Cathy, you are so gracious and understanding - I’d have been out of there like a shot (I’m not good with the cold - the south coast is about as much as I can cope with haha).
I hope that you and your husband enjoy the rest of your sit as best you can.
I agree. I don’t think sitters should have to ‘power through’ untenable conditions, especially at the detriment of their own health. A home owner who doesn’t provide sufficient warmth for their sitter (regardless of how poorly insulated their home is. They were aware of this when they placed the ad), resulting in the sitter having to resort to other methods (at their own expense) in order to get through the sit to accommodate said home owner, does not suggest ‘mutual exchange’ to me. Also, chastising the sitter for increasing the temperature more than one degree when they have a health condition suggests a total lack of compassion and downright meanness. None of it sits well with me, nor do I think it’s a good idea to continue on such a sit, thereby suggesting to the home owner it is okay for sitters to be put in these situations and have to make do. Such home owners should not be on a platform where they benefit from the services of a sitter who is not in receipt of similar kindness and consideration.
In saying that, only the OP is in her situation, and it is easy for outsiders to make suggestions based on the limited information we have.
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I guess there are no thermostatic valves on the rads? If there are, it would be worthwhile turning them all down (or off) except for in one room, then ramping the heating up to keep that one space warm. Explain to the HOs that you’re only heating one room but you do need at least one living space to be warm during the day.
Happy pets. No there arnt. It’s a Hive app.they control it.
I’m not usually a liee down and walk over me type. But, A : I didn’t want to ruin their holiday. Even though they’ve ruined ours. B: I didn’t want to put their emergency people out as they live 2 hrs away. (Parents)
C: I was feeling too unwell for all the hoo haha. I’d have had to do the calling etc because hubby is very deaf and won’t use the phone. I’m feeling a lot better now…
I will review accordingly. Especially to think it’s cost us a bomb. Sitters need to know that.
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There is a feature on Hive that allows the owner to share a link with a guest to allow them to download the app and have access to the control centre in the home (without having to access the username/ password).
On my last sit, the home owners sent me an invite so that I could adapt the temperature and timings accordingly during my stay. The host you are sitting for doesn’t sound like the type to do this, but that option is available, so she could easily have made it more comfortable for you.
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Hi. Yes I can change the temp. But they came right back and said they’d had an alert as excess oil was being used (I’d turned it up to 17.) And I needed to lower it to 14 again. I said it was far to coldxsnd she reluctantly agreed to 15.
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Ah, I see. I understand that home owners are cautious that sitters may take advantage, but for her to squabble over a couple of degrees… Anyway, I hope you are keeping warm and the heated blanket is proving effective, that’s the main thing.
Ridiculous. I’d give 24 hours notice and leave.
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3 more sleeps
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That’s what we do, I have a notice on my boiler not to touch it as it’s all controlled via the HIVE which we then invite the sitter to access. Works fine for us though it has to be said I was a bit surprised to have a text from a summer sitter (July and even in the UK not cold) saying she needed the heating on! I did sort this for her but I was surprised to say the least of it, however she was from the Southern States so it must have been perception of cold as the temperature was 20+ all the time. Lesson learnt, accept sitters from colder climates, unless they then want aircon… 
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Totally agree. I’m from Scotland and, even sitting in England, have been surprised how early in the year some home owners have their heating on, and for how long. To put the heating on in July is unheard of!
I can totally relate! After years in tropical climate, I just feel like freezing if the inside temp is below 25°C. Last time when visiting my parents in Finland I ended up bundeled in a woollen cardi, woollen socks and a blanket for the first week, in June 
(but would never dream of turning the heating on in June)
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I really really hope you are this explicit in your review. It’s super important that others are aware that they should expect the indoor temperature to be held at 14-15 degrees in the winter. I’m sure some would have no problem with that but it would be an absolutely no for most I’m guessing.
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Can anybody help me write a tactful teview about it please. The HO IS A 1ST TIMER. and i dont want to put them off. But it needs saying. We have been frozen. Everything else was great.
14-15 is a very cold house. Unhealthy and not comfortable at all.
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It’s really important that these new HOs understand that the lack of heating makes this sit untenable. You’re going to have to be tough on them in order for the review to be useful for future sitters. (You’ve logged all this with MS and on here so you should be protected from unreasonable retaliation). How about something along the lines of “This is a lovely location, cute pet and easy responsibilities etc etc. with friendly hosts. However, at this time of year the house is unfeasibly cold, and we needed heated throws, blankets and slippers in order to stay warm. The HO needs to address the heating issue if taking on any future winter sitters. Summer is probably far more comfortable.” Or something along those lines. It’s factual and not personal. If you don’t help them now then they’ll do the same to future sitters and clearly haven’t grasped the concept of mutual exchange. If they have money to travel then they have money to heat a house. Alternative is paid and expensive kennels. #youhavetobetough
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Oh my goodness I laughed to the point of tears. We are in similar situation in UK. Heat set for 2 hours in a.m. and p.m. HO made it pretty clear when asked what start time we wanted that 4 hours of heat was their expectation. HO spouse saw us sitting in coat, hat and blanket before they left and provided electric heater. However, I worry we will get dinged on review for using it. Have limited extra heating to living room and just tolerating frozen bathroom and bedroom. We bought slippers and thermal underwear to wear inside. We were thinking we would swing back through UK to sit after visiting/sitting other areas, but if this is a representation of UK sits we consider it lesson learned and will pass, or confirm heating status before agreeing to a sit. Glad to know we aren’t the only ones complaining.
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Love this. Only thing I would add to it is calling out the temp numbers (14-15) explicitly along with the pushback you received from HO in a diplomatic way so people understand the actuals of the experience as opposed to having to guess and then think OP was just being sensitive or picky.
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Great response @Cuttlefish. @Cathy12121 I would make sure you included you had bought the extra things to keep warm. Also the fact it is a very large house only with single glazing. It doesn’t matter whether they are new or not; they have been inconsiderate and in control of the heating which other sitters need to know.
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