2024: 20 Dec - 2 Jan 2025 | 2025: 11-18 Jan | 3-17 Sep
On a house-sit right now
David and Jane
72, Writer /composer
70, Artist / gardener/teacher
We are experienced, careful considerate, reliable house and pet sitters, who enjoyed house and pet sitting for friends and family before joining Housesitters UK.
David is a composer, writer who enjoys football, music, art, swimming, reading, writing, poetry, films, theatre. Worked with Sussex Wildlife Trust, trained in counselling / psychotherapy. Teaches English to foreign students . Loves travel and meeting different cultures. Enjoys baking and washing up! Loves cats.
Jane is a life long artist, organic gardener, worked with communities to encourage enjoyment of nature, keen walker, wild swimmer. Teacher of English to foreign students, worked with Sussex Wildlife Trust, Member of Friends of the Earth and involved in tree planting and food growing projects. Enjoys reading, films, nature, swimming. Loves to travel, meet new people and cultures. Enjoys looking after cats and poultry in particular. ( has kept her own flock of hens)
We are fit and active Both non smokers and David doesn't drink alcohol.
We currently have 8 references. Many reviews available
Reviews (35)
Our initial scepticism about using housesitters vanished after a reassuring video. Experienced and respectful, they posed all the right questions, easing our doubts. A one-night interaction before our departure revealed an instant connection—we appreciated their unique characters and engaging conversations. During the housesit, they took great care for our cats, fostering a quick bond. They updated us daily and the cats seemed at ease with them. They surprised us with a delicious spread when we ... MOREOur initial scepticism about using housesitters vanished after a reassuring video. Experienced and respectful, they posed all the right questions, easing our doubts. A one-night interaction before our departure revealed an instant connection—we appreciated their unique characters and engaging conversations. During the housesit, they took great care for our cats, fostering a quick bond. They updated us daily and the cats seemed at ease with them. They surprised us with a delicious spread when we returned, also tackling a mountain of dishes after! The house was spotless, with Jane doing some gardening and giving us tips as a delightful bonus.
Their genuine kindness made sharing our household a pleasure. We are grateful for their exceptional service and the joy they brought to our home!
Good communication throughout,, enjoyed seeing the pictures and video clips. Cats were happy and relaxed on return. House clean and tidy. Many thanks!
KATIE (Horsham England, Oct 2024 - 2 weeks 4 nights)
David & Jane made our first experience of using house sitters a very easy and reassuring one. From the first introductory zoom call, and then both before and during the house sit, they have been communicative and responsive - keeping in touch and asking any questions they needed to about the house and Claude the Cat.
We came home to a very clean and tidy house, and a relaxed and happy cat. Just what we were looking for! Thank you both so much.
NICOLA (Cirencester England, Oct 2024 - 4 nights)
Five stars all the way with David and Jane! We were very lucky to get them at fairly late notice and they arrived the day before we left. We left for the airport reassured that they were very capable and very experienced with cats. Jane rose to the challenge of ensuring the right cat had the right meds for the 10 days...no mean feat and they kept in touch nearly every day with pics of the girls to reassure us. We would certainly recommend them and thank them very much for holding the fort so ... MOREFive stars all the way with David and Jane! We were very lucky to get them at fairly late notice and they arrived the day before we left. We left for the airport reassured that they were very capable and very experienced with cats. Jane rose to the challenge of ensuring the right cat had the right meds for the 10 days...no mean feat and they kept in touch nearly every day with pics of the girls to reassure us. We would certainly recommend them and thank them very much for holding the fort so capably while we were away and leaving the house tidier than when we left!
Jane and David were brilliant.
The communication before and whilst away was excellent.
Our two cats seemed very content with them and the house was in great order for our return.
We would definatley recommend them.
David and Jane looked after our two cats and house for three and a bit weeks whilst we were on our summer holidays. From the first point of contact their communication was excellent and we were always kept up to date with how the cats were doing. They looked after our house so nicely and we received many helpful pointers for our garden from Jane who is a horticulturalist!! On our return the cats were so relaxed and happy, and we were thrilled to find some gifts made from apples from the garden. ... MOREDavid and Jane looked after our two cats and house for three and a bit weeks whilst we were on our summer holidays. From the first point of contact their communication was excellent and we were always kept up to date with how the cats were doing. They looked after our house so nicely and we received many helpful pointers for our garden from Jane who is a horticulturalist!! On our return the cats were so relaxed and happy, and we were thrilled to find some gifts made from apples from the garden. Can't recommend highly enough, we hope they will come back next summer!!!
