There’s a lot of solo sitters on this site who adore remote and rural sits, and who have many years of experience living (and sitting) alone in such places.
For many of us, the remoteness is a huge plus!
I would just add to your profile what you’ve said here… “it’s not very geographically remote, but it is at the end of an unlit country lane… and the dog walking is mostly on woodland paths.”
There’s so many sitters (solo and partnered) to whom that would sound delightful, and not in any way worrisome.
Personally, I kind of expect long power outages, I travel with a couple headlamps, backup battery packs, extra water and nonperishable foods, and I very much enjoy having no visible neighbors!
Hi, yes I am wondering if people aren’t thinking the sit through as they don’t say anything beyond that they would like to do the sit. I get the impression that sitters don’t factor in the transfer from Heathrow and how they will get around when they are here.
No Aga in this house sadly as it would be too hot in the summer, (we are south facing with big windows) but I know what you mean having had one in our last house. Do look out for our posts next year.
Thank you, your reply has really helped me. You put your finger on something I hadn’t thought of which is that my dog is used to having two people around. I guess I want to be be fair to all applicants, but do have a preference for couples. But I will go with single people when I feel it’s right.
Yes, that’s my problem, I don’t want to exclude the confident single person. But the replies here have been really helpful and I think adding that the sit might not suit some is the solution.
Thanks for the sit offer. Look out for my postings next year! I like your suggestion of ‘might not suit a nervous sitter’ as that doesn’t exclude anyone.
Thanks for the sit offer. Look out for my posts next year! Good point about how long Harris can be left. I wouldn’t want him to be left for more than four hours. I will add that to the listing.
Thanks everyone for your replies. It’s been great hearing people’s thoughts and experiences. I especially liked the comment about recognising my dog’s sitter preferences. And about pointing out that while we aren’t geographically remote, being at the end of a dark lane might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I hope I messaged everyone who responded. I have made some adjustments to our listing and it’s made me feel better about the choices we make.
@Blean I’ve favourited your listing now. We are not UK based but drive over regularly via Dover-Calais so your location is a great stopping point on the way in or out of UK! Harris looks adorable! Our profile is not linked here (we go by a nickname on the forum! Anonymity!) But you’ll probably recognise us when you get the notification-English/German couple & currently housesitting around Spain.
I see that the listing now says two hours. Sorry @Blean, but that is a deal breaker for me. It hardly leaves time for doing the simplest groceries! Not even enough time to eat dinner in the city.
Same for us @Blean 2 hours is a very short window for going out & about. Have you changed that? I just read your listing again, having favourited it at the time you posted, feels a bit too restrictive now…
I think it’s best to just lay all that out in your listing. Your sits would massively appeal to me except i live in Spain and a rental car is prohibitive because of the cost. otherwise if i had a car in the UK, I would totally apply. your house looks lovely, it’s in a great location and the dog …. well, absolutely adorable!!
) But you’ll probably recognise us when you get the notification-English/German couple & currently housesitting around Spain. 