content snuggling under a blanket on your lap but also eager to join you on hikes throughout the GORGEOUS land surrounding Michael’s home. Bocce’s only one (ish) so he still likes to play (hiding his little chicken toy for you to find and then have a gentle tug of war for it, seems to be a favorite.) The home and views from it, represent Michael’s skills and care. Lisa and Michael are sweet and great communicators. Despite being wonderfully quiet and far from town, the internet is super fast and reliable for remote work. Asheville is only a beautiful, hour drive away. I’m grateful for the experience of this sit and hope to return sometime.
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I spent the winter at Michael’s charming woodland home in Del Rio, TN, and it was a magical experience. It is on a huge property that borders the Cherokee National Forest, and with all the trees and little streams it is like stepping into a dream. The house has everything anyone could need (including very speedy WiFi) and it was a true pleasure to stay there as long as I did. Jolie is the sweetest dog I’ve ever spent time with. She is the perfect walking/hiking companion and exceptionally easy to take care of. Audrey is a very cute little cat who always made me laugh at the clever hiding places she would find for herself — she was also extremely easy to take care of. Michael is a kind and thoughtful man who has a great knowledge of the area and was able to answer any question I had about the geography, wildlife, and flora & fauna of Tennessee. I would strongly recommend this home to any sitter.
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To get to Michael's home in Del Rio I drove about 20 hours from Pembroke Maine and it was worth every minute in the car. Besides the house being very cozy and unique, the surrounding environment is stunning. My month stay there was comfortable, relaxing, and just an overall pleasure. Jolie might just be the best dog I've sat for. Well behaved, listens, sociable with people, affectionate, and responsible. A fantastic companion. There really is no need to worry about her doing her thing throughout the day. Can keep the front door open and let her come and goes as she pleases. Audrey is your typical even mannered. Will come to you when she wants but enjoys a nice head scratch while in her bed. Upon my arrival, some things went slightly awry and Michael was extremely accommodating during this period which was a great help for me. Additionally, Michael's social circle is fantastic for any "backup" one may need (I needed some and they were extremely generous in helping me). Just lovely good-natured people worth spending time with if they give you an invite to their homes. I cannot recommend Michael's place enough if one is looking for a lovely experience of life in the mountains. Del Rio is very quiet but one can find plenty to do with the surrounding nature of the SMokey Mountians. Newport is a short drive for necessities and surrounding towns/cities are short or a reasonable drive away. Make sure to get some buttermilk pie to go with your coffee while in town. Thanks a million, Michael!
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Michael