ABIGAIL (Bristol England, Aug 2024 - 3 weeks)
Thank you so much it was such a pleasure💚
David and Jane are an amazing caring couple.
They communicated so well with us before and during the sit.
They settled in quickly to our pets needs and enjoyed their furry cuddles.
They looked after our house and garden so we'll too, And handed it back to us in perfect condition...they even made us some welcome home jam from local fruit.
I definitely recommend David and Jane as perfect house and pet sitters.
David and Jane are an absolute delight - I was concerned as a newbie about using this service, they were patient and helpful from the get go ... making sure all my fears were laid to rest - they asked all the right questions about the cats!
They also came a day before we left so they could meet all the guys and get to go through the house stuff - this turned out to be super useful as our house is very technology enabled and can be confusing for us let alone anyone else, and we were able to ... MOREDavid and Jane are an absolute delight - I was concerned as a newbie about using this service, they were patient and helpful from the get go ... making sure all my fears were laid to rest - they asked all the right questions about the cats!
They also came a day before we left so they could meet all the guys and get to go through the house stuff - this turned out to be super useful as our house is very technology enabled and can be confusing for us let alone anyone else, and we were able to iron out a couple of glitches.
They looked after the gang beautifully, everyone settled down quickly and even autistic Ben had his demanding needs met!
Jane the superstar even sorted out our challenging garden - and the wormery.
A very genuine and lovely couple - would have them back anytime,
SARA (Torpoint England, May 2024 - 3 weeks)
David & Jane were perfect sitters. They dealt with our home and two cats impeccably. It was only a couple of weeks which we wondered about being not long enough but they reassured us that they were OK with that. They really embraced the local walks, theatre and National trust..... We just hope they enjoyed our home even though they found and alerted us to a nest of baby rats. We think they scarpered at being discovered. I believe the cats were quite well behaved. Thank you David and ... MOREDavid & Jane were perfect sitters. They dealt with our home and two cats impeccably. It was only a couple of weeks which we wondered about being not long enough but they reassured us that they were OK with that. They really embraced the local walks, theatre and National trust..... We just hope they enjoyed our home even though they found and alerted us to a nest of baby rats. We think they scarpered at being discovered. I believe the cats were quite well behaved. Thank you David and Jane. See you again if you're ever in the area.
Thank you both so much we did have a wonderful time and would have been very happy to stay on longer, but the two weeks were delightful . We very much hope we can see you in the future. All the very best Jane and David
David and Jane were thorough sitters who gave our cats lots of love while we were away. They were in touch constantly, asked if they weren't sure about anything, and were quick to help us with the odd task from afar. We returned to a tidy house, clean linen, and happy, relaxed cats :)
KARIS (Bristol England, Mar 2024 - 4 weeks)
Thank you for your kind words - we did really enjoy spending time in your home and it was love at first sight with Tyson and Spencer
David & Jane are a delightful couple who looked after our house carefully while we were away. It was especially kind of Jane to offer to do some gardening for us - greatly appreciated. Our cat Darcie obviously appreciated their kindness and was in fine form when we returned.
In retrospect, we realise that we should have left clearer instructions about the house and some expectations.
BILL (Bradford-on-Avon England, Jan 2024 - 1 week 2 nights)
Thank you for your review. We wonder why only four stars for the house? what were the Expectations that you didn't tell us about and that we didn't meet ? We are quite disappointed it as we always get five stars reviews
An incredible pair. Very diligent and trustworthy. When one of my cats had an injury in the lead up to their visit they were very patient with updates and communicative so that we could come up with the best win win for both sides. Their understanding as we navigated the options was so appreciated.
TERESA (East Molesey England, Dec 2023 - 1 week)
Thank you Teresa it was a pleasure to look after sweet little Bec, such a loving charactor
We were so happy that we were able to get David and Jane back to house sit for us again. They are always booked up which tells you what great pet sitters they are. They were so good with our cats especially with the one that is very nervous who eventually took to them. Sent us daily updates and photos too. Hope we will be able to have them back next year!
