Thropton, nr Rothbury England

We are looking for someone who will take loving care of our menagerie when we take a holiday. We have 2 bearded collies, a bengal cat, 4 donkeys, 2 alpacas, a sheep and 2 ducks. We are in an old detached single storey cottage in peaceful rural Northumberland with gorgeous views. We have very dark skies here and a variety of wildlife. We are a cosy, comfortable and well-lived in home and this will suit those who enjoy peace and quiet, nature, and the company of animals! We have a large, simple grassed garden area, and a 6 acre paddock and 2.5 acres of woodland (not suitable for walking in but it means that we have plenty of birdlife). We have no next door neighbours, though we can see the gate to the neighbour's large property. We are on a country lane which connects two small villages so we do get some traffic passing by (most of it farm related) so it is not totally isolated, but it is certainly not constant. We can get grocery deliveries from 4 different supermarkets too, though no takeaway deliveries at all.

The larger animals will need daily food and water and the donkeys' stable mucking out. The duck house needs a weekly clean but is plastic so that's easier to do, and they will need their paddling pool refreshed regularly. Cat litter tray will need maintenance. The dogs do sleep in our bedroom if they choose to and often move onto the bed, so this is something we would like our sitters to be happy and comfortable with as their welfare during this time is obviously paramount.

I am going to be honest about the challenges with this sit (apart from having the two cuddly dogs on your bed!). Currently our house is in need of some decorative care both inside and in the garden area. We had some storm damage with water coming through the roof and trees being blown down a while ago, and though any structural repairs have been done and dangerous trees chopped down, this slowed us down somewhat with regard to the usual decorative maintenance.. We are still in the process of freshening up the interior which is a bit worn in a few places but we have decided a well-earned holiday and our mental health will take priority this year. Some of the debris in the garden from the fallen trees is still there so it looks a bit odd with piles of branches at the bottom end. In summary, we love our little comfy cottage but right now it is not a candidate for front cover of Homes and Garden magazine!

Re the dogs - Willow is a rescue who has been with us for a couple of years. She has a beautiful loving nature, not a bad bone in her body, but still quite clingy to us and her dog sister. We are building up to be able to leave her for longer periods in the house, but to be honest due to that this sit this will suit those who are happy to mainly just hang around and enjoy the animals and the outdoors and the quiet rather than go out and about and be a tourist. Due to how she is, they are not currently being walked off property either, though we will get there and may well have her doing that by the time we go! They do get lots of play time in the large grassy garden and a romp through the paddock sometimes when we pop the big animals into a smaller area. Happy to answer any questions about this as I am aware I am making things sound pretty bleak - I just like to set honest expectations!

We have excellent reliable high speed internet and Sky Q with movie and sports packages so are well equipped for you enjoying life at home. We only have 2 bedrooms but you are welcome to use both freely while we are away if you needed to (eg, if it was 2 friends staying and they wanted a bed each). We would be asking you to use our usual bedroom anyway due to it's location in the house and the dogs being used to it.

These dates include a night while we are still here so we can show you the ropes and the dogs have time to feel comfortable with you (and both you and us feel comfortable with each other too).

Please note that there is no public transport at all within reach and a car is essential. However, we can arrange for you to use our truck if need be.

If you have any questions please ask! Thank you. We have used house sitters many times in the past but have no reviews as they were from another site that we have now left. We could get a review from the sitter we used last year if need be.