Peaceful,traditional home ,large garden and pool, in armagnac country, SW France
Introduction
We are a retired couple (Scottish/Anglo-South-African) enjoying a tranquil country home just outside a tiny village in the Midi-Pyrenees in rural France. We have 2 much-loved pets, an elderly little Biewer Terrier and an energetic Vizsla pointer youngster - still in training! Whilst we live permanently in France, we frequently need sitters to look after our dogs, home and garden whilst we go to the UK, return back to South Africa to see friends and family, or visit Opera, art galleries and see historic sites around Europe.
Show more...Home & location
Sarragachies is a small commune about 4 Km from the village of Riscle which has all amenities. It is surrounded by attractive Gerois villages, vineyards (Armagnac country) with glorious walks in the quiet countryside and along the banks of the Adour river. The Pyrenees are about 1 hour away with beautiful old towns of Condom, Auch and Pau in reach, and several other points on the Compostela St Jacques pilgrimage close by. Enjoy Gascon local cuisine at highly affordable restaurants. Our home is centrally heated, with a Pellet burner and log stove, ensuring you have a toasty warm stay even in Winter. Our library offers a wide range of books and we have good, unlimited broadband access, Netflix, BBC and many videos to watch. We have only one Guest double bedroom (en suite), so we prefer not to have applications from families.
Show more...Responsibilities
Our dogs - Bela requires a good one hour walk per day off lead. They are very attached to humans, and will 'demand' lots of cuddles and affection. They are fit and well, although Scamper is aging and sometimes prefers snoozing to walking. Scamper has a sensitive tummy, so we have to be aware what he eats. Scamper does not like other dogs, in his home or on walks and avoids them when possible. Bela wants to play with ALL other dogs, in a hugely energetic way, which is fine in playschool/daycare but not at home, so housesitters with dogs are just not possible. The dogs are very tactile, so sitters need to be comfortable with them sitting beside them on the sofas in the living rooms (but not the drawing room)! We would love if you like plants and gardens - we have many pots laden with geraniums++ so watering is essential in Summer, plus hosing the 7 small beds in summer months - a peaceful task in long sunny evenings. We have a lady who cleans once/week Otherwise normal levels of domestic duties apply. The pool requires to be backwashed weekly in Summer, otherwise work-free. And the two fires can be lit in winter. We have 2 acres of grounds (mostly grass) so croquet, boules and field badminton are possible! Otherwise lots of free time to enjoy the area as the dogs are happy on their own for 2 hours at a time if left with a bone or chew (in Bela's case).
Show more...Meet the pets
Bela
1 years
Scamper
13 years
Sitter Reviews (12)
Homeowner Reviews (1)
None
We had a wonderful stay at Catherine and Richard's home in Riscle. Catherine and Ricard welcomed us into their home with a lovely dinner and thorough instructions on caring for the house and dogs. Monte, Scamper, and Lazlo were so sweet and well-behaved. We enjoyed our daily walks and evening cuddles. We talk about our time there frequently and how much we miss the dogs! We appreciated all of the information on the area as well. The town was small, but there were so many activities that were available in each of the villages close by. I especially appreciated visiting the local farmer's markets. I would highly recommend this house sit, and a visit to SW France.
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Our sit in Catherine and Richard's lovely home was a joy. Catherine was extremely helpful in the run up to the sit when travel rules were uncertain and she and Richard were wonderful hosts giving us a warm welcome and a delicious dinner. Their home is beautiful and we were made extremely comfortable. The house is in the largely unknown Gers region which has lots of fascinating little villages and towns and great value plat du jour! Catherine is very well organised with excellent notes about the house, dogs and the area. Most importantly the dogs - Monte, Lazlo and Scamper were an absolute delight to look after. They're very well behaved and loving, keeping us company, making us laugh and giving lots of cuddles. There are plenty of walks both direct from the house and within easy driving distance. We really miss them! If you're lucky enough to be offered this sit, don't hesitate. It's highly recommended.
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Catherine and Richard were fabulous hosts from when we arrived. Their package was precise and detailed on the workings of their home and the surroundings. Their home is magnificent in a very rural setting in the Gers. We didn't see too much around as we were happy to hang out with the guys in the summer heat (it gets very hot there!). And what a pleasure they were. Monte and Scamper followed us everywhere all the time. Lazslo the pointer, calm and solemn usually but he certainly lets you know when walkies time is close! We had a great time playing fetch in the garden, walking in the country lanes or by the river. There are so few people around that they can trot (the two little guys) or gallop (Lazslo) off leash. We miss them already and hope to see them again in the future.
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A review was not left by the sitter.
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Catherine and Richard were amazing hosts!! Their home is lovely, warm and inviting. The 3 dogs became our pals instantly. They are all well behaved and we miss them!! The area has several beautiful walks, where you can walk the dogs off the lead, which is such a nice treat!! There are wonderful places to visit in the area. We wish them all the best and would housesit again anytime. : ) Happy Housesitting in Riscle/Sarragachies!
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Catherine
Katie and Chris were clearly much loved by the dogs, who had a wonderful time with them, despite the Wintry- cold early Spring weather. Katie enjoyed baking - this was clear from the ingredients left behind and a welcome supper provided on my arrival! Despite Chris working full-time on US hours, he managed to keep the lawn mown which was growing at full Spring speed. And in spite of telling us that maintaining dogs, house and garden kept them occupied, they seemed to find the time to visit many places in SW France which we have not yet done (mostly due to Covid); which is what a house sit should be all about! We wish them well on future sits and their travels.
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Catherine