JONATHAN & BILLIE (POTTERS BAR England, Oct 2023 - 4 nights - 1 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Jane and David were lovely people, warm, friendly and chatty with a clear love and interest in our two adored moggies. Communication with them before the sit was excellent and easy, which is always so important. We spent two very enjoyable evenings with them before and after our short break and would very happily invite them to return to housesit. In fact we did, but they were already claimed! Our cats Tallulah and Lulu were calm and content when we returned and I think hadn't really missed ... MOREJane and David were lovely people, warm, friendly and chatty with a clear love and interest in our two adored moggies. Communication with them before the sit was excellent and easy, which is always so important. We spent two very enjoyable evenings with them before and after our short break and would very happily invite them to return to housesit. In fact we did, but they were already claimed! Our cats Tallulah and Lulu were calm and content when we returned and I think hadn't really missed us at all. Thank you Jane and David.
SALLY (Hampton England, Mar 2023 - 4 days)
Thank you for that lovely review Sally and Brian
David and Jane were excellent communicators and were quickly enslaved by our two Siamese! The house was left clean and tidy, and Jane even made us some soup when we got home! Can thoroughly recommend this lovely couple.
ROZ (St. Albans , Feb 2023 - 2 weeks 1 day)
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for making a so welcome and lots of hugs to the two lovely boys
Thanks for looking after the house, the cats Milo and Sam and my plants while we were away.
KAREN (TAUNTON England, Jan 2023 - 1 month 1 week)
David and Jane were incredible house sitters. They took such care over our house and our pets and they kept us informed of anything and everything including lots of pictures of our precious cat Simba. It was nice to know that we had someone at home comforting our little Simba.
RACHEL (Norwich England, Dec 2022 - 5 days)
Thanks so much it was such a pleasure
Hope you managed to open your kitchen drawer ok, �
David and Jane looked after our house and cat for a week and we felt very happy and comfortable having them in our home. They came to stay the night before we left, so we had some time to get to know them and brief them - they're a lovely couple, very friendly and easy to chat to. We appreciated their care for our cat and were grateful for regular updates. David and Jane left before we arrived home from our holiday but they cleaned the house very thoroughly and sent photos, and we returned to a ... MOREDavid and Jane looked after our house and cat for a week and we felt very happy and comfortable having them in our home. They came to stay the night before we left, so we had some time to get to know them and brief them - they're a lovely couple, very friendly and easy to chat to. We appreciated their care for our cat and were grateful for regular updates. David and Jane left before we arrived home from our holiday but they cleaned the house very thoroughly and sent photos, and we returned to a happy cat and a tidier garden (Jane is clearly a pro, even bringing some of our houseplants back to life!) We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others.
ESTHER (Godalming England, Aug 2022 - 6 days)
Thank you both for your kind review we really enjoyed our stay we expect to be nearby in December at Dunsfold so will be in touch hopefully
David and Jane house sat for our two cats for two weeks in August 2022. We have had many house sitters over the years, and David and Jane are certainly among the best.
Their communication from start to finish was excellent, they kept the house impecabbly clean, they sent us photos of the cats on a regular basis (mainly to please me, even though I told them it was for my kids!), and they even changed our bedding so we didn't have to do it when we arrived back after a long day of travel.
We ... MOREDavid and Jane house sat for our two cats for two weeks in August 2022. We have had many house sitters over the years, and David and Jane are certainly among the best.
Their communication from start to finish was excellent, they kept the house impecabbly clean, they sent us photos of the cats on a regular basis (mainly to please me, even though I told them it was for my kids!), and they even changed our bedding so we didn't have to do it when we arrived back after a long day of travel.
We returned home to find two very happy cats.
Needless to say, we wouldn't hesitate in recommending David and Jane as house sitters and we are already hoping that they are willing to return again for us next summer!
PAUL & LYDIA (FAVERSHAM England, Aug 2022 - 2 weeks)
Jane and David were brilliant from the start. They put us totally at ease and we never worried about the cats whilst we were away knowing they were being well looked after. My houseplants are going to miss Jane who is a much superior gardener to me! They kept our garden happy during a hosepipe ban and a heatwave which is hugely appreciated. They also left some wonderful homemade jam and apples for us. The house was immaculate on return with all bed linen changed and ready for us after our long ... MOREJane and David were brilliant from the start. They put us totally at ease and we never worried about the cats whilst we were away knowing they were being well looked after. My houseplants are going to miss Jane who is a much superior gardener to me! They kept our garden happy during a hosepipe ban and a heatwave which is hugely appreciated. They also left some wonderful homemade jam and apples for us. The house was immaculate on return with all bed linen changed and ready for us after our long trip. Thank you both, we would not hesitate to recommend you.
