Stithians England

Spend a summer holiday in Cornwall. We are looking for someone to care for our two dogs and home over several weeks from mid-July onwards. Dates are flexible.

As well as the dogs, you will be caring for an 18th century four-bedroomed converted mill-house situated on a no-through road, in a beautiful valley, 20 minutes equidistant from Cornwall's capital city Truro, the ancient port of Falmouth, and bustling Redruth. Surrounded by unspoiled countryside and farmland, the house sits in pretty, well-stocked gardens, with a bridle path outside the front gates.

Some of the finest beaches in Cornwall, many of which are dog-friendly all year round, are within a short drive. Within easy walking distance there is a large freshwater lake/reservoir where water sports are on offer, a lakeside pub and a popular cafe. About three miles away is National Trust moorland, where the dogs love to run free.

The nearest village is Stithians, a lively community with a 14th c church, a thriving pub, well-stocked food shop, monthly local produce market, a country butcher a mile away, farm stalls nearby, and lots of activities in the village hall, which has a pop-up Post Office

Our dogs are a mother and son, quite large dogs which need firm handling. Domino, six years old, is a medium-sized pedigree Rottweiler with a lovely, gentle nature. Buster, her son, is a four-year old pedigree Labrador/Rottweiler, also loving and a very sociable dog. They enjoy playing with balls, short walks in the morning, and any other time when sitters would like to take them out.

They have full freedom of our gardens, where DogWatch is installed. When in the gardens they wear their FM radio-controlled DogWatch collars so they can roam around, but not run off into open countryside. Both are very friendly, easy to care for, only eat dry food, dog treats and drink tap water. They are sociable and like having people around, but do not need someone to be here all day long. When we are out during the day, usually not more than four to five hours at a time, we often leave the radio on tuned to Classic FM.

It is a lovely spot here, pretty, quiet and peaceful, yet near good shopping and bustling towns, and we welcome sitters who love the outdoors, are experienced with larger dogs, and who will care for everything as much as we do. We have used HouseSitters UK for a few years now, and always found great sitters.