David and Jane went above and beyond what we expected from house sitters, not only taking excellent care of our two cats, but giving 1 cat her regular medication, leaving our house immaculate and even doing some gardening! The cats seemed so relaxed when we returned. In the past when we have left them they would be stressed but with David and Jane we could tell they had been given excellent care and plenty of attention, they were very happy. We also had great communication before and during the ... MOREDavid and Jane went above and beyond what we expected from house sitters, not only taking excellent care of our two cats, but giving 1 cat her regular medication, leaving our house immaculate and even doing some gardening! The cats seemed so relaxed when we returned. In the past when we have left them they would be stressed but with David and Jane we could tell they had been given excellent care and plenty of attention, they were very happy. We also had great communication before and during the stay, and David and Jane sent lots of sweet pictures to keep us updated. We would be delighted to have them house sit for us any time.
Jane and David took great care of our home and elderly cat Rigsby. We were away for 2 months and had no concerns at all . Regular communications reassured us that our beloved cat was not only getting fed but was also getting the attention and love an elderly cat needs. We are considering repeating this experience and if so Jane and David would be the first people to ask. They are considerate, trustworthy and caring.
JO (Canterbury England, Feb 2022 - 1 month 3 weeks)
Jane and David were exemplary house sitters, we could not have asked for a nicer, more conscientious and thoughtful couple to look after our buildings and land whilst we were away. Communication was excellent and we could be relaxed in the knowledge that everything was being effectively looked after. We would recommend them unreservedly.
CHRIS AND MONICA (Saxmundham England, Dec 2021 - 1 month 3 weeks)
Thank you Chris and Monica you were delightful hosts.
This was our first time finding a cat sitter through this site and we are delighted with the experience.
As our departure was early on a Saturday morning we arranged that David and Jane would "move in" on the Friday night, so we got to spend a few very pleasant hours with them before we left. They are practical and we were able to rattle though all the administrative bits in no time. Jane's enthusiasm for the garden was a particular bonus for us and we came home to a tidy garden with much ... MOREThis was our first time finding a cat sitter through this site and we are delighted with the experience.
As our departure was early on a Saturday morning we arranged that David and Jane would "move in" on the Friday night, so we got to spend a few very pleasant hours with them before we left. They are practical and we were able to rattle though all the administrative bits in no time. Jane's enthusiasm for the garden was a particular bonus for us and we came home to a tidy garden with much of the winter cutting back taken care of, above and beyond the call of duty!
We returned to a beautifully tidy house & a healthy happy cat. We have no hesitation in both inviting David & Jane to sit for us again and recommending them to other pet owners. This recommendation comes from Perkins too!
PAMELA (London England, Nov 2021 - 2 weeks 2 days)
David and Jane were great house-sitters and great communicators. They really looked after our cats and sent us lots of photos while they were here. They house was immaculate too. We would definitely have them back .
TINA (Finsbury Park , Nov 2021 - 4 days)
Thank you both
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David and Jane looked after Tudor Cottage and our 3 cats, "The Boys", and what a fine job they made of it. The Cottage was immaculate when we returned; additionally they spent a lot of time maintaining the garden which is appreciated and valued highly by us. They immediately bonded with the Boys and it was obvious they showed great love and affection for them. They can be a bit wary of meeting new people but they hit it off straight away.
David and Jane kept in touch regularly sending photos ... MOREDavid and Jane looked after Tudor Cottage and our 3 cats, "The Boys", and what a fine job they made of it. The Cottage was immaculate when we returned; additionally they spent a lot of time maintaining the garden which is appreciated and valued highly by us. They immediately bonded with the Boys and it was obvious they showed great love and affection for them. They can be a bit wary of meeting new people but they hit it off straight away.
David and Jane kept in touch regularly sending photos of the cats and the garden which was greatly appreciated. Via a whats app group we were able to advise quickly if any issues arose. We felt they were really in control and we felt very relaxed whilst we a were away.
I would recommend them highly for any future house sitting assignment.
This was my first time using this service and I was very nervous about having strangers in my home. But I shouldn't have been. David and Jayne were lovely people. They took great care of both my flat and my cat Hiro. They kept me up-to-date daily on Hiro, they also looked after my plants and my flat was lovely and clean when I returned.
SARAH (London England, Aug 2021 - 6 days)
David and Jane are wonderful house-sitters who really care about the pets they are looking after.
It was so nice to come back to a clean house with fresh flowers and to know all the animals had been so well looked after. I know Mac the cat is missing them.
If you want a well looked after home I can highly recommend David and Jane.
Thank you so much both of you Xx
KATIE (Haslemere England, Aug 2021 - 1 week 5 days)
Thank you so much it was an absolute delight and we miss Mac too
David and Jane were fantastic house sitters who looked after our house, cat Ozzy and garden with care whilst we were away on our honeymoon. They provided daily updates/pictures of our Mr Oz which was much appreciated and enabled him to carry on in the manner in which he's accustomed to! Coming back to our garden pots looking well and a clean and tidy house was fantastic. We would definitely recommend David and Jane as house sitters.
It was a pleasure to have David and Jane at our house. They were not phased by having so many animals to look after! As soon as we spoke to them I could tell they were very caring towards animals. We also came back to a very clean house. Would definitely have them back. Thank you David and Jane
JONATHAN & BILLIE (POTTERS BAR , Jul 2021 - 4 days - 2 of 2 endorsements from this owner )
Friendly and easy to relate to. David & Jane looked after our house and pets really well and greatly improved the health of our house plants! Highly recommended.
JOHN (Norwich England, Jun 2021 - 2 weeks 2 days)
Jane and David were the best house sitters we could have hoped for. It was great getting to know them both and we felt very confident leaving them in charge of our home and menagerie. Our cat Bessie has been stalking the corridors searching for Jane ever since we returned. We cannot recommend them highly enough as housesitters, pet carers and generally just lovely people to get to know. Thanks guys.
KAREN (Luton England, Jun 2021 - 1 week 2 days)
David and Jane spent a few days with me and my cat. They came to do the house and pet sit for me, but unfortunately my flight was cancelled. So they have stayed in my house for a few days. They are a lovely, reliable & trustworthy couple, pleasure to be with. I would definitely recommend them.
Olga. 19.04 2021
OLGA (Warwick England, Apr 2021 - N/A)
I can highly recommend Jane and David to housesit and take care of your pets. They are my 1st ever housesitters and I really did strike gold. A lovely, interesting couple and I was put at ease straight away, quickly sensing their experience, common sense, maturity and trustworthyness as housesitters. They were both very communicative during their stay, updating me regularly and sending pictures. They took care of a few household problems with ease and reassurance. They also had to deal ... MOREI can highly recommend Jane and David to housesit and take care of your pets. They are my 1st ever housesitters and I really did strike gold. A lovely, interesting couple and I was put at ease straight away, quickly sensing their experience, common sense, maturity and trustworthyness as housesitters. They were both very communicative during their stay, updating me regularly and sending pictures. They took care of a few household problems with ease and reassurance. They also had to deal with unexpected illnesses with both cats (4/5 visits to the vet), which they did with the utmost care and kindness, going very much above and beyond what I expected. I very much hope they will return later in the year.
MARGARET (Pembroke Wales, Apr 2021 - 5 weeks)
Jane and David waited patiently as we made the decision of when to go in the first place , and didn't give up, which would have been understandable . With covid raging at the time, it wasn't an easy decision, for over three months .( Dec.2020-march 2021)
They put up with our very annoying boiler ,and that alone proves their resilience and good nature !
They were attentive and caring to our two cats . This reassured us alot. Spike,the cantankerous one , had experienced fur loss for which ... MOREJane and David waited patiently as we made the decision of when to go in the first place , and didn't give up, which would have been understandable . With covid raging at the time, it wasn't an easy decision, for over three months .( Dec.2020-march 2021)
They put up with our very annoying boiler ,and that alone proves their resilience and good nature !
They were attentive and caring to our two cats . This reassured us alot. Spike,the cantankerous one , had experienced fur loss for which they gave medicines,with much success . We returned to two healthy, calm cats .
Jane is an avid gardener ,so we also returned to well cared for plants, and even trays of microgreens, broadbeans and home made kombucha. They communicated well., better than we did !
We can heartily recommend them..
SARAH (Littlehampton England, Nov 2020 - 3 months 1 week)
Happy you!
With a house sitter looking after your pets, house and garden - you can really relax. Happy days.
Couple
Our initial scepticism about using housesitters vanished after a reassuring video. Experienced and respectful, they posed all the right questions, easing our doubts. A one-night interaction before our departure revealed an instant connection—we appreciated their unique characters and engaging conversations. During the housesit, they took great care for our cats, fostering a quick bond. They updated us daily and the cats seemed at ease with them. They surprised us with a delicious spread when we ... MORE
David & Jane are a delightful couple who looked after our house carefully while we were away. It was especially kind of Jane to offer to do some gardening for us - greatly appreciated. Our cat Darcie obviously appreciated their kindness and was in fine form when we returned.
In retrospect, we realise that we should have left clearer instructions about the house and some expectations.
